In 1625, the Frankfurt-based publisher Lucas Jennis published an alchemical emblem-book entitled De Lapide Philisophico, ‘Of the Philosophical Stone’. The identity of the original author, given pseudonymously as Lambsprinck (Lamb-Spring), is unknown.
http://www.levity.com/alchemy/lambtext.html http://www.levity.com/alchemy/lambjrny.html
The Sage says
That a wild beast is in the forest,
Whose skin is of the blackest dye.
If any man cut off his head,
His blackness will disappear,
And give place to a snowy white.
Understand well the meaning of this head:
The blackness is called the head of the Raven;
As soon as it disappears,
A white colour is straightway manifested;
It is given this name, despoiled of its head.
When the Beast's black hue has vanished in a black smoke,
The Sages rejoice
From the bottom of their hearts;
But they keep it a close secret,
That no foolish man may know it.
Yet unto their Sons, in kindness of heart,
They partly reveal it in their writings;
And therefore let those who receive the gift
Enjoy it also in silence,
Since God would have it concealed.
ну и так далее
