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With dissolution and with sublimation,
Seeking that stone of the Philosophers,
Which turns old age to youth, and lead to gold.
Gossip, what think you of this alchemy?
Madam Pomeroy:
True, long ago, with old Sylvester here,
I know the names of all the learned rout
Albertus Magnus, Hermes Trismegist,
With Raymond Lully, aye, and Michael Scot,
And Paracelsus, but I need no spell,
Retorts, cucurbites, and such-like gear
Of these old wizards, turning lead to gold,
I use the old unfailing woman's way.
Avis:
And that is, Gossip?
Madam Pomeroy:
This great world of gulls
For my alembick, for transmuting stone,
