Comprising the Science of Magical Talismans and ings!

the art of "ecromanc# and the $a%%alah, for con&uring the aerial and infernal spirits, s#lphs, undines, and gnomes! for ac'uiring knowledge of the secret sciences! for disco(ering treasures, for the gaining of power to command all %eings, and for unmasking all e(il spells and sorceries. )rom the teachings of Socrates, P#thagoras, Plato, *oroaster, son of the great +romasis, and other philosophers whose manuscripts escaped the %urning of Ptolem#,s li%rar#, and translated from the language of the Magi and of the Hierogl#phs, %# the -octors Mi..a%oula/ 0a%amia, -anhu.erus, "ehmahmian, 0udahim, Eliae%, and translated into )rench %#

The Black Pullet, or the Hen with the Golden Eggs.

The work which we offer to the pu%lic must not %e confused with a collection of re(eries and errors to which their authors ha(e tried to gi(e credence %# announcing supernatural feats! which the credulous and the ignorant sie.ed with a(idit#. 5e onl# 'uote the most respecta%le authorities and most dignified in faith. The principles which we present are %ased on the doctrines of the ancients and modern, who full of respect for the -i(init#, were alwa#s the friends of mankind, endea(oured to recall them to (irtue, %# showing them (ice in all its deformit#. 5e ha(e drawn from the most pure sources, ha(ing onl# in (iew the lo(e of truth and the desire to enlighten those who desire to disco(er the secrets of "ature and the mar(els which the# unfold to those who ne(er separate the darkness which surrounds them. 6t is onl# gi(en to those who are fa(oured %# The Great Being, to raise themsel(es a%o(e the terrestial sphere, and to plan a %old flight in the etheric regions! it is for these pri(iledged men that we write. To us no importance is gi(en to the splenetic 7oices which are raised against us. The silence and the smile of disdain will %e the onl# answer with which 5e shall oppose them, and we shall follow with firm Sustained steps the route which indicates to us the luminous stars which fill the hea(ens, which co(er our heads, and which light these thousands of worlds, which %less e(er# da# with our So(ereign Master of the 8ni(erse, which He has created, also oursel(es, and whose 5ill maintains this admira%le order, 5hich commands our admiration, our respect and our lo(e.

+.0.S .-. .1.G.). in Eg#pt 234. P E)+CE

The Black Pullet or The Hen with the Golden Eggs

Before %eginning the su%&ect, and to ac'uaint m# readers of this profound Science, which until the present da# has %een the o%&ect of research of the most constant and profound meditations, 6 must un%osom m#self how these mar(elous secrets were communicated to me, and the manner in which the -i(ine Pro(idence allowed me to escape from the greatest dangers and, so to speak, conducted me %# the -i(ine Hand, to pro(e that %# -i(ine 5ill it is sufficient to raise unto Himself the last of Beings or to precipate to naught those who are clothed with all power on Earth. 5e all therefor come from God, God is e(er#thing, and without God nothing can e9ist. 5ho more than 6 ma# penetrate the truth eternal and sacred. 6 formed part of the e9pedition to Eg#pt, an officer in the arm# of the genius. 6 took part in the successes and re(erses of this arm#, which (ictorious or o%liged to cede to force from the e(entualities and circumstances, alwa#s co(ered itself with glor#. +s there is no point in relating here an# detail which deals with this memora%le campaign, 6 will %ut relate one single feature, with which 6 was touched, and is necessar# for the de(elopment which 6 must gi(e to those whom 6 mentioned in m# preface. 6 had %een sent %# the General, under whose orders 6 found m#self, to draw up the plans of the P#ramids! he had gi(en me an escort of some mounted light infantr# horse. 6 arri(ed with them at m# destination without e9periencing an# accident, also without noticing an#thing that could con&ecture the fate that awaited us. 5e had dismounted near the P#ramids, our horses had %een tethered! sitting on the sands we appeased the hunger that tormented us. )rench gaiet# seasoned the food which composed our frugal meal. 6t was on the point of ending, and

6 was occupied with m# work when all of a sudden a horde of desert +ra%s fell on us. 5e did not ha(e the time to place oursel(es in a position of defence. The %lows of swords descended upon us, the %ullets whistled, and 6 recei(ed se(eral wounds. M# unhapp# companions were l#ing on the ground dead or e9piring. :ur cruel enemies after ha(ing remo(ed our weapons and clothes, disappeared with our horses with the speed of lightning. 6 remained for some time in a state of prostration, facing the sun. +t last reco(ering some of m# strength, 6 raised m#self with pain. 6 had two sword cuts on the head, and one on the left arm. 6 looked around me. 6 saw nothing %ut corpses, a %urning sk# and arid sand in an immense desert and a frightning solitude. 5ith %ut the hope of a certain and cruel death, 6 resigned m#self to sa#ing good%#e to m# countr# to m# parents and to m# friends. 6n(oking hea(en, 6 crawled to the P#ramid, and the %lood which ran with a%undance from m# wounds reddened the sand which was soon to %e m# tom%. +rri(ing at the foot of these worldl# mar(els 6 sat down and leaned against this enormous mass that had seen man# centuries pass %# and which would see man# more pass. 6 thought that m# e9istence which was soon to end had come to naught &ust as the da# which was nearing its end, the sun %eing on the point of plunging into the ocean. ;Brilliant star, recei(e m# good%#es,; 6 said with emotion. ;M# e#es will ne(er see #ou again, #our %enificent light will ne(er shine on me again. Good%#e.; +s 6 said this good%#e which 6 thought was eternal, the sun disappeared. The night came and co(ered the world with its dark curtain. 6 was a%sor%ed with the most sad reflections when a light noise could %e heard a few paces from me. + large sla% of stone detached itself from the p#ramid and fell on the sand! 6 turned to that side, and %# the light of a small lantern that he carried in his hand, 6 percei(ed a (enera%le old man who came out of the p#ramid. + white %eard co(ered his chest, a tur%an co(ered his head, and the rest of his costume indicated that he was a Mohammedan. He cast his e#es around! then ad(ancing a few steps he halted opposite the corpse of one of m# unhapp# companions of misfortune. ;:h Hea(ens<; he cried in Turkish. ;+ man is wounded, a )renchman is dead.; He lifted his e#es to the sk# sa#ing= ;:h +llah.; He then disco(ered the others which he carefull# e9amined to see if he could not find one who still %reathed, and to assure himself, 6 saw him place his hand in the region of the heart. The old man recognised that the# had all ceased to li(e. 8ttering a painful groan, with tears furrowing down from his e#es, he retraced his steps to re>enter the p#ramid. 6 felt the desire to conser(e m# da#s. 6 had alread# made the sacrifice of m# life! hope entered m# heart. Summoning all m# strength, 6 called to him! he heard me, and turning his lantern in m# direction, he saw me. +d(ancing he ga(e me his hand, which 6 sei.ed and pressed to m# ups. He saw that 6 was wounded and that %lood was flowing from the cuts on m# head. Placing his lantern on the ground, he remo(ed his girdle and co(ered m# %row. He then helped me to get up. 6 had lost a lot of %lood and was suffering from e9treme weakness>6 hardl# had the strength to support m#self. Placing his lantern in m# hand, then taking me in his arms, he carried me near the opening in the p#ramid from which he had come and placed me gentl# on the sand. Gi(ing me an affectionate grip of the hand, he indicated that he was re/entering the p#ramid and would return promptl#. 6 ga(e thanks to Hea(en for the une9pected help that had %een sent me. The old man reappeared carr#ing a flagon. He remo(ed the cork and poured a few drops of the li'ueur into a drinking (essel which he ga(e to me to drink. + delicious perfume diffused around me. Hardl# had this -i(ine 1i'ueur penetrated m# stomach than 6 felt regenerated, and 6 had enough strength to enter the p#ramid with m# %enefactor and generous conductor. 5e then stopped for a few moments. He replaced the stone that had fallen, which he ad&usted with an iron %ar, and we descended %# an eas# slope into the interior of the p#ramid. +fter ha(ing walked for some time on the same path, which made se(eral sinuous turns, we arri(ed at a door which he secretl# opened and closed with care. Then ha(ing crossed an immense hall, we entered another place. + lamp hung from the ceiling! there was a ta%le co(ered with %ooks, se(eral oriental di(ans or seats, and a %ed on which to rest. The kind old man conducted me to a seat where he made me sit down. Placing his lantern on the ta%le he opened a kind of cup%oard from which he took se(eral (ases. He approached me and in(ited me to remo(e m# clothes with an attention and complaisance difficult to descri%e. Ha(ing e9amined m# wounds he applied with solemn formalit# se(eral %alms which came from the (ases of which 6 ha(e pre(iousl# spoken. Hardl# had the# %een applied to m# arms and head than the pains were soothed. He in(ited me to lie on his %ed, and (er# soon a %eneficial and soothing sleep weighed down m# e#elids. 5hen 6 awoke, 6 looked around and saw sitting near me the good old man who did not wish to partake of rest while 6 was asleep as he feared that 6 might need help. 6 tendered him m#

most grateful thanks %# the most e9pressi(e signs. 6n the same manner he signified to me that 6 must remain 'uiet. He ga(e me a new portion of the cordial which had alread# pro(ed its happ# effects. +fterwards he looked at me with e9treme attention, and reali.ing that he had nothing to fear for m# life, he affectionatel# patted m# hand. He then la# down on some cushions on the other side of the cham%er where we were, and soon 6 heard him sleeping profoundl# and peacefull#. ;:h %ene(olent one,; 6 said to m#self, ;Thou art (irtue par e9cellance and a pure emanation of the -i(init#! thou unitest and %ringest men together and thou makest them forget the pains to which the# are pre#. Through thee the# are returned to happiness, and too thou art this happiness, the o%&ect of all their wishes and all their desires.; M# host made a mo(ement and got up. He came to me and smiled at seeing me in a state of calm and tran'uilit# which left him in no fear of m# %eing. He ga(e me to understand that he was going to lea(e me so that he could go out of the p#ramid and see what was happening outside. He %rought to m# side that which he thought would %e necessar# for m# needs, and then he left me alone. 8ntil this moment 6 had not reflected at all on what had happened to me in this e9igenc#. 6 found m#self safe in this su%terranean place, and 6 had no uneasiness relati(e to m# host! howe(er, this would ha(e to come to an end %# m# departing after 6 had %een cured and re/ &oining the +rm#. 6 was occupied with these ideas when 6 saw the old man re/enter. He ga(e me to understand that se(eral +ra% corps and Mamelouks were sur(e#ing the plain and that he had seen them without %eing noticed %ecause his retreat was impenetra%le to all e#es. He indicated that he had me in his care and regarded me as his son! therefore 6 could deli(er m#self to the greatest securit#. 6 indicated to him m# complete gratitude, and he appeared satisfied. +s 6 appeared to %e dissatisfied to %e a%le to e9press m#self onl# %# signs, he %rought me a %ook indicating that with its help we could soon communicate together without hesitation. The career which 6 had followed since m# childhood had familiarised me with meditation, 6 lo(ed the application of mind, and 6 was soon in the condition to listen to m# generous old man. He also showed such compliance in the lessons which he ga(e me that e(en with less good will, one would ha(e made progress. 6 remain silent on all that was relati(e to m# new education. M# complete cure and con(alescence took longer than 6 reali.ed. M# host went out from time to time to see what was taking place as he was in complete ignorance of earthl# e(ents. 6n short, one da# he was longer than usual, and on his return he informed me that the )rench +rm# had e(acuated Eg#pt and that 6 could not hope to lea(e at this time without gi(ing an account of the da#s that 6 had spent with him. 6 should sta# with him which he would make me do %# his kindness and lo(e so that in m# particular case of capti(it# m# fate would not %e as cruel as 6 might think %ecause he would teach me things which would astonish me and 6 should desire nothing in the wa# of good fortune. 6 had %egun to understand the Turkish language. He told me to get up. 6 o%e#ed him. He took me %# the hand and conducted me to the end of the cham%er. He opened a door opposite the one %# which one entered, and taking a lamp from the ta%le we entered a (ault where there were disposed in regular lines se(eral coffers which he opened. The# were full of gold and gems of e(er# kind. ;?ou see m# son that with this one ne(er fears po(ert#. E(er#thing is #ours! 6 am reaching the end of m# career, and 6 shall %e happ# to lea(e them in #our possession. These treasures are not the fruit of a(arice and a sordid interest. 6 own them %# the knowledge of :ccult Sciences with which 6 am familiar and the %oon which has %een granted to me %# The Great Being to penetrate the secrets of "ature. 6 can still command the Powers that populate the Earth and Space and are not (isa%le to ordinar# men. ;6 like #ou, m# dear son. 6 recognise in #ou the candour, sincerit#, lo(e of truth, and aptitude for these sciences, and most of all 6 wish #ou to know that the# ha(e cost me more than eight# #ears of research, meditation, and e9perience.; ;The science of the Magicians, the language of the hierogl#phics, ha(e %een lost %# the downfall of man. :nl# 6 am the guardian. 6 will impart these precious confidences to #ou, and we will read together these characters traced on the p#ramids which ha(e %een the despair of scholars and %efore which the# ha(e paled for man# centuries.; The prophetic manner in which he spoke impressed me and 6 showed a (er# li(el# desire to understand that with which he wished to ac'uaint me. 6 told him this in the Turkish language which 6 was %eginning to understand and to talk in a manner so that 6 could %e understood. ;?our wishes shall %e fulfilled,; answered m# adopted father. Then lifting one hand to the arch of hea(en, he spoke in a solemn tone= ;1o(e, m# son, lo(e the (er# good and the (er# grand God of the philosophers, and ne(er %ecome proud if he %rings #ou in contact with the children of wisdom for #ou to associate in their compan# and to make #ou a participant in the wonders of his power.;

+fter ha(ing finished this in(ocation of sorts, he then said while looking at me= ;Such are the principles which #ou must fathom. Tr# and make #ourself worth# to recei(e the light. The hour of #our regeneration has come. ?ou will %ecome like a new indi(idual.; ;Pra# fer(idl# to Him who alone has the power to create new hearts, to gi(e #ou that which will make #ou capa%le of great things that 6 ha(e to teach #ou, and to inspire me to withhold from #ou none of the m#steries of "ature. Pra#. Hope. 6 eulogise the eternal wisdom which has %een placed in m# soul and wish to disclose to #ou its ineffa%le truths. +nd #ou will %e luck#, m# son, if nature has placed in #our soul the resolution that these high m#steries will demand of #ou. ?ou will learn to command all "ature. God alone will %e #our master, and the enlightened 5ill alone %e #our e'ual. The supreme intelligences will glor# in o%e#ing #our desires. The -emons will not dare to %e found where #ou are. ?our (oice will make them trem%le in the pits of the a%#ss, and all the in(isi%les who inha%it the four elements will esteem themsel(es happ# to administer to #our pleasures. 6 adore #ou oh Great God for ha(ing enthroned man with so much glor#, and ha(ing esta%lished him as so(ereign monarch of all the works made %# #our hands.; ;-o #ou feel, m# son, do #ou feel this heroic am%ition which is the sure stamp of the children of wisdom@ -o #ou dare to desire to ser(e onl# the one God and to dominate o(er all that is not God@ Ha(e #ou understood what it is to pro(e to %e a man and to %e unwilling to %e a sla(e since #ou are %orn to %e a So(ereign@ +nd if #ou ha(e these no%le thoughts, as the signs which 6 ha(e found on #our ph#siognom# do not permit me to dou%t, ha(e #ou considered maturel# whether #ou ha(e the courage and the strength to renounce all the things which could possi%l# %e an o%stacle to attaining the greatness for which #ou ha(e %een %orn@; +t this point he stopped and regarded me fi9edl# as if waiting for an answer, or as if he were searching to read m# heart. 6 asked him, ;5hat is that which 6 ha(e to renounce@; ;+ll that is e(il in order to occup# #ourself onl# with that which is good. The proneness with which nearl# all of us are %orn to (ice rather than to (irtue. Those passions which render us sla(es to our senses which pre(ent us from appl#ing oursel(es to stud#, tasting its sweetness, and gathering its fruits. ?ou see, m# dear son, that the sacrifice which 6 demand of #ou is not painful and is not a%o(e #our powers! on the contrar#, it will make #ou approach perfection as near as it is possi%le for man to attain. -o #ou accept that which 6 propose@; ;:h m# )ather,; 6 answered, ;nothing conforms more to m# desires that that one should choose propriet# and (irtue.; ;6t suffices,; answered the old man. ;Before unfolding to #ou completel# the doctrine which will initiate #ou into the m#steries, which are most profound and the most sacred, #ou must understand that the elements are inha%ited %# (er# perfect creatures. The immense space %etween hea(en and earth has inha%itants far more no%le than the %irds and the gnats. The (ast seas ha(e man# other hosts than the whales and dolphin. 6t is the same in the depths of the earth which contains other things than water and minerals, and the element of fire, more no%le than the other three, has not %een created to a%ide there useless and empt#. The air is full of an unnum%ered multitude of %eings with human form>a little proud in appearance %ut in effect docile and great lo(ers of the sciences! su%tle %ut o%liging to the great Mages and enemies of the foolish and the ignorant= these are the s#lphs. The seas and ri(ers are the ha%itat of the :ndines, the earth is full practicall# to the center of Gnomes, guardians of the treasures and the precious stones. These are the ingenious friends of man and eas# to command. The# suppl# to the children of the Magicians all mone#s of which the# ha(e need and onl# ask pa#ment for their ser(ices in the glor# of %eing commanded.; ;+s for the Salamanders, the inha%itants of the fire regions, the# ser(e the philosophers, %ut the# do not seek the attention of their compan#.; ;6 could also talk a%out the familiar spirits= Socrates, as well as P#thagoras and a few other wise men, had his. 6 ha(e one also! he is near me when 6 ha(e need of him. This will no dou%t seem strange to #ou, %ut e(en if #our e#es do not con(ince #ou of the truth, #ou will %e a%le to %elie(e it if #ou ha(e an# confidence in Socrates, Plato, P#thagoras, *oroaster, Proclus, Porph#r#, 6am%lichus, Ptolem#, Trismegistus and other wise men to whose enlightenment one must add those who gi(e us the natural knowledge.; ;6t remains for me to speak to #ou of the Talismans, those magic circles, which will gi(e #ou the power to command all the elements, to a(oid all the dangers, all the snares of #our enemies, and to assure #ou the success of all #our enterprises and the fulfillment of #our wishes.; He arose, opened a chest which was at the foot of his %ed, and took out a cedarwood %o9 co(ered in gold (eneer and enriched with diamonds of an e9traordinar# %rilliance. The lock

on which was engra(ed hierogl#phic characters was also of gold. He opened this casket, and 6 saw a large 'uantit# of talismans and rings which were enriched with diamonds and engra(ed with magical and ca%alistic s#m%ols. 6t was impossi%le to look at them without %eing da..led. ;?ou see, m# son, each one has its (irtue, its peculiar (irtue, %ut to make use of it #ou must understand the language of the Magicians in order to pronounce the m#sterious words engra(ed thereon. 6 will teach them to #ou %efore working with #ou on the great performance with the spirits and the animals who are su%missi(e to m# authorit# and who o%e# me %lindl#.; ;?ou will see when #ou ha(e %een initiated into all these m#steries of how man# errors the ma&orit# of those who pretend to %e ser(ile to nature ha(e %een guilt#. The# lo(e the truth and %elie(e the# ha(e disco(ered it %# means of a%stract ideas and lose their wa# in the faith of a reason of which the# do not know the limits.; ;The (ulgar or common people do not see o(er the world in which the# li(e other than an arch of glittering light during the da# and a scattering of stars during the night. These are the limited ones of the uni(erse. Certain of the philosophers ha(e seen more and ha(e increased Atheir knowledgeB up to nearl# the present time to the point of affrighting our imagination. )urther, what prodigious work is offered at one stroke to the human spirit< Emplo# eternit# e(en to sur(e# it! take the wings of dawn, fl# to the planet Saturn in the skies which e9tend o(er this planet. ?ou will find without ceasing new spheres, new or%s, worlds accumulating one a%o(e another. ?ou will find infinit# in matter, in space, in mo(ement, in the num%er of nuances and shades which adorn them. +s our souls e9pand with our ideas and assimilate in a certain manner the o%&ects which the# penetrate, how much then must a man %ecome elated at ha(ing penetrated the inconcei(a%le profundities. 6 am an upstart thanks to wisdom, and #ou will reach this point too.; He arose and took up se(eral manuscripts which were on the ta%le. ;These precious %ooks, m# dear son, will ac'uaint #ou with things unknown to the rest of humanit# and which will seem ne(er to ha(e e9isted. These %ooks escaped the fire of the li%rar# of Ptolem#. The# ha(e recei(ed some damage, as #ou see! in effect, se(eral pages ha(e %een %lackened %# the fire.; ;+h well< 6t is %# the knowledge which 6 ha(e %een a%le to draw from these works that 6 ha(e the authorit# to command all the %eings who inha%it the aerial and terrestrial regions, known and unknown to man.; ;:h m# son< Prostrate #ourself %efore the -i(init#, deplore in His presence the errors of the human spirit, and promise Him to %e as (irtuous as it is possi%le for a man to %e. Guard against stud#ing moral philosoph# in the ignorant writings of the multitudes, in the schemes produced %# the heat of the imagination, %# the restlessness of the spirit, or %# the desire for cele%rit# which torments their authors. Seek guidance in those works where, ha(ing no other interest than truth or other aim than pu%lic usefulness, the# render to morals and to (irtue the homage which the# ha(e deser(ed in all times and from all peoples.; 6 listened to this good old man with an admiration mi9ed with respect! he had stopped speaking and 6 thought 6 heard him still. + sweet ma&est# reigned in all his features, and the persuasion seemed to pour from his lips like a limpid stream running down a slope to fertili.e the prairies. He noticed m# admiration which was akin to ecstac#. ;M# dear son,; he said, ;6 pardon #our astonishment. ?ou ha(e until now li(ed in the societ# of men who are corrupt, who ha(e learnt to dou%t e(er#thing and to forget the respect which one owes to Him who has %rought forth all from nothing. 5isdom for them a meaningless difficult#, %ut as #ou learn it, it will %ecome for #ou a practical (irtue. ?ou will look on it as something (er# simple, as natural to #ou as the air #ou %reathe and as necessar# to #ou for #our e9istence. ?our wounds are healing. Tomorrow 6 will commence #our education in wisdom, and 6 will gi(e #ou the first lesson. 6 am now going to m# a(iar# to feed m# prisoners.; ;5hat<;, 6 said to him. ;?our prisoners< 5ith #our philosoph# and the lo(e of humanit# which characteri.es #ou, do #ou depri(e li(ing creatures of their li%ert#@; He smiled at m# o%ser(ation. ;M# dear son, that which 6 do is necessar# to facilitate m# m#sterious operations, %ut the destin# of those su%missi(e to m# laws is perhaps sweeter than if the# en&o#ed complete li%ert#. Besides, the# ha(e ne(er known the pri.e and so cannot desire it. Tomorrow #ou will ha(e the answer to all these enigmas.; He then left me to enter the ca(e where he had led me when he showed me the chests filled with gold and precious stones. Soon he came %ack. 6 got up. He told me to approach the awning so that we could eat something %efore going to sleep. He picked up the papers that were on the ta%le. He took a seat and told me to sit %# his side. 6 o%e#ed, %ut as 6 did not see an# food, he laughingl# added that this food was not (er# su%stantial %ut that in a moment 6 would see that he had cooks and sla(es e'uall# cle(er and intelligent. He

immediatel# pronounced these words= ;+g, Gemenos, Tur, "icophanta,; and %lew three times on a ring which he had on his finger. 6mmediatel# the place was lit up %# se(en chandeliers of rock cr#stal which appeared from the (oid. "ine sla(es entered %ringing (arious (iands on golden plates and wine in (essels of the greatest richness. 6ncense %urned in tripods, and celestial music could %e heard. E(er#thing was placed on the ta%le in the most %eautiful order, and the sla(es stood to attention around us to ser(e. ;?ou see, m# son,; the good old man repeated to me, ;6 ha(e %ut to command to %e o%e#ed. Eat, ser(e #ourself, and choose what will gratif# #ou.; E(er#thing which 6 tasted was delicious. Then 6 took m# go%let, and the wine, like nectar, which had %een poured into it, its %ou'uet forefunner to its delicate taste, appealed agreea%l# to m# sense of smell. 5hen it had astonished m# pallet and 6 had relished it, it seemed as though a di(ine fire flowed through m# (eins and as if 6 had ac'uired a new e9istence. 6 looked at the sla(es who ser(ed us! the# were all in the flower of their #outh, of the greatest %eaut#, and dressed in rose silk tunics with white %elts. The# had flowing golden curls wa(ing on their shoulders. 5ith lowered e#es of respect, the# attended to the orders of their master. The old man allowed me to finish m# sur(e#, and he then followed up with= ;M# son #ou ha(e appeased #our hunger@; ;?es, m# )ather.; He raised his hand and said= :suam, Bedac, +cgos , and the sla(es hurried to remo(e all that was on the ta%le. The# went out, the chandeliers disappeared, and two %eds arranged themsel(es on each side of the apartment which was no longer lit e9cept for the lamp that cast a soft light not unlike twilight. ;There, m# dear son, is the manner in which #ou will %e ser(ed e(er# da#. ?our occupations will (ar# innumera%l# and thus will preser(e #ou from tediousness. -eli(er #ourself to sleep, 6 will do the same, and tomorrow when da# appears, 6 will keep m# word which 6 ha(e gi(en to #ou.; ;But m# )ather, the da#light will ne(er penetrate into #our a%ode! how can #ou know when %reak of da# will appear@; ;That depends on m# will, m# son! it is another surprise that 6 will arrange for #ou. 8ntil tomorrow, sleep in peace.; He e9tended his hand to me, and 6 pressed it to m# heart. He approached his %ed, la# down and soon sleep weighed down his e#es. 6 imitated him for a little while after which 6 fell asleep. Then 6 opened m# e#es the lamp had (anished, da#light lit the cham%er, and the ra#s of sun penetrated there. The old man was walking with a %ook in his hand. The mo(ement that 6 made interrupted his perusal. He looked at me smilingl#. 6 got up hurriedl# and flew into the arms he opened to me. ;M# father, 6 salute #ou.; ;?ou ha(e rested well, m# dear son,; he said, as 6 &udge %# the calm which reigns on #our countenance. ; ender homage to God who has permitted #ou to en&o# again this %eautiful da#, which lights #ou, and ere 6 initiate #ou into the m#steries of wisdom, 6 will ha(e a con(ersation with #ou on a point of m# doctrine which is necessar# for de(elopments.; He ga(e me a %ook and opening it said= ;Here is the first page and the pra#er which #ou must address to the Great Being.; +nd 6 read that which follows=

Oration of the Sages

;6mmortal, Eternal, 6neffa%le, and Sacred )ather of all things, who is carried on the chariot rolling without cease, of the worlds which rotate alwa#s. uler of the Etheric Plain where ?our throne of power is e9alted and from whose heights Th# formida%le e#es disco(er e(er#thing and ?our %eautiful and saintl# ears hear e(er#thing. Harken to ?our children whom ?ou ha(e lo(ed from their %irth through all time. Since ?our lasting, great, and eternal ma&est# shines %rightl# o(er the world and the starr# hea(ens, Thou art raised a%o(e them. :h, sparkling fire< There ?ou light and maintain ?ourself in the appropriate splendour. There comes forth from ?our %eing ne(er/failing streams of light which nourish ?our infinite spirit. This infinite spirit generates all things and makes this ine9hausti%le treasure of matter which cannot fail to procreate that which alwa#s surrounds it %ecause of the forms without num%er with which it is filled and with which ?ou ha(e filled it since the %eginning of time. )rom this spirit the (er# saintl# kings who are standing around ?our throne and who compose ?our court also draw their origin. :h, 8ni(ersal )ather< :h, 8ni'ue :ne< :h, )ather of %lissful mortals and immortals< ?ou ha(e particularl# created the powers which are mar(elousl# like ?our eternal thought and ?our adora%le essence. ?ou ha(e esta%lished them superior to the angels who announce ?our wishes to the world. )inall#, ?ou ha(e created us so(ereigns o(er the elements. :ur continued e9ertion is to praise ?ou and to adore ?our desires. 5e %urn with the desire to %e possessed of ?ou. :h, )ather< :h, Mother, the most tender of Mothers< :h, admira%le e9ample of tender sentiments of Mothers< :h, Son, the flower of all Sons< :h,

mould of all our shapes< 5ell %elo(ed spirit, soul, harmon#, and num%er of all things, we adore ?ou.; 5hen 6 had finished, he said to me= ;M# dear son, 6 ha(e spoken to #ou of the spirits that populate the firmament, the sea, the earth, and fire, that is to sa# the elements. 6 ha(e spoken to #ou of the spirits and am going to go into greater detail to e9tend the limits of #our intelligence and to gi(e #ou the means of penetrating into and understanding the sacred m#steries which will %e di(ulged to #ou.; ;5hen the uni(erse was full of life, this uni'ue son, this God/engendered, had recei(ed a spherical %od#, the most perfect of all! he was su%&ect to circular mo(ement, the simplest of all, the most suita%le to his shape. The Supreme Being sur(e#ed his work with complaisance, and ha(ing compared it with the model which He followed in his operations, He recognised with pleasure that the principal traits of the original repeated themsel(es in the cop#. He did not grant him eternit# for these two worlds could not ha(e the same perfections. He made time, the mo%ile image of immo%ile eternit#, which measures the duration of the sensi%le world as eternit# measures that of the intellectual world, and for that He left traces of his presence and his mo(ements. The Supreme Being kindled the sun and cast him with the other planets into the (ast solitude of the airs. 6t is from there that this hea(enl# %od# floods the sk# with its light.; The contri(er of all things then addressed His commandment to the spirits to whom he had entrusted the administration of the hea(enl# %odies. ;Gods, who owe #our %irth to Me, listen to M# so(ereign commands. ?ou do not ha(e the right to immortalit#! %ut #ou participate in it %# the power of M# will, more powerful than the %onds which unite the parts of which #ou are composed. 6t remains for the perfection of all this to fill with inha%itants the seas, the earth, and the airs. 6f the# should owe the da# to Me immediatel#, escape the empire of death, the# would %ecome e'ual to the gods themsel(es. 6 thus la# on #ou the care of producing them. +gents of M# power, unite to these perisha%le %odies the fa(or of immortalit# which #ou ha(e recei(ed from M# hand. Mold in particular those %eings who command other animals and who are su%missi(e to #ou! who are %orn %# #our orders! who increase %# #our good deeds, and who after their death are reunited with #ou and participate in #our happiness.; He spoke, and suddenl#, pouring into the %asin where he had kneeded the Soul of the 5orld the remainder of this Soul held in reser(e, he then fashioned the indi(idual Souls, and &oining to those of men a small portion of the -i(ine Essence, he attached to them irre(oca%le destinies. )inall#, ha(ing appointed to the inferior gods the successi(e reclothement of mortal %odies to pro(ide for and control their needs, the Supreme Being re/entered into eternal rest. The inferior gods were o%liged to emplo# the same means in de(eloping us and thus the maladies of the %od# and the e(en more dangerous ones of the soul. +ll that is good in the uni(erse in general and in man in particular deri(es from the Supreme God! all that is defecti(e comes from the (ices inherent in matter. ;The earth and the hea(ens are populated, m# dear son, with Spirits to whom the Supreme Being has confided the administration of the 8ni(erse! He has distri%uted them e(er#where nature appears to %e animated %ut principall# in those regions which stretch around and a%o(e us from the earth up to the sphere of the Moon. 6t is there where an immense authorit# is e9ercised, the# dispensing life and death, the good and the %ad, light and darkness.; ;Each nation, each indi(idual finds in these in(isi%le representati(es an ardent friend to protect him, an enem# no less ardent to pursue him. The# are clothed in an aerial %od#! their essence holds the middle %etween -i(ine "ature and nature! the# surpass us in intelligence! some of them are su%&ect to our passions, mostl# in the changes which pass them on to a superior rank. Because of their innumera%le multitude, spirits are di(ided into four classes= the first of perfect %eings whom the common herd adore and who reside in the stars! the second, those of the spirits properl# called and of whom 6 con(ersed with #ou! the third, those %eings less perfect who howe(er, render great ser(ice to humanit#! the fourth, those of our souls, after the# ha(e %een separated from the %odies which the# inha%ited. 5e ma# discern from the first three the honors which will one da# %ecome part of our nature if we culti(ate e9clusi(el# wisdom and (irtue.; ;To render #ou more sensi%le of that which 6 ha(e put forward to #ou relati(e to the spirits, 6 will gi(e #ou an account of what %efell me with those who are su%missi(e to me. $now also that the# onl# communicate to souls after a long time of preparation in meditation and pra#er. The dominion which 6 ha(e o%tained o(er m# spirit is the result of m# constanc# in the practice of the (irtues. 6n the %eginning 6 saw him onl# rarel#! one da# #ielding to m# repeated entreaties he transported me to the realm of the spirits. 1isten, m# son, to the stor# of m# (o#age.;

;The moment of departure ha(ing arri(ed, 6 felt m# soul detatch itself from the %onds which attached it to the %od#, and 6 found m#self in the middle of a new world of animated su%stances, good or malignant, %lithe or sad, prudent or careless. 5e followed them for some time, and 6 thought 6 recogni.ed some who were directing the interests of nations and those of indi(iduals, the researches of sages and the opinions of the multitude. ;Soon a woman of gigantic stature e9tended her %lack (eils o(er the (ault of the skies! and ha(ing descended slowl# to earth, she ga(e her orders to the cortege which had accompanied her. 5e glided into se(eral houses. Sleep and its ministers scattered poppies with full hands! and while silence and peace spread gentl# around (irtuous men, remorses and frightful spectres shook the %eds of the wicked with (iolence.; ;-awn and the hours open the %arriers of the da#, ; m# guide said to me. ;6t is time to rise into the air. See the tutelar# spirits of Eg#pt soaring o(er the different towns and regions which the "ile irrigates. The# dispel as much as possi%le the e(ils with which the# are menaced! ne(ertheless, their countr#side will %e de(astated %ecause the spirits en(eloped in dark clouds are ad(ancing and thundering against us! he then announced to me the arri(al of the arm# of which #ou formed a part %ecause he had knowledge of its comming.; ;:%ser(e now these assiduous agents, who, with a flight as rapid and as restless as the swallow, skim o(er the earth and cast piercing looks on all sides for greed and a(idit#! these are the inspectors of human affairs. Some spread their sweet influence o(er the mortals whom the# protect! others launch the relentless "emesis against gra(e transgressions. See these mediators, these e9pounders who rise and descend without cease! the# carr# #our pra#ers and #our offerings to the gods! the# %ring %ack to us happ# or distressing dreams and the secrets of the future which are then re(ealed to #ou %# the mouth of the oracles.; ;:h m# protector<; 6 cried suddenl#, ;here are %eings which in their stature and sinister appearance inspire terror! the# come to us.; ;)lee,; he said to me, ;the# are unhapp#, the good fortune of others irritates them, and the# spare onl# those who pass their life in sufferings and in tears.; Escaping from their fur#, we found o%&ects no less afflicting. -iscord, the detesta%le and eternal source of dissentions which torment men, marched proudl# a%o(e their heads and whispered outrage and (engeance into their hearts. 5ith timid steps and lowered e#es, the pra#ers trailed on their steps and endea(oured to recall e(er#where the calm the# had showed themsel(es. Glor# was pursued %# en(# who tore her own sides! truth %# imposture who changed its face from moment to moment! each (irtue %# se(eral (ices which carried snares or kni(es. ;)ortune appeared suddenl#.; M# guide said to me, ;?ou can speak with her.; 6 felicitated her on the gifts which she distri%uted to mortals. She told me in a serious tone that she did not gi(e %ut took a great interest. 5hile uttering these words, she soaked the flowers and fruits which she held in one hand in a poisoned cup which she held in the other. Then passed near us two powerful spirits who left long trails of light after them. The one was war and the other wisdom. M# guide told me two armies were approaching each other and were on the point of coming to %lows. 5isdom would place herself near the general whose cause was &ust and he would %e the (ictor %ecause worth must triumph. ;1et us lea(e these unhapp# spheres, ; said m# spirit. 5e leapt the limits of the sphere of darkness and death with the speed of lightning and of thought. 5e then shot a%o(e the sphere of the Moon, and we reached the regions lit %# eternal da#. ;1et us stop for an instant,; said m# guide. ;Cast #our e#es o(er the magnificent spectacle which surrounds #ou! listen to the di(ine harmon# which is produced %# the regular mo(ement of the celestial %odies! look how to each planet, each star, is attached a spirit which directs its course. These hea(enl# %odies are populated %# su%lime intelligences of a nature superior to ours.; 5ith m# e#es fi9ed on the sun, 6 contemplated with ra(ishment the spirit who with a (igorous arm pushes this scintillating glo%e on the course which he has decreed. 6 watched him cast aside with fur# the souls who endea(oured to plunge into the %oiling surges of this sphere to purif# themsel(es although the# were not worth# of this %lessing. Touched %# their misfortune, 6 %egged m# conductor to take me awa# from this sight and to lead me into the distance towards an enclosure where one could escape the ra#s of light which were too %rilliant. 6 hoped to catch a glimpse of the So(ereign of the 8ni(erse surrounded %# the assistants of His throne and of those pure %eings who our philosophers call num%ers, eternal ideas or spirits of the mortals. M# spirit told me that the So(ereign inha%its regions inaccessa%le to humans, that we should offer him our homage and descend to earth. Hardl# had he spoken when we found oursel(es in the same place from whence we had made our departure. He said to me, ;6 ha(e let #ou %ecome ac'uainted with that which no mortal has e(er %een permitted to glimpse. )rom this moment it is no longer for%idden to me

to hide an#thing from #ou.; +nd he un(eiled to me all the m#steries in which 6 will let #ou participate. To con(ince #ou of the truth of all that 6 ha(e gi(en out to #ou, #ou will see m# spirit, who will %ecome #ours since 6 ha(e adopted #ou as m# son. He will see in #ou another me. He pronounced these two words= ;$on9, :mpa9.; 6n that instant 6 saw appear a #oung man of the most %eautiful stature! the remainder of his person shone with all the charms, and on the summit of his head shone a flame of which m# e#es could not sustain the %rilliance. He said smiling at the old man= ;:les, "othos, Perius.; The old man took his hand and answered= ;Solathas, *anteur, -inanteur.; The spirit took his place %# his side. The old man noticed that the spirits light da..led m# e#es. ;5hen #ou ha(e %een initiated into the m#steries of wisdom, #ou will %e a%le to contemplate this fire without danger and e(en to stand the ra#s of the sun. 1et us %egin the initiation, let us stand.; 6 e9ecuted this order which he had gi(en as did the spirit. He placed his hand on m# head and said= ;Sina , Misas, Tanaim, :rsel, Misanthos.; + (oice which came from the ca(ern wherein were the coffers containing all the precious stones ga(e this answer= ;Tor.as, Elicanthus, :r%itau.; Hardl# had the last word %een pronounced than we found oursel(es in the most profound darkness. The fire which shone on the head of the spirit had also disappeared. ;Be without dread or fear,; the old man said. ;M# father, am 6 not with #ou@; ;?our answer pleases me, it proclaims confidence. ?ou will now test the effects of it.; He then said= ;Thomatos, Benasser, Elianter.; E(er#thing was then lit up %ut %# a seemingl# dark light, and 6 saw enter se(eral indi(iduals who took up positions around the room. ;Here are all the spirits who will %e su%ser(ient to #ou! 6 will proclaim them to #ou.; He took me %# the hand and conducted me around the room. He stopped in front of e(er# spirit and said to me, ; epeat with me= 1itau , 6.er, :snas.; 6 o%e#ed and each spirit %owed sa#ing, ;"anther.; There were thirt#/three. 5hen we had reached the last one, he told me to return to the place which 6 had occupied. Then he took a wand si9 feet in length ha(ing at one end the head of a serpent and at the other the tail. :n the wand were plates of gold the same as the head and tail on which were engra(ed the characters as illustrated in )igure C. He formed a circle %# uniting each end %# a golden chain which he passed through two links! he put it on the ground and placed himself in the center. ;5hat do #ou wish to see at this moment, m# son@; he asked me. ;The plain on which #ou found me at the point of death from pain and want,; 6 answered. Figure of the Wand stained with blood of the lamb.

These characters should be written on the wand with India ink.

He raised his hands toward hea(en and said, ;Soutram, 8%arsinens.; 6mmediatel# the spirits approached me and taking me in their arms, the# lifted me, and 6 found m#self transported to the foot of the P#ramid. 6 saw a multitude of +ra%s on horse%ack who were sur(e#ing it. +lthough 6 had not noticed him, the old man was near me en&o#ing m# astonishment. ;?ou see, m# son, how all the spirits are su%missi(e to #ou, how the# will o%e# #ou and await #our orders. -o #ou wish to return to the place which #ou left or to soar for some time in the middle of the aerial parts@ -o #ou know that #ou can see all that is happening around #ou and that #ou are (isi%le onl# to the Great Being who wishes to accord #ou wisdom and to those who accompan# #ou@; 6 testified to the desire to sur(e# the immensit#. ;Pronounce Saram while e9tending #our arms towards the east, and #ou will %e satisfied.; 6 uttered this word and made the indicated sign. The spirits lifted me up as well as the old man. 5e approached the clouds, and the (ast hori.on opened to m# enchanted e#es. The old man once again said to me= ;?ou see 6 ha(e not made (ain promises, #ou will ha(e the same success in all #our undertakings, %ut let us return to the P#ramid. The spirits await us, and we will continue our workings.; He said ; a%iam,; and (er# soon we re/entered the a%ode of the old man. 5hen we were seated, the spirits disappeared, onl# the first one remaining with us. +ll the insignia were changed, and a (er# intense light illuminated the (ault. He then formed the second Magic Circle.

Placing himself therein, the old man said to me= ;Go near #our spirit. 6 gi(e #ou permission for 6 know that #ou ha(e a pure heart, that #ou ha(e ne(er %een guilt# of an# action which would make #ou %lush. 6f that were not the case, #ou would %e struck down dead on entering this circle. Go, m# son.; 6 followed his instructions. He opened the casket where all the rings were to %e found, and drew out that one shown in )igure D as well as the talisman which he placed in m# hands.

;This one will ser(e to con&ur the celestial and infernal powers. Put the ring on #our finger and the talisman o(er #our heart, then pronounce the following words= Siras , Etar , Besanar , and #ou will percei(e the effects.; Hardl# had these words come from m# mouth than 6 saw a multitude of spirits and figures of different shapes. The spirit who was at m# side said to me= ;Command and order and #our desires will %e satisfied.; The old man added, ;M# son, the sk# and the hells are at #our orders. 6 think that at this moment #ou are not in want of an#thing! therefore, if #ou %elie(e me, put off until later pro(ing the 6ntelligence and acti(it# of these spirits. To make them disappear, remo(e the ring from #our finger and the talisman from the place which it occupies, and the# will return to their sphere.; 6 did that which he ordered me to do, and the# all went like a dream. ;There remain man# things for me to teach #ou to make #ou at ease with these rings and talismans. This instruction will %e the o%&ect of (er# important work which we shall do together with the help of our spirit. 1et us follow the course of our e9periences. Sta# where #ou are.; He ga(e me another ring and talisman.

These characters should be engraved on the inside of the ring. ;These two precious o%&ects, m# son, are destined to make #ou lo(ed %# the most %eautiful portion of the human race. There is not a woman who would not %e happ# to please #ou and who would not emplo# all possi%le means to %e successful at it. -o #ou wish the most %eautiful odalis'ue of the Grand Caliph should %e %rought %efore #ou in an instant@ Put the ring on the second finger of #our left hand, press the talisman against #our lips, and sa# tenderl# in a whisper= o "ades, Suradis, Manier.; Suddenl# a spirit with rose/coloured wings appeared! he placed himself on his knees %efore me. ;He awaits #our orders,; the old man said. ;Sa# to him= Sader, Prostas, Solaster.; 6 repeated these words, and the spirit (anished. ;He is going to tra(erse an immense space with the rapidit# of thought, and the most %eautiful forms will appear %efore #our e#es and will ser(e as a model to paint those houris which our -i(ine Prophet promises to his faithful ser(ants. : m# son, how %lessed #ou are! not e(er# mortal o%tains from the Great Spirit such fa(ours as 6 can see %# the speed with which #our wishes are e9ecuted.; He had finished speaking when the spirit with the rose/coloured wings arri(ed carr#ing in his arms a woman en(eloped in a large white (eil. She seemed to %e asleep, and he placed her gentl# on a couch which appeared near me. He raised the (eil which hid her. "e(er had an#thing so %eautiful %een offered to m# e#es! she was 7enus with all the charms of innocence. She sighed and opened the most %eautiful e#es in the world which came to rest on me 4 6n a most harmonious (oice she uttered a cr# of surprise sa#ing, ;6t is he.; The old man told me to approach the %eaut#, place a knee on the ground, for it is thus that one should speak to her, and to take her hand. 6 o%e#ed, and the di(init# to whom 6 addressed m# homage said to me= ;6 ha(e seen thee in a dream, and the realit# thereof makes thee more dear to m# heart. 6 prefer #ou to the Sultan who for a long time has fatigued me with his homage.; ;That is enough,; said the old man, and he said forcefull#, ;Mammes 1aher.; )our sla(es appeared to remo(e the couch and she who had made such a (i(id impression on m# heart. The old man noticed m# emotion and the pain which resulted from her departure. He said to me, ;?ou will see her again. 8nderstand that in order to possess wisdom, it is necessar# to know how to resist the allurements of (oluptuousness.; His words made me come to m#self, and 6 said to him, ;Pardon, m# father, %ut #ou ha(e seen her, that is m# e9cuse.;

6 replaced the ring and the talisman in the casket, and he ga(e me.

These characters should be engraved on the inside of the ring. ;This talisman and this ring are not less (alua%le. The# will ena%le #ou to disco(er all the treasures which e9ist and to ensure #ou the possession of them. Place the ring on the second finger of #our right hand, enclose the talisman with the thum% and little finger of #our left hand, and sa#, :naim, Perantes, asonastos. ; 6 repeated these three words, and se(en spirits of a %ron.e colour appeared, each carr#ing a large hide %ag which the# emptied at m# feet. The# contained gold coins which rolled in the middle of the hail where we were. 6 had not noticed that one of the spirits had on his shoulder a %lack %ird, its head co(ered with a kind of hood. ;6t is this %ird,; the old man said to me, ;who has made them find all this treasure. -o not think that these are some of what #ou ha(e seen here. ?ou can assure #ourself of this.; 6 replied, ;?ou are for me the truth itself. M# father< -o #ou %elie(e that 6 would insult #ou %# dou%ting@; He made a sign, and the spirits replaced the gold in the %ags and disappeared. ;?ou see, m# son, what the (irtues of these talismans and rings are. 5hen #ou know them all, #ou will %e a%le, without m# aid, to perform such miracles as #ou &udge proper. eplace in the casket those of which #ou ha(e made proof, and take this one.;

These characters should be engraved on the inside of the ring. ;The# will ena%le #ou to disco(er the most hidden secrets! #ou will %e a%le to penetrate e(er#where without %eing seen, and not a single word in the uni(erse can %e uttered without it coming to #our ears, whether #ou wish to listen to it #ourself or to ha(e it %rought %ack to us %# #our agents when #ou order them to do so. To pro(e it to #ou, repeat these words and place the talisman near #our ear while #ou hold the ring tightl# in #our left hand= "itrae, adou, Sunandam.; 6 distinctl# heard a (oice which said to me= ;The Grand Mogul has decided in his pri(ate council that he must declare war on the Emperor of China.; +nother (oice said to me= ;+ll is rumour in Constantinople. 1ast night the Sultana was carried off, and the Grand Sultan is in despair. He has had all the eunuchs thrown into the sea after ha(ing had them %eheaded.; ;:h Hea(ens< 5hat mischief 6 ha(e done without wishing it,; 6 cried in pain. ;5ell, m# son,; the old man said, ;it is a lesson for #ou to learn / not to %e ensla(ed %# #our passions and to know how to cur% them. This is enough for toda#, tomorrow we will continue.; The ne9t da# we followed the course of our m#sterious operations. The spirit had not left us. ;?ou see, m# son,; said the old man, ;that e(er#thing %ecomes eas# with confidence and a pure soul without stain.; He opened the casket and took from it the talisman and ring.

These magical characters should be engraved on the inside of the ring. 5hen he had placed them in m# hands, he pronounced two words, which 6 will teach #ou. ;Place this ring on the little finger of #our left hand and the talisman to #our right ear, and the most discreet man will di(ulge to #ou his most hidden thoughts. Here are the two words= "octar, ai%an , and if #ou add a third word, which is Biranther , #our greatest enemies will not %e a%le to pre(ent themsel(es from loudl# pu%lishing their pro&ects against #ou. 6n order to con(ince #ou, 6 am going to ha(e appear %efore #ou one of the Be#s of Cairo, and he will impart to #ou all of his schemes against the )rench.; He then said ; "ocdar ,; to the spirit who then (anished like lightening. + 'uarter of an hour after he returned with the Be# who said= ;5e ha(e made a treat# of alliance with the English, and the armistice concluded with the )rench will %e %roken without warning.; He disappeared with the spirit after the old man had said= ;*elander. The Mufti of the Grand Mos'ue will appear %efore #our e#es and show #ou a manuscript of a work which he has composed and which he has refused to show to his %est friends, e(en the Grand 7isir.; 6 did that which has pre(iousl# %een indicated, and (er# soon the Mufti appeared and placing his manuscript on the ta%le, he said to me= ; Tonas , *ugar,; which means in the language of the magi= read and %elie(e. The old man looked at him affectionatel#! he ga(e him his hand pronounced with sweetness and e9pression, o Solem . The Mufti, after %owing, disappeared. ; eturn the talisman and the ring to me,; the old man said, ;and take this.;

Characters to be engraved on the inside of the ring. ;6t will ser(e to acti(ate as man# spirits as #ou wish to undertake or to stop operations which would %e contrar# to #ou. The magic words are= *orami, *aitu9, Elastot . 5e will not at this moment make an# e9periments! tomorrow we will go to the shores of the "ile and we will ha(e constructed a %ridge of a single arch on which we shall pass to the other side of the ri(er. ;Here is the ne9t talisman and its ring.;

These characters should be engraved on the inside of the ring. The# ha(e the propert# of destro#ing e(er#thing, of commanding the elements, of calling down the thunder, hail, the stars, earth'uakes, hurricanes, water spouts on land and sea, and of preser(ing our friends from all accidents. Here are the words which one must pronounce Athe num%ers indicate each thing that #ou wish to operateB= first, #ou pronounce= -itau / first, Hurandos / second, idas, Talimol / third, +trosis, "arpida / fourth, 8usur, 6tar / fifth, Hispen, Tromador / si9th, Paranthes, Histanos. ;The talisman and the ring A%elowB will make #ou in(isi%le to all e#es, e(en those of the spirits. :nl# the Great Being could %e witness to #our steps and #our actions. ?ou will penetrate e(er#where into the %osom of the seas, into the %owels of the earth, #ou can likewise sur(e# the airs, and no action of men can %e hidden from #ou. Sa# onl#= ;Benatir, Cararkau, -edos, Etinarmi.;

Characters to be engraved on the inside of the ring. 6 repeated these four words, and through the walls of the P#ramid 6 saw two +ra%s who were on the plain and who were profiting %# the o%scurit# to ransack a tom% where the# hoped to find something of (alue. ;?ou will %e a%le, when #ou wish, to pro(e the other things which 6 will ha(e taught #ou, it will onl# %e necessar# to place the ring successi(el# on the different fingers of the right hand. ;The talisman and ring A%elowB will ser(e to transport #ou into whate(er part of the world #ou &udge appropriate without running an# danger. Sa# merel# these words= aditus, Polastrien , Terpandu, :strata, Pericatur, Ermas . But 6 hope that #ou will not make use of these means to lea(e me without m# consent. Promise it to me.; ;M# father, 6 swear to it.;

Characters to be engraved on the inside of the ring. ;5ith the talisman and the ring A%elowB #ou will %e a%le to open all locks, no matter what secrets ha(e %een emplo#ed to shut them! #ou will not need a ke#. Simpl# %# touching them with the ring and pronouncing these three words= Saritap , Perniso9 , :ttarim , the# will open of themsel(es without difficult#. Make proof of this on the spot, m# son,; the old man told me. ;Close the casket which #ou see on that ta%le.; 6 did this, and after ha(ing assured m#self that nothing could open it %ut the ke#, 6 touched it with the ring and pronounced the magic words, and it opened of its own accord. ;6t will %e the same,; added the old man, ;with all the doors of prisons, fortified castles, where the# might lock #ou up.

Characters to be engraved on the inside of the ring. ;5ith the talisman and ring A%elowB, #ou will %e a%le to see what takes place in all houses without %eing o%liged to enter them! #ou will %e a%le to read the thoughts of e(er#one whom #ou approach and with whom #ou find #ourself, and #ou will %e a%le to render them ser(ice or do them in&ur# as #ou wish. 6t will %e sufficient to place the talisman on #our head and then to %low on the ring sa#ing= o Tarot, "i.ael, Estarnas, Tantare. these words are for knowing the thoughts of people.

Characters to be engraved on the inside of the ring. ;6n order to render ser(ice to those who deser(e it, #ou sa#= "ista, Saper, 7isnos , and the# will immediatel# en&o# all sorts of prosperities. ;To punish the wicked and #our enemies, #ou will sa#= Eatros, "ifer, o9as, ortos , and the# will at once suffer punishment and frightful torment. 5hat #ou ha(e alread# seen should pro(e to #ou that 6 ha(e ad(anced nothing which cannot %e realised! therefore it is useless to make proof thereof. ;The talisman and the ring A%elowB will ser(e #ou to destro# all the pro&ects which could %e made against #ou, and if an# spirit wished to oppose #our wishes, #ou could force him to su%mit to #ou. Place the talisman on a ta%le under #our left hand and with the ring on the second finger of the right hand, #ou sa# in a %ass (oice, while inclining #our head= ;Senapos, Terfita, Estamos, Perfiter, "otarin.;

Characters to be engraved on the inside of the ring. ;The talisman and ring A%elowB ha(e a propert# as e9traordinar# as agreea%le! the# will gi(e #ou all the (irtues, all the talents, and the inclination to do good %# changing all su%stances which are of a %ad 'ualit# and rendering them e9cellent. )or the first o%&ect, while ele(ating the talisman and with the ring placed on the first &oint of the third finger of the left hand, it is sufficient to pronounce these words= Turan, Estonos, )u.a . )or the second operation #ou sa#= ;7a.otas, Testanar,; and #ou will see operate the wonder which 6 ha(e proclaimed to #ou.

Characters to be engraved on the inside of the ring. ;The talisman and the ring A%elowB will assist #ou to know all the minerals and (egeta%les, their (irtues and properties, and #ou will possess the uni(ersal medicine. There is no illness that #ou will not %e a%le to cure and no cure that #ou will undertake without success. +esculapius and Hippocrates will onl# %e no(ices compared to #ou. ?ou pronounce onl# these words= eterrem, Sali%at, Cratares , Hisater, and when #ou are near a sick person #ou will carr# thet talisman on the stomach and the ring with a St. +ndrew,s Cross around #our neck on a ri%%on the colour of fire.;

Characters to be engraved on the inside of the ring ;The talisman and the ring A%elowB will keep #ou safe in the midst of the most ferocious animals, to su%due them to #our will, to know %# their different cries what the# want as the# ha(e a language among themsel(es. Mad animals will keep at a distance from #ou, and #ou will make them perish forthwith %# pronouncing the words which 6 am going to indicate to #ou. )or the first operation it is sufficient to sa#= ;Hocatos, 6morad , Surater, Markila.; )or the second= ;Trumantrem , icona, Estupit, :9a.;

Characters to be engraved on the inside of the ring. The talisman and ring A%elowB will ena%le #ou to know the good or %ad intentions of all the indi(iduals whom #ou will meet to guarantee #ou of it and to impress on their face a mark which will %e noticed %# e(er#one. 6t is sufficient to pronounce these m#sterious words, while placing the talisman on #our heart and the ring on the little finger of #our right hand. ?ou will then sa#= ;Crostes, )urinot, $atipa, Garinos.;

Characters to be engraved on the inside of the ring. ;The talisman and the ring A%elowB will gi(e #ou all talents and a profound understanding of all the arts so that #ou can perform with as much %rilliance as the greatest masters and foremost artists. 6t is sufficient to carr# the talisman and the ring in a manner #ou &udge suita%le while pronouncing these se(en words= itas, :nalun, Tersorit, :m%as , Serpitas, Fuitathar, *amarath while adding afterwards the name of the art or the talent which #ou wish to possess.

Characters to be engraved on the inside of the ring. ;The talisman and the ring A%elowB will help #ou to win at lotteries and to make certain when pla#ing a game that #ou will o%tain the fortune of #our ad(ersaries. ?ou will place the talisman on #our left arm, ad&usting it with a white ri%%on, and the ring on the little finger of #our right hand! then #ou will sa# these words= okes for a selection, Pilatus for a com%ination of two num%ers, *otas for dice, Tulitas for four winning num%ers, Eatanitos for fi(e winning num%ers. Be sure to pronounce all the words when #ou are on a 'uine, and for a card game #ou will pronounce them each time the cards are shuffled, if it is #ou or #our partner, and %efore commencing #ou will touch #our left arm on the spot where the talisman is to %e found with #our right hand, and #ou will kiss #our ring. +ll this must %e done without drawing the attention of #our ad(ersar#.

Characters to be engraved on the inside of the ring. ;The talisman and the ring A%elowB will ena%le #ou to direct all the infernal powers against #our enemies or against those who would in&ure #our friends. ?ou will carr# it in a manner which #ou consider suita%le and pronounce merel# these three words= :sthariman, 7isantiparos, "octatur .

Characters to be engraved on the inside of the ring. The talisman and the ring A%elowB will ser(e #ou to recognise what the infernal powers wish to undertake, and #ou can a%ort all their pro&ects %# placing the talisman on #our chest and the ring on the first &oint of the little finger of the left hand. ?ou pronounce these words= ;+ctatos, Catipta, Be&ouran, 6tapan, Marnutus.;

Characters to be engraved on the inside of the ring. Composition of the Talismans and the Rings ;+s it is possi%le that #ou ha(e not had the means of making talismans and rings similar to mine,; the old man said to me, ;#ou will make them up in the manner which 6 will indicate. $now that the rings are of %ron.ed steel with the characters engra(ed thereon. The talismans should %e made of silk cloth in the dimensions of the figures. )irst= 5hite satin em%roidered in gold. Second= ed satin em%roidered in sil(er. Third= Sk#/%lue satin em%roidered in sil(er. )ourth= Black satin em%roidered in sil(er. )ifth= Green satin em%roidered in gold. Sisth= 7iolet satin em%roidered in sil(er. Se(enth= Golden/#ellow satin em%roidered in gold. Eighth= 1ilac satin with shaded silk. "inth= Popp#/red satin em%roidered in sil(er. Tenth= ?ellow satin em%roidered in %lack silk. Ele(enth= Puce satin em%roidered in gold. Twelfth= -ark %lue satin em%roidered in sil(er. Thirteenth= Pale gre# satin em%roidered in gold. )ourteenth= ose satin em%roidered in sil(er. )ifteenth= Golden/#ellow satin em%roidered in sil(er. Si9teenth= :range satin em%roidered in sil(er. Se(enteenth= -ark green satin em%roidered in gold. Eighteenth= Black satin em%roidered in gold. "ineteenth= 5hite satin em%roidered in %lack silk. Twentieth= Cherr# satin em%roidered in sil(er. Twent#/first= Gre#/5hite satin, shaded.

Twent#/second= ed satin, em%roidered in the middle with gold, the %order in sil(er, and the signs in %lack and white silk. The old man, after ha(ing gi(en me this information, replaced all the talismans and rings in the casket. The spirit who was at m# side closed it arid ga(e him the ke#. The old man said to me= ;+ll the wonders which ha(e %een performed in front of #ou, m# dear son, ought not to lea(e an# dou%t of the Power and (irtue of these talismans and rings. 6f #ou ha(e not e9perienced an# o%stacle in #our enterprises, it is %ecause #our heart is pure, that #our soul is without stain, and that (irtue, pro%it#, and honour will alwa#s %e dear to #ou. + man who had the least reproach to make to himself, who had destro#ed the good of others, or who had onl# the intention of so doing, would not %e a%le to participate in our m#steries. 6n (ain would he ha(e in his possession all that #ou see, our magical language known to him. The celestial powers / aerial, infernal, terrestrial, and those of the oceans and fire / would re%el against him. +ll that he wished to undertake would turn to his shame and his confusion, and at each in(ocation which he might make, the powers that he implored for help and inter(ention would answer him= enounce th# pro&ects. Thou art guilt#. Before commanding us, purif# th#self, e9piate th# faults. ;6f after these emanations he continued to con&ure the powers, he would finish %# %eing punished and would without fail lose his life. emem%er then, m# dear son, that all is possi%le with (irtue and that not one fault will remain unpunished. There are still two pra#ers which #ou must %e careful to recite %efore and after each con&uration that #ou wish to do; / here the# are= First ra!er The Celestial )ire a%o(e is an incorrupta%le flame, alwa#s scintillating, the source of life, fountain of all the Beings, and principle of all things. This flame produces all and nothing perishes e9cept which it consumes= it makes itself known %# it/self. This fire cannot %e contained in an# place! it is without %od# or matter. 6t encompasses the skies, and from it emanates a little spark which makes all fire of the Sun, of the Moon, and the Stars. That is what 6 know of God= do not tr# to know more %ecause that is %e#ond #ou, such &udge as thou art. Moreo(er, know that the un&ust or wicked man can/not hide himself in front of God! no address or an# e9cuse can disguise an#thing from his piercing e#es. +ll is clear to God= God is e(er#where. Second ra!er There is in God as immense profundit# of flame! the heart ought not, howe(er, to fear to touch or to %e touched %# this adora%le fire! it will not %e consumed %# this sweet fire, whose tran'uil and perisha%le heat makes the union, harmon#, and duration of the world. "othing e9ists e9cept %# this fire which is God. "o one has engendered it! it is without mother, it knows all, and no one is a%le to know an#thing of it. 6t is immo(a%le in its pro&ects and its name is ineffa%le. Here then is that which is God! %ecause for us, who are his messengers, we are %ut a small part of God. ;?ou see, m# son, that all the instructions that 6 gi(e #ou ha(e as a %asis the respect which one owes to God, 5ho is the principle of all things and 5hose ineffa%le and limitless goodness fills us to the %rim each da# with all His goodness, when we render oursel(es worth# of it %# our respect and our su%mission to His will and His immuta%le decree.; The old man after these short reflections said to me= ;?ou ha(e no dou%t noticed, m# son, that 6 ha(e spoken to #ou a%out the %irds to whom 6 was going to gi(e food, and #ou ha(e seen spirits who had one with them! when the pieces of gold were deposited at #our feet, it was these %irds who ena%led them to disco(er it %# their instinct and %# the magical and ca%alistic words which one pronounced. To procure these %irds there are difficulties without num%er that one must con'uer, and the profane, those who are not initiated into our m#steries, make useless efforts to o%tain them. 6t is of the mar(elous Black Hen that 6 am going to con(erse with #ou. The great :romasis, father of *oroaster, was the first who possessed one! it is from him that 6 possess the secret of calling them into e9istence, and here is the manuscript in which is contained the manner of hatching these %irds who are as rare as precious.; He opened for me at the same time this manuscript whose co(er was a thin plate of gold co(ered with diamonds, ru%ies, topa.es and sapphires whose %rilliance it was impossi%le to %ear. The paper was of a da..ling whiteness, and the hierogl#phic characters were traced %# hand in rose/coloured ink. ;6 will teach #ou to read in this %ook as 6 can,; he said to me, ;%ut let us occup# oursel(es with the wa# to hatch the Black Hen and to procure the eggs which she will come forth.; He took se(eral pieces of aromatic woods such as aloes, cedar, or lemon, laurel, some root of 6ris, and some roses whose petals had %een dried in the sun. He put the lot in a chafing dish of gold. poured on top thereof %alsamic oil of the purest essence, transparent gum, and ha(ing pronounced the words= ;+thas, Solinam, Erminatos, Pasaim,; the sun light penetrated

the (ault. He placed a glass on the chafing dish. +t the same moment that the sun struck the glass, the perfumes and pieces of odorous wood which were in the dish %urst into flame, the glass li'uified, and an agreea%le odor was diffused in the (ault. 7er# soon nothing was left %ut cinders. The old man, who had not ceased to watch with the greatest attention, took a golden egg which %een in a %lack (el(et %ag and which 6 had not noticed. He opened this egg, closed the %urning cinders therein, and placed it then on a %lack cushion. He co(ered it with a faceted rock cr#stal %ell! then, raising his e#es and his arms toward the (ault, he cried= ;o Sanataper , 6smai, "ontapilus, Erti(aler , Canopistus.; The sun seemed to dart its ra#s on this %ell with still greater force and (iolence. The %ell %ecame the colour of fire, the golden egg disappeared %efore m# e#es, a thin (apour rose in the air, and 6 saw a little %lack pullet which stirred, got to its feet and clucked faintl#. The old man e9tended one of his fingers to it, and it placed itself thereon. He then pronounced these two words= Binusas, Testipas , and the winged creature glided onto his %reast. ;There,; said the old man, ;is the manner of procuring a Black Hen. 6n a few da#s it will %e of ordinar# si.e, and 6 will instruct it in front of #ou. ?ou will see the instinct of this animal to disco(er the most hidden treasures and that the smallest particle of gold cannot escape it. 1et us gi(e thanks to the Great Being who has permitted us to penetrate these m#steries and to perform such prodigies and mar(els. 5e will sa# together the two pra#ers recounted further %ack.; +fter ha(ing fulfilled this dut#, he said to me, ;M# son, this is enough. 5e will take a little rest.; The sun had shone on us for some time. 6t disappeared, and its light was replaced %# that of se(eral chandeliers. The spirit, who had not left us, took a l#re, and accompan#ing himself he sang in the language of the magicians of the Eternal Power and the mar(els of nature. The old man listened with attention to the accents of the spirit. )or m#self 6 was enchanted, arid he smiled in o%ser(ing me. ;This is enough,; he said to the spirit. ;Before deli(ering oursel(es to rest, 6 wish to show #ou the means of ha(ing a Black Hen without ha(ing recourse to those which 6 ha(e used, for it would %e difficult to o%tain the perfumes and the other materials which 6 placed in the chaffing/dish if others than #ou or 6 wished to perform this great work. But if someda# #ou find someone who is worth# of %eing initiated, here is the means which #ou should emplo#. Take an egg which #ou will e9pose at noon to the gleams of the sun, o%ser(ing that it has not the least stain. Then #ou choose a hen as %lack as possi%le! if it has an# feathers of another colour, #ou will pull them out. ?ou will co(er its head with a hood of %lack material in such a manner that it can/not distinguish an#thing. ?ou will allow it the use of it ;s %eak. Enclose it in a %o9 lined also with %lack material, %ig enough to contain it, and place that in a room where da#light cannot penetrate. Be careful to %ring it food onl# at night. 5hen all these indispensi%le precautions ha(e %een taken, #ou will gi(e it the egg to sit on, taking care that it is not distur%ed %# an# noise. 6t all depends on the %lackness of this hen, its imagination will %e impressed with it, and at the proper time #ou will see hatched a hen which is completel# %lack. But 6 repeat to #ou, is necessar# that those who perform this shall %e worth# %# their wisdom and (irtue to participate in these sacred and di(ine m#steries. )or, if we are not a%le to read the hearts of men, it is not the same with the Great Spirit! all is known to him and he penetrates our most secret intentions and our most hidden thoughts. 6t is after that that He accords or refuses to us His fa(ours and His gifts. ;:ur sitting has %een so long,; he added, ;that 5e must take some food %efore deli(ering oursel(es to rest.; He clapped his hands three times, and the Sla(es, the spirits who had pre(iousl# appeared, offered themsel(es again to m# attention, and in an instant we had all the (iands that could satisf# taste aroma, and the e#es. The meal was (er# ga#! the old man annimated it %# his sallies. The spirit was also of the part#. 6 was as inspired, and 6 &oined the con(ersation. +t last sleep weighed down our e#es, and we left the ta%le to taste its sweetness. The most agreea%le dreams lulled me with their cheerful images, and when 6 awoke da#light lit up our a%ode. 6 did not see the old man or the spirit. 6 thought that the# had gone out, and 6 a%andoned m#self to m# reflections. The present assures me of the future, nothing could make me an9ious. 6f fortune gi(es happiness, 6 said to m#self, who will %e happier than 6. 6 cannot see an# wish which will not %e accomplished at once! m# lot would %e en(ied if it were known %# the remainder of men. 6 want to %e a%le to return to m# countr# soon. +s 6 followed up this idea, 6 heard a slight noise and saw the old man enter followed %# the spirit. The# approached me, %oth took me %# the hand, and 6 left m# %ed of rest at once. ;?ou ha(e rested well, m# dear son,; the old man said. ;-uring #our sleep 6 went out with the spirit to (isit m# %irds, and 6 am going to make #ou ac'uainted with their talents. +t the same instant he touched a spring which was in the wall, a section opened, and se(en %lack

%irds which 6 recognised as hens were %rought in in a cage %# two %lack sla(es. ;These animals ha(e a mar(elous instinct for finding gold. ?ou will %e the &udge.; He placed se(eral pieces of gold under the cushions, in the cre(ices of walls under the folds of his tur%an, then said to the sla(es= ;Tourna%os, )ati(os, +lma%isos.; The# opened the cage, unco(ered the heads of the %irds, and the hens came out and flew immediatel# in the different places where the gold was hidden. The# picked up the pieces in their %eaks and deposited them at the feet of the old man. He took these %irds one after the other and carressed them. He said to me= ;?ou see how tame the# are! we will go out for a while on the plain! 6 ha(e placed in the sand se(eral pieces of gold. 5e will release our %irds, and soon the# will ha(e disco(ered the treasure.; He made a sign to the sla(es who reclosed the %irds in the cage we departed. +s soon as we had come out of the P#ramid for a%out fi(e hundred paces onto the plain, he released the %irds. The# went a few paces! soon it seemed that their instinct indicated to them where the treasure was to %e found. The# flew in that direction, and all se(en of them started scratching. The# soon disco(ered the sacks, and one of them started to cackle! we approached and saw the sacks which the old man had hidden. 6 could not pre(ent m#self from showing m# surprise. ;M# son, #ou see that all is possi%le with the aid of God and his powerful protection.; 5e took the sacks and re/entered the P#ramid. He had the %irds reenclosed with the same precautions as were taken to let them out. He then said to me= ;1et us see what condition m# new/%orn is in.; He opened a little %o9 lined with down in which he had enclosed it, and alread# feathers were %eginning to appear. ;+ few more da#s,; he said, ;and it will %e a%le to recei(e the first lessons. He replaced the %o9 in its place. ;Since we ha(e %een together,; said the old man, ;we ha(e not gone out! we will make a little e9cursion into the countr# and wear the costume of the localit#.; The spirit co(ered his head with a tur%an and dressed completel# like a Turk. 6 did the same, and we prepared to depart. Before lea(ing 6 saw the old man take a talisman and a ring. 6 remarked on it, and he told me that perhaps it might %e necessar# for us and that precaution was the mother of securit#. 5e then went our wa# and walked 'uietl# for some time. The old man spoke to us of the changes which took place in the world from time to time, of the re(olution of the stars and the planets. He seemed to gi(e notice to us and to fore/shadow things which would follow. +ll of a sudden a horde of +ra%s pounced upon us with raised swords. The old man looked at them without fright, and he raised his hand! the %rigands stopped. He pronounced the words prescri%ed for the talisman A)igure "o. C4B and we %ecame in(isi%le. The astonished +ra%s looked on all sides without seeing us. 6t is impossi%le to paint a picture of the astonishment of these (illains. Their chief appeared astounded. The old man smiled. He pronounced the word "atarter in a loud (oice, and the# took flight with lightening rapidit#. ;Be calm,; said the old man. ;)or a long time the# will not dare to appear in this territor#.; 5e continued walking for some time. The time passed with an e9traordinar# rapidit#! the con(ersation of the old man was so (aried, so instructi(e, that it was impossi%le to listen to him without %eing charmed %# all that he said. ;1et us return to our a%ode.; +fter ha(ing pronounced these words, he looked at the sun and cried= ;Brilliant star, image of the -i(init#, thou who (i(ifies the earth and gi(es life to nature, recei(e m# homage! ma# 6 ere 6 lea(e the earth constantl# en&o# th# light.; ;5hat has gi(en %irth to these som%er ideas,; 6 immediatel# cried. ;5h# do #ou think of lea(ing earth@; ;+h, m# son< Each da# which passes, each that we take leads us towards the tom%. 1uck# is the &ust man who can go to sleep in peace in the care of God to en&o# thereafter the rewards promised to (irtue. +lso, m# son, do #ou %elie(e that 6 do not concern m#self with m# last hour@ +t m# age it is permitted to think of it, and 6 ha(e alwa#s li(ed in a manner so as to %e a%le to die without fear. 6 am G24 #ears old, and 6 ha(e seen man# things pass! 6 will pass also when m# turn comes. +nd now enough of this matter. 6 see that 6 trou%le #ou, and that is not m# intention. 1et us talk of other things.@ ;The talisman and ring will furnish #ou with the means to win at lotteries. 6 wish also to indicate to #ou an infalli%le calculation to o%tain the same ad(antages. 6t is reall# (er# simple. ?ou take a game of pi'uet composed of thirt#/two cards. ?ou shuffle them, cut and e9tract nineteen cards one after the other commencing with that which is underneath. Take their num%ers= know, the ace is CC, the king 3, the 'ueen D, the kna(e G, and the other cards their numerical (alue. +dd up the total. Then add the D4 or DC da#s of the month in which #ou find #ourself, #our age, the da# of #our %irth, that is to sa#, the first, second or third or such other da#, and a date when #ou ha(e pro(ed something happ# or agreea%le= #ou add all these num%ers, #ou take a third of it, and #ou place in the lotter# the num%ers which this addition has gi(en #ou. ?ou can %e certain that these num%ers will come out in totalit# or in part on the different wheels. )or instance, if #ou find the num%ers CD, HG, 2D,

#ou can take again DC, GH, D2, and the unities. This calculation is infalli%le. ?ou can con(ince #ourself. The num%er D4 is pri(iledged, and it is from this that all is calculated for D times D4 makes I4! it is from this that one does not wish to e9ceed this num%er in the lotter#. 6t is the same with all games. ;The num%ers which ha(e D for a root are the most fortunate! odd is all. God, after ha(ing created the world and %eing occupied for si9 da#s in esta%lishing the admira%le order which e9ists, rested on the se(enth, which is odd. 1et us take God as an e9ample and a model in all that we do and we will %e assured in all that we undertake. ?ou ha(e noticed, m# son, that odd num%ers are the %asis of all the m#sterious operations into which 6 ha(e initiated #ou.; 5e continued our route and arri(ed at the P#ramid. He opened the door, and we went down. +rri(ing in the hall, we sat down on a sofa which faced the ta%le on which was the casket of the tasilmans. The old man replaced the one which had ser(ed to clear awa# the +ra%s, and we remained in silence for some time. The old man appeared tired. He reclined on the and soon he was asleep. 6 cast m# e#es on his (enera%le figure, and 6 admired his serenit#, Calmness spread o(er all his features. 6 remarked a%out this to the spirit who told me= ;6t is the image of his soul. 6 ha(e o%e#ed him for more than a centur#. ?ou cannot ha(e an# idea of his (irtue, of his wisdom, of his goodness. His da#s are numerous, and all are marked %# some good deed, of the unhapp# he has rescued without their e(er knowing who the %eing was who came to their help. 6f the eternal Soul who has created all should take the figure of a mortal, it is his which He would %orrow. 6s not the &ust man in effect the image of God on earth@ Man# ha(e taken title, %ut how man# ha(e usurped it and merited little.; +fter ha(ing pronounced these words, the spirit got up, knelt on the ground near the old man, and raising his hands and e#es towards hea(en, said in a solemn tone which awed me= ;Eternal Spirit, 5ho hears me and 5ho reads heart, prolong the life of this (irtuous man. Ensure that he adorns %# his presence for a long time to come the earth which ?ou enrich with Th# gifts, unless ?ou ha(e reser(ed for him near Thee a reward worth# of him.; The sentiments with which he e9pressed these words keenl# mo(ed me. Tears wet m# e#es, and 6 fell on m# knees as he had. The old man awoke at this moment, and casting his e#es on us, he said to us with a smile, ;5hat are #ou doing, m# children@; 6 answered that we were pra#ing to the Great Being to conser(e our father for us. ;M# good friends,; answered the old man, ;our life has a term set %# Pro(idence which we cannot e9tend= e(er#thing %egins, e(er#thing must end! God alone is eternal. The onl# thing which can sur(i(e us is the memor# of our (irtues and the good e9amples which we ha(e set. 5hile like (o#agers we can percei(e the course of our destin# and what good or e(il we ha(e done as we ha(e %een more or less the sla(es of our passions, happ# is he who has %een a%le to command himself and to distinguish the happiness which is praiseworth# from what is not. )or m#self, 6 ha(e %een happ# enough! 6 made the distinction in the springtime of m# life, and in the winter 6 taste the sweetness. 6 shall soon return into the %osom of Him who has created me! a dream announced it to me in m# sleep. 6n a few hours m# soul will lea(e its mortal remains and will rise towards the celestial regions.; ;:h hea(ens< m# father,; 6 cried, ;what do #ou announce@; ;5hat #ou must await like m#self, m# dear son %ut 6 %less m# departure since 6 ha(e the consolation in d#ing of lea(ing m# heritage to a man who is deser(ing, who lo(es (irtue, who practices it, and who will ne(er step aside from it. 6 will inform #ou of m# last wishes, and #ou will e9ecute them punctuall# if #ou lo(e me and if #ou are grateful.; ;:h m# father<; 6 cried, ;can #ou dou%t it@; ;"o, m# dear son, 6 do not dou%t at all. "ow listen to me. +ll these treasures, all the &ewels enclosed in this su%terranean apartment, also the talismans and the rings, the sla(es, and the %irds which #ou ha(e seen are #ours. To #ou :dous,; he said to the spirit, ;6 cannot do more than pronounce all m# tenderness for one whom 6 ha(e found worth# to succeed me. 1o(e him, ser(e him as #ou would me, and from the Celestial Sphere to which 6 shall soon arise, 6 will watch o(er #ou.; He clapped his hands and all the sla(es appeared. ;Here is #our master,; he said to them. ;Be o%edient to him, 6 order #ou.; The# all came and prostrated themsel(es at m# feet. ;E9tend #our hand o(er them as a sign of domination,; the old man said to me. 6 o%e#ed. The# arose, and the old man ;s ha(ing made a sign, the# disappeared. He added, ;Take the gold urn which #ou will find in the ca%inet on the right and place it on the ta%le. 5hen 6 no longer e9ist, place m# %od# in the middle of this cham%er. Take the aromatic woods, which #ou will find near the coffers filled with gold, and surround me with them. +fter ha(ing poured o(er the p#re the li'uid enclosed in the (ase suspended from the roof, #ou will use the talisman with which 6 formed the egg in which was enclosed the Black Hen. +fter ha(ing pronounced the m#sterious words, #ou will set the funeral/pile on fire to

consume m# mortal remains. Take the ashes and enclose them in the urn. Conser(e them. Men, cherish m# memor#! 6 die content. 6 would ha(e liked to show #ou the means of instructing the little Black Pullet, %ut Hea(en which knows our pro&ects has not wished it so. :dous will teach #ou! he also knows this secret. 6 feel m# soul read# to fl# awa#. Come, m# dear son, dr# #our tears so that 6 can press #ou once again to m# heart. emem%er, death is onl# dreaded %# the guilt# and the un&ust man.; 6 approached him and he ga(e me a last kiss. ;Good/%#e, m# dear son,; he said. ;1isten to m# last wishes.; 5hile 6 was still %ending o(er the sofa, he e9pired. 6 could not help m#self sa#ing, while so%%ing, that the death of the &ust is sweet and worth# of en(#. 6 fell almost unconscious at the feet of m# %enefactor. :dous %rought me %ack to m# senses %# o%ser(ing that we had to o%e# our father. 5e then punctuall# performed that which he had ordered, and soon there remained onl# the ashes of the most &ust and most (irtuous of men. 6 said to :dous, ;5e will lea(e this da# and make all the necessar# arrangements for returning to m# countr#. ;6 am with #ou,; answered the spirit. ;?our wishes are law for me! command and 6 o%e#.; 6 had all the sla(es %rought %efore me and had them put on )rench costumes. 6t sufficed me to ha(e recourse to the talismans. 6 had all the treasures and the effects which were in the underground (aults transported to the %anks of the "ile and pro(ided for the precious urn which 6 personall# kept. :dous found a %oat. 5e went down the ri(er, and (er# soon we entered the roadstead where a (essel was a%out to set sail for Marseilles. 6 %oarded with all m# people, and soon we were in mid/ocean. The captain of the (essel and the sailors e9amined us with e9treme curiosit#. +s 6 spoke all languages at will, the# were e(en more surprised. "ight came and the wind rose. The captain told me that he feared a storm. 6 told him that his (essel was good and would resist it. That which he foretold arri(ed! the sea %ecame furious. )ear and despair were on all faces. The pilot could no longer control the ship. :nl# 6, calm and tran'uil, seemed unmo(ed. Pro(ided with the talisman and ring and pronouncing the m#sterious words, 6 sei.ed the tiller and the (essel which, the instant %efore, was the pla#thing of the winds and the surrounding wa(es, sailed forward lightl# o(er the (ast %osom of the sea. The whole crew regarded me as a god, e(en gi(ing me that name. ;6 am %ut man,; 6 told them. ;M# friends, 6 do not frighten easil#, 6 know the art of na(igation, and #ou see, it is onl# necessar# to %e composed to stand the storm at %a#.; The rest of our (o#age was (er# happ#. 5e arri(ed at Marseilles, and we passed through 'uarantine %efore stepping ashore. 6 paid for m# passage and that of m# followers with a generosit# which astonished the captain. 6 ga(e a present to each man of the crew, and 6 departed crowned with their %lessings. 6 sta#ed for some time at Marseilles. Ha(ing written to the place of m# %irth, 6 found that m# parents no longer were ali(e. The# had died during m# a%sence lea(ing me sole heir to their estates which 6 sold and the proceeds of which were sent to me. 6 %ought a lo(el# propert# on the outskirts of Marseilles, the %eautiful sk# of Pro(ence pleasing me. 6 impro(ed m# house, and 6 had a delightful sta#. The riches 6 possessed were such that 6 could o%tain at will all that 6 desired, e(en to place m#self to m# satisfaction. 6 had a few friends to whom 6 ga(e ad(ice, who followed it, and who were all astonished at their prosperit#. The# were ignorant as to the source. 6 did not share m# secrets with an#one. 6nclination has made me write this little (olume. 6f those who procure it know how to profit from it and are worth# of penetrating the m#steries and the secrets it contains, the# will gam%le with luck reser(ed for (irtue and wisdom. The# must not %ecome discouraged. Constant and stu%%orn work will surmount e(er#thing sa#s an ancient pro(er%. The# should thus work, and if success does not crown their efforts, the# must la# the %lame on themsel(es. 6t is %ecause the# are not pure and (irtuous. The incredulous, the ignorant, and man# others whom it is useless to designate will treat me as a fool, a (isionar#, an importunist. 6t matters little to me. The truth is there. 6 do not seek to repel in&uries, still less censure. Certain famil# li%raries, which ha(e no other merit than to get hold of what %elongs to others, will perhaps make haste to pu%lish a surreptitious edition of this work. This is the onl# thing which 6 will punish with a talisman which 6 am keeping to m#self and a ring more curious still. 6 reser(e for m#self the decoration the perpetrator with two ears si9 inches longer than those pro(ided of #ore for $ing Midas who had %een well &udged. 6t is a warning which 6 gi(e in passing to certain editors. ?ou notice that for a sorcerer 6 do not push m# (engeance (er# far. +nd #ou, for whom 6 ha(e written this work, #ou who seek to enlighten #ourself, to penetrate, to understand the m#steries and the secrets of nature, work with consistenc#, perse(ere, purif# #ourself to o%tain success, the o%&ect of #our wishes and #our desires. Consider that the smallest stain with which #our heart and #our soul will %e contaminated will %e an in(inci%le o%stacle against success. ?ou will see the har%our without %eing a%le to

enter and will %e shipwrecked at the moment when #ou %elie(e #ourself sa(ed. 5atch, pra#, hope. +dieu m# dear and well lo(ed readers. Ma# #ou %e a%le to pla# with all the ease which has %ecome m# lot. +men. The old man did not indicate to me the method of instructing the Black Pullet which he had hatched, %ut %efore e9piring, he informed me that :dous would impart the important secret to me. 5hen we were installed in m# home in Marseilles, 6 reminded him of the old man ;s promise. The Hen was of ordinar# si.e and was eager to satisf# me. 6t had %ecome so familiar that it hardl# e(er left me. 6 took particular care of it during our (o#age, and if 6 ha(e not mentioned this fact, it is %ecause 6 &udged it of little importance. 5e therefore occupied oursel(es with the education of our %ird. 5e placed a piece of gold in the %asket where it was in the ha%it of sleeping and co(ered its e#es with the hood of which 6 ha(e alread# spoken. Two or three da#s after that preliminar# operation, each morning when 6 took it food to eat, it scratched in its %asket, and taking the piece of gold in its %eak, it guarded it until 6 took it. :ne can see that the instinct of this %ird was as e9traordinar# as mar(elous. :dous said to me, ;6 ha(e ne(er #et seen as intelligent a one, %ut also, it is necessar# to admit that our good and respected father emplo#ed a means to gi(e it %irth which was known onl# to himself and which he had ne(er put into operation in front of me. This pro(es the tenderness and friendship he had gi(en #ou. 6t will %e necessar# as from tomorrow to hide a piece of gold in the garden. 5e will carr# our Hen to some distance, and we will see if she disco(ers it.; The ne9t morning we did as agreed. 6 unco(ered the head of m# %ird! it sta#ed on m# knees for some time, looking in different directions. )inall#, it &umped lightl# to the ground and ran to the foot of a %ig tree which was opposite us. 6t started to scratch animatedl#. :dous said to me= ;6 guarantee that there is some treasure hidden at the foot of that tree. 1et the Hen carr# on.; She scratched all the time and to shorten the operation, 6 took a spade which the gardner had left near%#, and after ha(ing scooped out a%out two feet, 6 disco(ered a case a%out four feet s'uare and surrounded with iron %ands. +s we did not ha(e the ke#, 6 sent :dous to find the talisman. He returned promptl# and hardl# had 6 attacked the lock with the ring than it opened, and we disco(ered se(eral sacks filled with gold and sil(er, plate, diamonds, &ewels, and se(eral other precious o%&ects which were (alued at C,H44,444 francs. 6t seemed that these riches had %een concealed in this place during the time of the ci(il trou%les, and as the owners died without re(ealing their secret, no%od# had an# knowledge of this deposit. 6 had %ought this propert# from distant relati(es. 6 could not pre(ent m#self, nor could :dous, from admiring the instinct of our Black Hen, %ut it was e'uall# necessar# for it to find the other piece of hidden gold. 5e ad(anced a few steps, and she followed us. Soon she went ahead of us and stopped near the place where the gold was hidden. She soon found it and taking it in her %eak, she deposited it at m# feet. ;Charming %ird,; 6 cried< ;How precious #ou are to me. ?ou ha(e put me in the place of a %etter man, the most tender and respected of fathers to me.; :dous said to me= ;See if she will listen to the sacred words which must %e pronounced e(er# da# to the Black Hen to indicate to her that she must look for things.; He then articulated certain words, "o.os, Taraim, :stus . The Hen appeared to pa# attention and to understand %ecause she started to scratch near us and found a ru%# mounted in a golden ring. ;6 am going to pronounce three other words which should indicate to her that she should repose near her master.; He then said= Seras, Coristan, +%attu.as . The Hen came and placed herself at m# feet. :dous added= ;+ll the hens which #ou possess know these words %ut it has taken some time to teach them. :ne must hold them with a ri%%on= when pronouncing the first words, one must make them walk! when pronouncing the second, one stops them. +s these %irds are endowed with a particular instinct, the# then do that which one desires.; Ha(ing the casket %rought in %# m# sla(es, 6 added the Pullet ;s findings to those which 6 alread# possessed. 6 had an elegant pa(ilion constructed of Cremona mar%le, and 6 placed the urn containing the ashes of the old man on a %lack mar%le pedestal with a sil(er pla'ue which e9pressed m# recognition and regrets. 6 had c#presses and weeping willows planted, and e(er# da# at the rising of the sun, 6 went, followed %# :dous, to (isit this pa(ilion and to pass an hour in support of our good father, remem%ering the lessons and e9amples of (irtue which he had gi(en me. 6 will cite se(eral e(ents with great solemnit#= that on which he sa(ed m# life %# taking me into the P#ramid and the anni(ersar# of his death. This da# was consecrated to grief and meditation in m# house. +nd once e(er# #ear all m# sla(es entered the dro(e which 6 had had surrounded with a metal grill so that no%od# could enter. +lso, the thickness of the %ushes and the winding paths which had to %e wandered through %efore arri(ing at the pa(ilion pre(ented the most piercing e#e from seeing it. M# da#s passed %etween work,

stud#, meditation, and walking e9ercise. 6 recei(ed a few (isitors in m# home, %ut no%od# had an inkling of that which passed in m# pri(ate life. To li(e happil#, li(e concealed, as a Sage said. +nd this pro(er% is the rule and foundation of m# conduct.