Book XIV, chapters 1–5: Alchemy and the cosenages of alchemists

BOOK XIV.

CHAP. I. Of the Art of Alchymistry, of their words of Art and devices to blear mens Eyes, and to procure credit to their Profession.

HEre I thought it not impertinent to say somewhat of the Art or rather the craft of Alchymistry, otherwise called Multiplication; which Chaucer, of all other men, most lively deciphereth. In the bowels hereof doth both Witchcraft and Conjuration lie hidden, as whereby some cosen others, and some are cosened themselves. For by this mystery (as it is said in the Chanons mans prologue)

They take upon them to turn upside down,
All the Earth between Southwark and Canterbury town,
And to pave it all of silver and gold, &c.
But ever they lack of their conclusion,
And to much folk they do illusion.
For their stuffe slides away so fast,
That it makes them beggers at the last,
And by this craft they do never win,
But make their purse empty, and their wits thin.

And because the practicers hereof would be thought wise, learned, cunning, and their crafts Masters, they have devised words of Art, Sentences, and Epithets obscure, and confections so innumerable (which are also compounded of strange and rare simples) as confound the capacities of them that are either set on work herein, or be brought to behold or expect their conclusions. For what plain man would not believe, that they are learned and jolly fellows, that have in such readiness so many mystical terms of Art: as (for a taste) their subliming, amalgaming, englutting, imbibing, incorporating, cementing, retrination, terminations, mollifications, and indurations of bodies, matters combust and coagular, ingots, tests, &c. Or who is able to conceive, (by reason of the abrupt confusion, contrariety, and multitudes of drugs, simples, and confections) the operation and mystery of their stuffe and workmanship! For these things and many more, are of necessity to be prepared and used in the execution of this indeavour; namely orpiment, sublimed Mercury, Iron squames, Mercury crude, groundly large, Bole Armoniack, Verdigreece, Horace, Boles, Gall, Arsenick, Sal Armoniack, Brimstone, Salt, Paper, burnt Bones, unslaked Lime, Clay, Salt-Peter, Vitriol, Saltartre, Alcalie, Sal preparat, Clay made with Horse-dung, Mans-hair, Oil of Tartre, Allum, Glass, Wort, Yest, Argol, Refagor, Gleir of an eye, Powders, Ashes, Dung, Piss, &c. Then have they Waters corrosive and lincal, Waters of Albification, and Water ru[…]ifying, &c. Also Oils, Ablutions, and Metals fusible. Also their Lamps, their Urinals, Discensories, Sublimatories, Alembecks, Viols, Crossets, Cucurbits, Stillatories, and their Furnace of Calcination: also their soft and subtle fires, some of Wood, some of Coal, composed specially of Beech, &c. And because they will not seem to want any point of cosenage to astonish the simple, or to move admiration to their enterprizes, they have (as they affirm) four spirits to work withal; whereof the first is Orpiment; the second, Quick-silver; the third, Sal-Armoniack; the fourth, Brimstone. Then have they seven celestial Bodies; namely, Sol, Luna, Mars, Mercury, Saturn, Jupiter, and Venus; to whom they apply seven terrestrial bodies; to wit, Gold, Silver, Iron, Quick-silver, Lead, Tin, and Copper, attributing unto these the operation of the other; specially if the terrestrial bodies be qualified, tempered, and wrought in the hour and day according to the feats of the celestial bodies, with more like vanity.

CHAP. II. The Alchymisters drift; the Chanons Yeomans Tale; of Alchymistical Stones and Waters.

NOw you must understand that the end and drift of all their works, is, to attain unto the composition of the Philosophers Stone, called All[…]er, and to the stone called Titanus; and to Magnatia, which is a Water made of the four Elements, which (they say) the Philosophers are sworn neither to discover nor to write of. And by these they mortifie Quicksilver, and make it malleable and to hold touch: hereby also they convert any other metal (but specially Copper) into Gold. This Science (forsooth) is the secret of secrets: even as Solomon's Conjuration is said among the Conjurers to be so likewise. And thus, when they chance to meet with young men, or simple people, they boast and brag, and say with Simon Magus, that they can work miracles, and bring mighty things to pass. In which respect Chaucer truly hereof saith:

Each man is as wise as Solomon,
When they are together everichone:
But he that seems wisest, is most fool in preef,
And he that is truest, is a very theef.
They seem friendly to them that know nought;
But they are fiendly both in word and thought,
Yet many men ride and seek their acquaintance,
Not knowing of their false governance.

He also saith, and experience verifieth his assertion, that they look ill favouredly, and are alwayes beggerly attired: his words are these:

Those fellows look ill favouredly,
And are alwayes tired beggerly,
So as by smelling and thredbare aray,
These folk are known and discerned alway.
But so long as they have a sheet to wrap them in by night,
Or a rag to hang about them in the day-light,
They will it spend in this craft,
They cannot stint tell nothing be laft.
Here one may learn if he have ought,
To multiply and bring his good to nought.
But if a man ask them privily,
Why they are cloathed so unthriftily,
They will round him in the ear and say,
If they espied were, men would them slay,
And all because of this noble Science:
Lo thus these folk betraien innocence.

The Tale of the Chanons Yeoman published by Chaucer, doth make (by way of example) a perfect demonstration of the Art of Alchymistry or Multiplication: the effect whereof is this. A Chanon being an Alchymister or cosener, espied a covetous Priest, whose purse he knew to be well lined, whom he assaulted with flattery and subtle speech, two principal points belonging to this Art. At the length he borrowed money of the Priest, which is the third part of the Art, without which the Professors can do no good, nor indure in good estate. Then he at his day repayed the money, which is the most difficult point in this Art, and a rare experiment. Finally, to requite the Priests courtesie, he promised unto him such instructions, as whereby with expedition he should become infinitely rich, and all through this Art of Multiplication. And this is the most common point in this Science; for herein they must be skilful before they can be famous, or attain to any credit. The Priest disliked not his proffer, specially because it tended to his profit, and embraced his courtesie. Then the Chanon willed him forthwith to send for three ounces of Quick-silver, which he said he would transubstantiate (by his Art) into perfect silver. The Priest thought that a man of his profession could not dissemble, and therefore with great joy and hope accomplished his request.

And now (forsooth) goeth this jolly Alchymist about his business and work of Multiplication, and causeth the Priest to make a fire of coals, in the bottom whereof he placeth a Croslet; and pretending only to help the Priest to lay the coals handsomly, he foisteth into the middle ward or lane of coals, a Beechen coal, within the which was conveyed an Ingot of perfect silver; which (when the coal was consumed) slipt down into the Croslet, that was (I say) directly under it. The Priest perceived not the fraud, but received the Ingot of silver, and was not a little joyful to see such certain success proceed from his own handy work wherein could be no fraud (as he surely conceived) and therefore very willingly gave the Chanon forty pounds for the receipt of this experiment, who for that sum of money taught him a lesson in Alchymistry, but he never returned to hear repetitions, or to see how he profitted.

CHAP. III. Of a Yeoman of the Countrey cosened by an Alchymist.

I Could cite many Alchymistical cosenages wrought by Doctor Burcot, Feates, and such other; but I will pass them over, and only repeat three experiments of that Art; the one practised upon an honest Yeoman in the County of Kent, the other upon a mighty Prince, the third upon a covetous Priest. And first touching the Yeoman, he was overtaken and used in manner and form following, by a notable cosening Varlet, who professed Alchymistry, Juggling, Witchcraft, and Conjuration: and by means of his Companions and Confederates discussed the simplicity and ability of the said Yeoman, and found out his estate and humour to be convenient in this purpose; and finally came a woing (as they say) to his daughter, to whom he made love cunningly in words, though his purpose tended to another matter. And among other illusions and tales concerning his own commendation, for wealth, parentage, inheritance, allyance, activity, learning, pregnancy, and cunning, he boasted of his knowledge and experience in Alchymistry, making the simple man beleive that he could multiply, and of one Angel make two or three. Which seemed strange to the poor man, insomuch as he became willing enough to see that conclusion: whereby the Alchymister had more hope and comfort to attain his desire, than if his daughter had yielded to have marryed him. To be short, he in the presence of the said Yeoman, did include within a little Ball of Virgin-Wax, a couple of Angels; and after certain Ceremonies and conjuring words he seemed to deliver the same unto him: but in truth (through Legierdemain) he conveyed into the Yeomans hand another ball of the same scantling, wherein were inclosed many more Angels than were in the ball which he thought he had received. Now (forsooth) the Alchymister bad him lay up the same ball of Wax, and also use certain ceremonies (which I thought good here to omit.) And after certain dayes, hours, and minutes, they returned together, according to the appointment, and found great gains by the multiplication of the angels. Insomuch as he, being a plain man, was hereby perswaded, that he should not only have a rare and notable good son-in-law, but a companion that might help to adde unto his wealth much treasure, and to his estate great fortune and felicity. And to increase this opinion in him, as also to win his further favour; but specially to bring his cunning Alchymistry, or rather his lewd purpose to pass, he told him that it were folly to multiply a pound of Gold, when as easily they might multiply a million: and therefore counselled him to produce all the money he had, or could borrow of his neighbours and friends; and did put him out of doubt, that he would multiply the same, and redouble it exceedingly, even as he saw by experience how he dealt with the small summ before his face. This Yeoman in hope of gains and preferment, &c. consented to this sweet motion, and brought out and laid before his feet, not the one half of his goods, but all that he had, or could make or borrow any manner of way. Then this juggling Alchymister, having obtained his purpose, folded the same in a ball, in quantity far bigger than the other, and conveying the same into his bosom or pocket, delivered another ball (as before) of the like quantity unto the Yeoman, to be reserved and safely kept in his chest; whereof (because the matter was of importance) either of them must have a key, and a several lock, that no interruption might be made to the Ceremony, nor abuse by either of them, in defrauding each other. Now (forsooth) these circumstances and Ceremonies being ended, and the Alchymisters purpose thereby performed; he told the Yeoman that (untill a certain day and hour limited to return) either of them might imploy themselves about their business and necessary affairs; the Yeoman to the Plough, and he to the City of London, and in the mean time the Gold should multiply, &c. But the Alchymister (belike) having other matters of more importance came not just at the hour appointed, nor yet at the day, nor within the year: so as although it were somewhat against the Yeomans conscience to violate his promise, or break the league; yet partly by the longing he had to see, and partly the desire he had to enjoy the fruit of that excellent experiment, having (for his own security) and the others satisfaction, some testimony at the opening thereof, to witness his sincere dealing, he brake up the coffer, and lo he soon espyed the ball of Wax, which he himself had laid up there with his own hand: So as he thought (if the hardest should fall) he should find his principal: and why not as good increase hereof now, as of the other before? But alas! when the Wax was broken, and the metall discovered, the Gold much abased, and became perfect lead.

Now who so list to utter his folly,
Let him come forth and learn to multiply;
And every man that hath ought in his Cofer,
Let him appear, and wax a Philosopher;
In learning of his elvish nice lore,
All is in vain, and pardee much more
Is to learn a lewd man this sutteltee,
Fie, speak not thereof it woll not be:
For he that hath learning, and he that hath none,
Conclude alike in multiplicatione.

CHAP. IV. A certain King abused by an Alchymist, and of the Kings Fool, a pretty jest.

THe second example is of another Alchymist that came to a certain King, promising to work by his art many great things, as well in compounding and transubstantiating of metals, as in executing of other exploits of no less admiration. But before he began, he found the means to receive by vertue of the Kings Warrant, a great sum of money in prest, assuring the King and his Councell, that he would shortly return, and accomplish his promise, &c. Soon after, the Kings Fool among other jests, fell into a discourse and discovery of fools, and handled that common place so pleasantly, that the King began to take delight therein, and to like his merry vein. Whereupon he would needs have the fool deliver unto him a schedule or scroll, containing the names of all the most excellent Fools in the land.

So he caused the Kings name to be first set down, and next him all the names of his Privy Council. The King seeing him so sawcy and malapert, meant to have had him punished: but some of his Council, knowing him to be a fellow pleasantly conceited, besought his Majesty rather to demand of him a reason of his Libell, &c. than to proceed in extremity against him. Then the fool being asked why he so sawcily accused the King and his Council of principal folly, answered; Because he saw one foolish knave beguile them all, and to cousen them of so great a mass of Money, and finally to be gone out of their reach. Why (said one of the Council) he may return and perform his promise, &c. Then (quoth the fool) I can help all the matter easily. How (said the King) canst thou do that? Marry Sir, (said he) then I will blot out your name, and put in his, as the most fool in the world. Many other practises of the like nature might be hereunto annexed, for the detection of their knavery and deceits whereupon this art dependeth, whereby the Readers may be more delighted in reading, than the practisers benefited in simply using the same. For it is an art consisting wholly of subtlety and deceit, whereby the ignorant and plain-minded man through his too much credulity is circumvented, and the humour of the other slye cosener satisfied.

CHAP. V. A Notable Story written by Erasmus of two Alchymists; also of Longation and Curtation.

THe third example is reported by Erasmus, whose excellent learning and wit is had to this day in admiration. He in a certain dialogue intituled Alchymistica doth finely bewray the knavery of this crafty art; wherein he proposeth one Balbine, a very wise, learned, and devout priest, howbeit such a one as was bewitched, and mad upon the art of Alchymistry. Which thing another cosening Priest perceived, and dealt with him in manner and form following.

Mr. Doctor Balbine (said he) I being a stranger unto you may seem very saucy to trouble your worship with my bold suit, who alwayes are busied in great and divine studies. To whom Balbine, being a man of few words, gave a nodde: which was more then he used to every man. But the Priest knowing his humour, said; I am sure Sir, if you knew my suit, you would pardon my importunity. I pray thee good Sir John (said Balbine) shew me thy minde, and be brief. That shall I doe Sir (said he) with a good will, You know Mr. Doctor, through your skill in Philosophy, that every mans destiny is not alike; and I for my part am at this point, that I cannot tell whether I may be counted happy or infortunate. For when I weigh mine own case, or rather my state, in part I seem fortunate, and in part miserable. But Balbine being a man of some surliness, alwayes willed him to draw his matter to a more compendious form: which thing the Priest said he would doe, and could the better perform, because Balbine himself was so learned and expert in the very matter he had to repeat, and thus he began.

I have had, even from my childhood, a great felicity in the art of Alchymistry, which is the very marrow of all Philosophy. Balbine at the naming of the word Alchymistry, inclined and yielded himself more attentively to hearken unto him: marry it was only in gesture of body; for he was spare of speech, and yet he bade him proceed with his tale. Then said the Priest, wretch that I am, it was not my luck to light on the best way: for you Mr. Balbine know (being so universally learned) that in this art there are two wayes, the one called Longation, the other Curtation; and it was mine ill hap to fall upon Longation. When Balbine asked him the difference of those two waves; Oh Sir, said the Priest, you might count me impudent, to take upon me to tell you that of all other are best learned in this Art, to whom I come, most humbly to beseech you to teach me that lucky way of Curtation. The cunninger you are, the more easily you may teach it me: and therefore hide not the gift that God hath given you, from your brother, who may perish for want of his desire in this behalf; and doubtless Jesus Christ will inrich you with greater blessings and endowments.

Balbine being abashed partly with his importunity, and partly with the strange circumstance, told him that (in truth) he neither knew what Longation or Curtation meant; and therefore required him to expound the meaning of these words. Well (quoth the Priest) since it is your pleasure, I will do it, though I shall thereby take upon me to teach him that is indeed much cunninger than my self. And thus he began: Oh Sir, they that have spent all the dayes of their life in this divine faculty, do turn one nature and form into another, two wayes; the one is very brief, but somewhat dangerous; the other much longer, marry very safe, sure, and commodious. Howbeit, I think my self most unhappy that have spent my time and travel in that way which utterly misliketh me, and never could get any one to shew me the other that I so earnestly desire. And now I come to your worship, whom I know to be wholly learned and expert herein, hoping that you will (for charities sake) comfort your brother, whose felicity and well-doing now resteth only in your hands; and therefore I beseech you relieve me with your counsel.

By these and such other words when this cousening Varlot had avoided suspicion of guile, and assured Balbine that he was perfect and cunning in the other way: Balbine's fingers itched, and his heart tickled, so as he could hold no longer, but burst out with these words: Let this Curtation go to the Devil, whose name I did never so much as once hear of before, and therefore do much less understand it. But tell me in good faith, do you exactly understand Longation? Yea, said the Priest, doubt you not hereof: but I have no fansie to that way, it is so tedious. Why (quoth Balbine) what time is required in the accomplishment of this work by way of Longation? Too too much said the Alchymister, even almost a whole year: but this is the best, the surest and safest way, though it be for so many moneths prolonged, before it yield advantage for cost and charges expended thereabouts. Set your heart at rest (said Balbine) it is no matter, though it were two years, so as you be well assured to bring it then to pass.

Finally, it was there and then concluded, that presently the Priest should go in hand with the work, and the other should bear the charge, the gains to be indifferently divided betwixt them both, and the work to be done privily in Balbine's house. And after the mutual oath was taken for silence, which is usual and requisite alwayes in the beginning of this mystery, Balbine delivered money to the Alchymister for Bellowes, Glasses, Coals, &c. which should serve for the erection and furniture of the Forge. Which money the Alchymister had no sooner fingered, but he ran merrily to the Dice, to the Alehouse, and to the Stewes, and who there so lusty as cousening Sir John! who indeed this way made a kind of Alchymistical transformation of Money. Now Balbine urged him to go about his business, but the other cold him, that if the matter were once begun, it were half ended: for therein consisted the greatest difficulty.

Well, at length he began to furnish the furnace; but now forsooth a new supply of Gold must be made, as the seed and spawn of that which must be engendred and grow out of this work of Alchymistry. For even as a fish is not caught without a bait, no more is Gold multiplyed without some parcels of Gold: and therefore Gold must be the foundation and ground-work of that art, or else all the fat is in the fire. But all this while Balbine was occupied in calculating, and musing upon his accompt; casting by Arithmetick, how that if one ounce yield fifteen, then how much gains two thousand ounces might yield: for so much he determined to employ that way.

When the Alchymist had also consumed this Money, shewing great travell a moneth or twain, in placing the bellowes, the coals, and such other stuffe, and no whit of profit proceeding or coming thereof. Balbine demanded how the world went; our Alchymist was as a man amazed. Howbeit he said at length; Forsooth even as such matters of importance commonly do go forward, whereunto there is alwayes very difficult access. There was (saith he) a fault (which I have now found out) in the choyce of the coals, which were of Oak, and should have been of Beech. One hundred Duckets were spent that way, so as the Dicing house and the Stewes were partakers of Balbines charges. But after a new supply of Money, better coals were provided, and matters more circumspectly handled. Howbeit, when the forge had travelled long, and brought forth nothing, there was another excuse found out; to wit, that the glasses were not tempered as they ought to have been. But the more Money was disbursed hereabouts, the worse willing was Balbine to give over, according to the Dicers vein, whom fruitless hope bringeth into a fools paradise.

The Alchymist, to cast a good colour upon his knavery, took on like a man moonsick, and protested with great words full of forgery and lyes, that he never had such luck before. But having found the errour, he would be sure enough never hereafter to fall into the like oversight, and that henceforward all should be safe and sure, and throughly recompensed in the end, with large increase. Hereupon the Work-house is now the third time repaired, and a new supply yet once again put into the Alchymists hand; so as the glasses were changed. And now at length the Alchymist uttered another point of his art and cunning to Balbine; to wit, that those matters would proceed much better, if he sent our Lady a few French Crowns in reward; for the art being holy, the matter cannot prosperously proceed, without the favour of the Saints. Which counsell exceedingly pleased Balbine, who was so devout and religious, that no day escaped him but he said our Lady Mattens.

Now our Alchymister having received the offering of money, goeth on his holy pilgrimage, even to the next Village, and there consumeth it every penny, among Bawds and Knaves: and at his return, he told Balbine that he had great hope of good luck in this business; the holy Virgin gave such favourable countenance, and such attentive ear unto his prayers and vowes. But after this, when there had been great travell bestowed, and not a dram of Gold yeelded not levied from the forge; Balbine began to expostulate, and reason somewhat roundly with the cousening fellow; who still said he never had such filthy luck in all his life before, and could not devise by what means it came to passe, that things went so overthwartly. But after much debating betwixt them upon the matter, at length it came into Balbine's head to ask him if he had not foreslowed to hear Mass, or to stay his hours; which if he had done, nothing could prosper under his hand. Without doubt (said the cousener) you have hit the nail on the head. Wretch that I am! I remember once or twice being at a long feast, I omitted to say mine Ave Mary after dinner. So so (said Balline) no marvell then that a matter of such importance hath had so ill success. The Alchymister promised to do penance; as to hear twelve masses for two that he had foreslowed; and for every Ave overslipped, to render and repeat twelve to our Lady.

Soon after this, when all our Alchymisters money was spent, and also his shifts failed how to come by any more, he came home with this device, as a man wonderfully frayed and amazed, piteously crying and lamenting his misfortune. Whereat Balbine being astonished, desired to know the cause of his complaint. Oh (said the Alchymister) the Courtiers have spied our enterprise; so as I for my part look for nothing but present imprisonment. Whereat Balbine was abashed, because it was flat fellony to goe about that matter, without speciall license. But (quoth the Alchymister) I fear not to be put to death, I would it would fall out so; marry I fear lest I should be shut up in some castle or tower, and there shall be forced to tug about this work and broil in this business all the dayes of my life.

Now the matter being brought to consultation, Balbine, because he was cunning in the art of Rhetorick, and altogether ignorant in law, beat his brains in devising how the accusation might be answered, and the danger avoided. Alas (said the Alchymister) you trouble your self all in vain, for you see the crime is not to be denyed, it is so generally bruited in Court: neither can the fact be defended, because of the manifest law published against it. To be short, when many wayes were devised, and divers excuses alleadged by Balbine, and no sure ground to stand on for their security; at length the Alchymister having present want and need of money, framed his speech in this sort; Sir, said he to Balbine, we use flow counsel, and yet the matter requireth haste. For I think they are coming for me ere this time to hale me away to prison; and I see no remedy but to die valiantly in the cause. In good faith (said Balbine) I know not what to say to the matter. No more do I, (said the Alchymister) but that I see these Courtiers are hungry for Money, and so much the readier to be corrupted and framed to silence. And though it be a hard matter to give those rakehells till they be satisfied, yet I see no better counsel or advice at this time. No more could Balbine, who gave him thirty ducats of gold to stôp their mouths, who in an honest cause would rather have given so many teeth out of his head, than one of those pieces out of his pouch. This coin had the Alchymister, who for all his pretenses and gay gloses was in no danger, other than for lack of Money to lose his Leman or Concubine, whose acquaintance he would not give over, nor forbear her company, for all the goods that he was able to get, were it by never so much indirect dealing, and unlawfull means.

Well, yet now once again doth Balbine newly furnish the forge, a prayer being made before to our Lady to bless the enterprise, and all things being provided and made ready according to the Alchymisters own a[…]king, and all necessaries largely ministred after his own liking; a whole year being likewise now consumed about this bootless business, and nothing brought to pass; there fell out a strange chance, and that by this means ensuing, as you shall hear.

Our Alchymister forsooth used a little extraordinary lewd company with a Courtiers wife, whiles he was from home, who suspecting the matter, came to the door unlooked for, and called to come in, threatning them that he would break open the doors upon them. Some present device (you see) was now requisite, and there was none other to be had, but such as the opportunity offered; to wit, to leap out at a back window; which he did, not without great hazard, and some hurt. But this was soon blazed abroad, so as it came to Balbine's ear, who shewed in countenance that he had heard thereof, though he said nothing. But the Alchymister knew him to be devout, and somewhat superstitious; and such men are easie to be intreated to forgive, how great soever the fault be, and devised to open the matter in manner and form following.

O Lord (saith he before Balbine) how unfortunately goeth our business forward! I marvell what should be the cause. Whereat Balbine, being one otherwise that seemed to have vowed silence, took occasion to speak, saying; It is not hard to know the impediment and stop hereof: for it is sin that hindereth this matter; which is not to be dealt in but with pure hands. Whereat the Alchymister fell upon his knees, beating his breast, and lamentably cryed, saying; Oh master Balbine, you say most truely, it is sin that hath done us all this displeasure; not your sin Sir, but mine own, own good master Balbine. Neither will I be ashamed to discover my filthiness unto you, as unto a most holy and ghostly father. The infirmity of the flesh had overcome me, and the Devil had caught me in his snare. Oh wretch that I am! Of a Priest I am become an Adulterer. Howbeit, the Money that erst while was sent to our Lady, was not utterly lost; for if she had not been, I had certainly been slain. For the good man of the house brake open the door, and the window was less than I could get out thereat. And in that extremity of danger it came into my minde to fall down prostrate to the Virgin; beseeching her (if our gift were acceptable in her sight) that she would, in consideration thereof, assist me with her help. And to be short, I ran to the window, and found it big enough to leap out at. Which thing Balbine did not only believe to be true, but in respect thereof forgave him, religiously admonishing him to shew himself thankfull to that pitifull and blessed Lady.

Now once more again is made a new supply of money, and mutual promise made to handle this divine matter hence forward purely and holily. To be short, after a great number of such parts played by the Alchymister, one of Balbine's acquaintance espyed him, that knew him from his childehood to be but a cousening Merchant; and told Balbine what he was, and that he would handle him in the end, even as he had used many others; for a knave he ever was, and so he would prove. But what did Balbine, think you? Did he complain of this counterfeit, or cause him to be punished? No, but he gave him money in his purse, and sent him away; desiring him, of all courtesie, not to blab abroad how he had cousened him. And as for the knave Alchimister, he need not care who knew it, or what came of it; for he had nothing in goods or fame to be lost. And as for his cunning in Alchimistry, he had as much as an Ass. By this discourse Erasmus would give us to note, that under the golden name of Alchymistry there lyeth lurking no small calamity; wherein there be such several shifts and suits of rare subtleties and deceits, as that not only wealthy men are thereby many times improverished, and that with the sweet allurement of this art, through their own covetousness, as also by the flattering baits of hoped gain: but even wise and learned men hereby are shamefully overshot, partly for want of due experience in the wiles and subtleties of the world, and partly through the softness and pliableness of their good nature, which cousening Knaves do commonly abuse to their own lust and commodity, and to the others utter undoing.