I do confess, that a certain Man of good Condition, to me wholly unknown, by demonstrating taught me; First, the possibility of transmutation; secondly the way of preparing also. And this is that Infallible Art, touching which you have no reason to doubt. But whereas, you request that I should give you one small part of my Treasure; that is no wise lawful for me to do, although, you would give as a Recompense, so many Ducats, as this whole Room, from the bottom to the top, would contein; and that not by reason of the estimation of the Matter, because it is of small Price, but for another weighty Reason, in respect of which, if it were possible, that Fire could be consumed by Fire, I would at this time, rather cast this whole Mass into the devouring Flames, before your Eyes. Wherefore, in the meanwhile, I admonish you, not to be so eager in coveting this so great Science. For you have this day seen more in my possession, than many Kings, and Princes could ever behold, although they eagerly desired to see the same. Besides, I think of comming to you again, after 3 Weeks, then I will shew to you certain excellent Arts, and Manuductions in the Chymical Science. Also, if it shall then be lawful for me, to shew you the way of Transmutation, I will truely satisfie your Curiosity therein. In the mean while, I bid you farewel, withal, admonishing, that you take heed to your self, and meddle not with such a great, and profound Labour, least: you miserably loose both your Fame, and substance in the Ashes like some other covetous inquisitors, of the same most noble Art.
Now, what shall I do, my Master? If it happen, that, by reason of your Philosophick Oath, confirmed by that small draught of Silver, dissolved in Rain-water, it shall not be lawful for you to give me that requested exceeding small part of the Tincture so wonderful. You cannot be ignorant, that I (according to your suspicion) am in mind anxious, and earnestlie desirous of tasting of this so noble Science. Yea, I do verilie think, if Adam himself, the first Patriark of the World (who was once driven out of Paradice, for eating the Apple of either Wisedom) were yet living in this our Age, he would not forbear again the Taste of this Golden Apple, from the Garden of Atlantis.