Page:The Mirror of Alchimy (1597, mirrorofalchimy00baco).djvu/19

Rh former Chapters declared vnto us) more then perfect by our artificiall labour. And if we know not the maner of working, what is the caue that we do not ee howe nature (which of long time hath perfected mettals) doth continually work? Doo wee not ee, that in the Mynes through the continuall heate that is in the mountaines thereof, the gronee of water is o decocted & thickned, that in continuance of time it becommeth Argent-uiue? And that of the fatnee of the earth through the ame heate and decoction, Sulphur is engendred? And that through the ame heate without intermision continued in thē, all mettals are ingendred of them according to their puritie and impuritie? and that nature doth by decoction alone pefect or make al mettals, as well perfect as imperfect? O extreame madnee! what, I pray you, contraines you to eeke to perfect the foreaide thigns by traunge melancholicall and fantaticall regiments? as one ayth: Wo to you that will ouercome nature, and make mettals more then perfect by a newe regiment, or worke prung from your owne enelee braines. God hath giuen to nature a traite way, to wit, continuall concoction, and you like fooles depie it, or ele know it not. Againe, fire and Azot, are ufficient for thee. And in an other place, Heat perfecteth althings. And elewhere, eeth, eeth, eeth, and be not wearie. And in an other place, let thy fire be gentle, & eaie, which being alwayes equall, may continue burning: and let it not encreae, for if it do, thou halt uffer great loe. And in an other place, Know thou Rh