Page:The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart.pdf/151

Rh "What a dolt thou art!" he said; "for gold is the most precious metal; he who has it fears not poverty.

2. "Besides this, the substance which changes metals into gold has other wondrous powers; that one also that it preserves bodily health in its wholeness up to death, and does not admit death (except after two or three hundred years). Indeed, he who would know how to use this substance could make himself immortal. For this lapis is nothing other than the seed of life, the essence and extract of the whole world, out of which animals, plants, metals, and the elements themselves take their being." And I was afeard, hearing such wondrous things, and "These, then, are immortal?" I said. "Not all succeed in finding this substance; and those also who obtain it do not always know how to deal with it fitly." "I should endeavour," said I, "if I had this stone, to use it in such a fashion that death could not reach me; and I should hope to have enough gold for myself and others. But whence, then, do they take this stone?" He answered: "It is prepared here." "In these small kettles?" I said. "Yes."

3. Wishing such wishes, I thus pursue my way, looking at everything, at what was done and how,