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Closing Epigrams
Epigramma
Chapter Outline
The test of true gold-making: endurance and fixity.
True alchemy and theosophy, interpreted through an emblematic figure.
Wisdom, secrecy, steadfastness, contempt for fortune and the heavenly crown.
The much-prized art of making gold Is quite a small undertaking upon earth. Many can indeed be found Who know it well and practise it continually, Yet still do not happily become rich. The reason is that one thing is still missing, Which lies hidden within this art And causes many people no little concern: Namely, that such gold does not hold firm, Nor remain fixed when put Properly to the test, but in haste Flies away so very swiftly meanwhile. Whoever can make it Remain fixed and constant, so that nothing Whatever departs from it, Truly possesses the right art, And on this account may well Be called a true gold-maker.
Another. True alchemy And right theosophy Are as closely related As the right hand is to the body. This is very beautifully represented For you in the present image. Here is what its features Signify throughout. First look at the helmet With two wings, and at the cock as well. These show that she bears goodwill And great love towards the noble free art, And also towards pure wisdom, Which shines like sunlight.
Her body, wholly bare above, Shows that with enduring delight She is loved more than gold and goods By anyone who has seen her even once. Indeed, when she is thus uncovered, Glimpsed or tasted, It is very hard To do without her. Yet this love is concealed where possible, As the mask indicates. She is nevertheless entirely Open-hearted and free. Her words and speech are plain and direct, For she has no falsehood within her. She has an upright spirit too, As her vigorous posture shows, Though she also seems As if she were poised to fall. This means that at every moment She encounters much hatred and envy from the world, Which seeks to overthrow her completely. Yet she constantly Rises up again at once, Remains steadfast and does not yield, Both before people and before God.
Though many a word and much mockery Are attached to her everywhere, As the countless bells Upon her clothing indicate, She lets it all pass by. She pays no heed to it, But holds to wisdom, Towards which she always turns Her clear eyes wholly and entirely. She regards it as her best portion, In which she has all her salvation, And with it joyfully Passes her time in this life. She sets little store By worldly honour, letting it go its way, And still less, in the contrary course, By the whole world’s gathered hostility, Which adds to her unrest Much affliction and suffering. All this she bears Very lightly and easily, with a courageous spirit, Because she has a treasure with her That gives her everything she desires.
Yet she allows greed No place within her, even though she possesses That in which the world otherwise delights. All this she tramples beneath her, For fortune is round and rolling And often quickly shows its tricks. Therefore, to her frequent distress, She must bathe among thorns and thistles Until she departs this world And lies down to rest within her grave. Then her true spirit First soars high above, And she joyfully receives The crown of heaven as her reward. At the same time upon this earth Her praise and precious good name Will first shine forth clearly, Brightly gleaming like sunlight, And, imperishable and rightly recognised, Remain firm until the world’s end. To our God alone the honour. THE END.