"We dissolve the living body with Apollo's fire, so that what was before a Stone may become a Spirit. From the inmost parts of this we extract Gold, which, with natal seed, cleanses impure ores from the dross of their mother. After we have separated the bones, these kindred we then wash with water. From them is born a Bird, arrayed in various colours, and, being made white, it flies into the air. So we with new fire paint its wings, and, being coloured, imbue them with its milk: As for the rest, we feed it with Blood, Until, full grown, it may bear the fury of Mulciber (i.e., Vulcan=fire). This Bird, O Gulielmus! the Thrice Great Hermes called his own, And the whole world has not its like. O Christ, graciously grant that this blessed long-desired bird be born in our Garden!"
- An Epigram Concerning The Philosopher's Stone.
