"It flys, and attracts"

It is a Mass of Dust, a despicable Thing;
A Fire, an Aquosity; a most amiable Fountain;
It is neither a Stout Captain, nor invincible;
When it is not drawn out of its Cradle.
It is an old Man; it is an Infant; the Lord of all;
It is the red Servant, contrary to the King;
It is the green Lyon; something more sublime
Than the King, or Subjects; but fugitive.
It flys, and attracts...


From A Warning to the False Chymists or the Philosophical Alphabet by Thomas Rawlin, 1611. Text from The Alchemy Website.

Illustration from Splendor Solis, 1532-35. Click on the image to enlarge it.