DAEMONS RITES

Nature persuades that there are pure Daemons;

The bourgeons, even of ill nature, arc, profitable and good.

But these things I revolve in the recluse Temples of my mind,

Extending the like fire sparklingly into the spacious Air

Or fire unfigured, a voice issuing forth,

Or fire abundant whizzing and winding about the Earth,

But also to see a Horse more glittering than Light,

Or a boy on thy shoulders riding on a horse,

Fiery or adorned with Gold, or divested,

Or shooting and standing on thy shoulders.

If thou speak often to me, thou shalt see absolutely that which is spoken:

For then neither appears the Celestial concave Bulk,

Nor do the Stars shine: The Light of the Moon is covered,

The Earth stands not still, but all things appear Thunder.

Invoke not the Self-conspicuous Image of Nature;

FOR THOU MUST NOT BEHOLD THESE BEFORE THY BODY BE INITIATED.

When soothing souls they always seduce them from these Mysteries.

Certainly out of the cavities of the Earth spring Terrestrial Dogs,

Which show no true sign to mortal Man.

Labor about the Hecatic Strophalus.

Never change barbarous Names;

FOR THERE ARE NAMES, IN EVERY NATION GIVEN FROM GOD,

WHICH HAVE AN UNSPEAKABLE POWER IN RITES.

When thou seest a Sacred Fire without form,

Shining flashingly through the Depths of the World,

Hear the Voice of Fire.