02 Hermes.pdf

The Second Book Poemander 1. My Thoughts being once seriously busied about the things that are, and my Understanding lifted up, all my bodily Senses being exceedingly holden back, as it is with them that are very heavy of sleep, by reason either of fullness of meat, or of bodily labour. Me thought I saw one of an exceeding great stature, and an infinite greatness call me by my name, and say unto me, What wouldest thou Hear and See? Or what wouldest thou Understand, to Learn, and Know! 2. Then said I, Who art Thou? I am, quoth he, Poemander, the mind of the Great Lord, the most Mighty and absolute Emperor: I know what thou wouldest have, and I am always present with thee. 3. Then said I, I would Learn the Things that art, and Understand the Nature of them and know God. How? said he. I answered, That I would gladly hear. Then he, Have me again in thy mind, and whatsoever thou wouldst learn, I will teach thee. 4. When he had thus said, he was changed in his Idea or Form and straightway in the twinkling of an eye, all things were opened unto me: and I saw an infinite Sight, all things were become light, both sweet and exceedingly pleasant; and I was wonderfully delighted in the beholding it. 5. But after a little while, there was a darkness made in part, coming down obliquely, fearful and hideous, which seemed unto me to be changed into a Certain Moist Nature, unspeakably troubled, which yielded a smoke as from fire; and from whence proceeded a voice unutterable, and very mournful, but inarticulate, insomuch that it seemed to have come from the Light. 6. Then from that Light, a certain Holy Word joined itself unto Nature, and ou