University of Virginia Library


47

Epigr. 34.

The first defence that goolde hath, is the ground,
Where it lyes hidden till we digge it foorth.
Then in her thicknesse it lies, which we sounde,
For goold's pale spirit of admirable woorth.
And then we let it downe into our heart,
And drench our soule so thirsting after gayne,
Till like a God it reigne in euery part.
No Alcumist can draw it thence againe.
If goolde from goold can be abstracted thus,
Why should not goold as well be drawn from vs?