麻豆传媒

CAPUT I.

De Vita; Nativitate usque ad Annum Duodecimum. 

Anno 1602. 2do die May. hor芒 terti芒 post mediam noctem, ipso S. Athanasii festo die 脿 parentibus Joanne Kircher, & Anna Ganskin catholicis, & divino cultui, piisque operibus deditissimis editus sum in communem calamitatis auram Geys忙, oppid么 errium horarum itinere Fuld芒 dissito. Parens tunc temporis Praefectura Haselsteinensi fungebatur, cum ecce! ab h忙reticis innocentissimus & honoris Dei zelantissimus Princeps Balthasar 脿 Dermbach, Abbas Fuldensis (cujus dicto in loco Praefectum agebat parens) in exilium Bibersteinium, loco 3. milliaribus Fuld芒 dissito, expulsus, 22. annorum persecutione agitatus fuit, cujus justissim忙 caus忙 cum Parens faveret, eumque omnibus viribus contra insultantes h忙reticos defenderet, & is eundem fortun忙 jactum expertus, pr忙fectur芒 privatus Geys芒m se contulit, ubi deinceps vitam suam in continuo literarum otio transegit, neque amplius adigi poterat, ut a Principe honorifica oblata sibi munera acciperet; asserens unam unciam libertatis, qu芒 animus sapientis excolitur, mille librarum 脿 Principibus oblatis honoribus pr忙valere.

Fuit Joannes Kircherus Vir studiosissimus & post Philosophi忙 Doctorat没s insignia, quibus eum Mogunti忙 insignivit P. Franciscus Costerus; Theologi忙 quoque scholastic忙 cursum ibidem absolvit, quam & postea adhuc caelibs & secularis ob summum in Theologicis studiis profectum, & interpretandarum difficilium rerum peritiam in monasterio Seiligestadiensi Ordinis S. Benedicti Monachorum Instructor, professus fuit. Verum cum fama ejus doctrinae & prudentiae ad aures Principis pervenisset, eum Fuldam accitum in suum assumpsit Consiliarium; deinde eum Praefecturae arcis Haselsteinensis praefecit, ea intentione, ut in loco haereticis vicin贸, vium haereticorum machinis depulsandis qua verbis, qua scriptis impigrum haberet, cum vero officium sibi commissum operosum esset, & multis negotiis implic铆tum, matrimonium cum Fuldensi Virgine, honesti civis filia, Anna, inquam Gansekin contraxit, ex qua novem liberos suscepit, masculos sex, & tres feminas, quorum, praeter duos mortuos, reliqui diversarum religionum Ordines ingressi sunt; filiabus matrimonio copulatis, quorum omnium ultimus & minimus ego fui; & quoniam eodem tempore, quo Parens haereticorum persecutionibus summ猫 agitaretur, nascebar ipso S. Athanasii die festo; Parens, qui dictum sanctum summo semper cultu ob eximiam in Arianorum persecutione constantiam, & imperturbabilem fortitudinem prosecutus fuerat, imm貌 in sui Patronum acciverat, velut boni ominis, Athanasii nomen mihi esse voluit, cum iraque officio praefecturae, importunitate haereticorum, exauctoratus esset, furori cedendum duxit, & cum in amica sibi studia veluti pondere raperetur; cum enim non Theologiae tantum, ut dixi, controversiarumque, sed & Historiae Ecclesiasticae, quin & Matheseos peritissimus esset, Geys脿m, omnibus suis bonis mobilibus translatis, venditisque immobilibus, concessit, ubi deinceps totam vitam suam qua pietatis studiis, qua literatio otio maxime negotioso consumpsit, & uti totus in scribendo meditandoque erat, ita tantam quoque manuscriptorum copiam congessit, ut ex iis propriam instrueret Bibliothecam; atque haec sunt, quae paucis de Joanne Kirchero, patre meo, dicenda duxi.

Ego itaque post superatam infantiae aetatem anno circiter decimo, scholis addictus sum trivialibus, prim貌 Musicae, deinde latinae linguae elementis instructus, cum parens non ordinariam in me experiretur habilitatem, summopere me in studiorum fervore continuando animavit: immo cum imaginationis dono me pollere adverteret, Geographiae principia, quae sunt de divisione & situ Orbis terrarum, domi privatim me, non nisi decennem puerum, summo successu & admiratione edocuit. Verum ut in omnibus studiis communi methodo procederem, Fuldam me ad Collegium societatis Jesu misit, ubi pari cum fervore in Grammatica linguae latinae studium Graecae conjungere voluit; quin & Rabbinum constituit, qui me linguam doceret Hebraeam, eo cum fructu, quem tota reliqua vita mea expertus sum.

Chapter I.

On Life from Birth up to the Twelfth Year. 

On the 2nd day of May, 1602, at the third hour after midnight, on the feast day of St. Athanasius, I was born to my parents, Johannes Kircher and Anna Ganskin, both devout Catholics, dedicated to divine worship and good works, into the common turmoil of human suffering in the town of Geysa, located a few hours' journey from Fulda. At that time, my father was serving as Prefect of Haselstein, when suddenly鈥攐h!鈥攖he most innocent and zealous Prince for the honor of God, Balthasar von Dermbach, the Abbot of Fulda (whose directive my father followed in his office), was expelled to the exile of Biberstein, a location three miles from Fulda, after having endured 22 years of persecution. Since my father supported this just cause and defended the prince with all his might against the attacking heretics, and having suffered the misfortunes of such persecution, he was deprived of his office. He then retreated to Geysa, where he spent the rest of his life in the peaceful pursuit of letters. From that time, he could no longer be induced to accept the dignities offered to him by the prince, asserting that even a single ounce of liberty, by which the soul of the wise is perfected, was worth more than the thousand-pound honors offered by the princes.

Johann Kircher was a most studious man who, after attaining the doctorate in philosophy, which he received at Mainz under Father Francis Coster, also completed the course of scholastic theology there. Subsequently, while still unmarried and a secular cleric, due to his remarkable progress in theological studies and his skill in interpreting difficult matters, he became an instructor in the monastery of Seligenstadt of the Benedictine Order. However, when the fame of his learning and prudence reached the ears of the Prince, he was summoned to Fulda and appointed as a counselor. Later, he was made Prefect of the fortress of Haselstein, with the intention that, being situated near heretical territories, he might energetically counter the machinations of the heretics both with words and writings. As this office, however, was laborious and involved in numerous affairs, he married Anna Ganskin, a maiden of Fulda and the daughter of an honorable citizen. Together, they had nine children鈥攕ix sons and three daughters鈥攐f whom, apart from two who died, the rest entered various religious orders, while the daughters were married. I was the youngest and the last of these children. Because I was born on the very feast day of Saint Athanasius, during the time my father was greatly troubled by the persecution of heretics, he, who had always venerated that saint for his extraordinary constancy and unshakable fortitude during the persecution by the Arians, chose to name me Athanasius as a good omen. After being relieved of his prefecture under the pressure of the heretics, my father deemed it wise to yield to their fury. He withdrew to pursuits he found congenial, and being drawn to intellectual endeavors as if by a natural inclination, he moved to Geisa, transferring all his movable possessions and selling the immovable ones. There, he devoted his entire life to piety and to a highly industrious form of scholarly leisure. So completely was he immersed in writing and meditating that he amassed such a great collection of manuscripts as to furnish his own library. These are the few things I have deemed necessary to say about my father, Johann Kircher. As for myself, after passing through the years of infancy, I was around ten years old when I was sent to the primary schools. There, I first studied music and then the rudiments of the Latin language. Observing my uncommon aptitude, my father greatly encouraged me to persevere in my studies with zeal. Noticing that I was endowed with a gift for imagination, he taught me privately at home, while I was still just a ten-year-old boy, the principles of geography, such as the divisions and positions of the world. This instruction he imparted with great success and to the admiration of many. However, so that I might follow the common method in all studies, he sent me to the Jesuit College in Fulda, where, with equal fervor, I pursued Latin grammar alongside the study of Greek. Furthermore, he arranged for a rabbi to teach me Hebrew, which I studied with such success that the benefits extended throughout my entire life.

CAPUT II.

De Vita transacta Fuldae in scholis inferioribus.

Omnis studiorum ardor, & in capessendis disciplinis profusus animus, nisi verae pietati, animiique cultui adjungatur, frustraneus est, nec Deo beneplacitus esse potest. Hinc satis divinam sane providentiam patris mirari non possum, dum tales mihi Praeceptores dedit, talem conversationem, quo unum alteri adjungere possem. P. Joannes Altink, S.J. meus in inferioribus studiis Magister, Vir erudiendae Juventutis, non in literarum tantum, sed & in pietatis & divini cultus studiis peritissimus, hoc unicum sategerit, ut literarum fervori fervorem adderem devotionis; neque enim hebdomadem transire permisit, qua non conscientiam per S. Exomologesin expiarem & quoties leges permitterent, SS. Eucharistiae sacramento reficerer. Praeterea omnibus modis egit, ne pravorum condiscipulorum consortio seducerer: unde semper mihi socios adjungi voluit & ingenio & inclinatione pares, & in pietatis exercitiis excolendis praeferuidos, quos privatim subinde vocatos ad vitiorum fugam, ad cultum Deiparae & ad virtutum studium, sanctorumque vitam sectandam omnibus artibus adhortatus est, quibus nos tanto subinde ardore privatis colloquiis accendit, ut praeter Divina nihil ade貌 aliud desiderare nos posse videremur. Hisce itaque intenti tunc eramus, neque possum hoc loco silere divinae circa me Providentiae argumenta sane maxima, dum me perpetuo vel litteris vel pietatis officiis voluit esse occupatum tanto animi fervore, ut omnia quae pueri magni facere solent, me spernere voluerit.Eluxit & divina Clementia, duci inevitabilibus vitae periculis pro summa sua misericordia terti貌 me eripere dignatus est. Primum ita se habet, cum aestivo calore cum caeteris consodalibus meis ad in flumine nos lavandos egrediens, contigit, ut inter molendinum quadam cataract芒 elevat芒 fluminis cursus rapaciore fluxu rotae prae grandis molariae alveo illaberetur: huic alveo per imprudentiam puerilem illatus, & jam rotae vicinus mortis periculum, totiusque corporis contritionem perhorrescerem, nomine Jesu & Mariae solita devotione, prout in hoc tam vicino mortis periculo licebat, prolato, infra rotam raptus, ita tamen singulari Dei & Deiparae protectione ex altera parte salvus emersi, ut nullum in me laesionis vestigium appareret, sociis omnibus vitam meam desperantibus, & praesertim, cum rota a canalis fundo tam parum distaret, ut corpus meum sine membrorum contritione sese insinuare vix posset. Reditus itaque divin芒 miseratione sociis, cum gaudio & apertum miraculum agnoscentibus, ego beneficii accepti memor, animum pietatis studiis deinde majori fervore excolere coepi; Deum benedicens, quod e tanto me periculo liberasset.Alterum fuit die Pentecostes, quo die more patrio omnes cives congregari solebant cum solemni Equitatus pompa in morem processionis instituta ad limites campestres, benedictione sacerdotis contra Tempestates a stygibus satanaque immissas lustrandos: fuit autem hujus processionis equestris haec consuetudo, ut peracta lustratione in loco angusto, & clauso, veluti in stadio quodam concitato equorum cursu, proposito praemio, ad certam metam contenderent. In hoc stadio ego cum conferta hominum multitudine spectandi gratia praesens aderam; Contigit itaque, ut sub initium cursus, turba videndi cupidior, alius alium premeret vehementius; ego vero puer priorem stationem occupans, dum violentiae me prementium resistere non possem, e statione mea violenter excussus in stadium, ipsisque equorum summo impetu ruentium turbine involutus, mox me Deo Deiparaeque comendans, posita in terram facie, & uti poteram, corpore contracto sic permanisi, donec omnes super me transissent, exclamante turba, ut equos sisterent; sed quis currentium equorum impetum sisteret? & cum ob pulveris excitatati caliginem disparuissem, equorum conculcatione me contritum putabant: ego vero peracto equorum cursu, non obstante, quod omnes supra me transissent, surrexi, singulari Dei munere incolumis & illaesus; quod ab omnibus miraculi loco habitum est, multique me postea convenerunt, & examinarunt, quo modo tanto sub turbine me gessissem & quid actum esset, & quommodo ab omni laesione immunis e tanto periculo evasrim; quibus, haec respondi, qui Jonam eripuit e ventre Ceti & Tobiam a devoratione piscis, & Danielem a Leonibus, ejus quoque potentiam non esse imminutam, quo me a conculcatione equorum servaret immunem. Periculum sane tantum fuit, ut in hunc usque diem sine horrore illud memoria recohere non possim: sit Deus cum Benedicta sua Matre in aeternum Benedictus!Tertium fuit, id, quod sequitur. Audieram trag忙diam in oppido, biduano itinere Fuld谩 dissito exhibendam, & ut similium videndorum curiosus & avidus eram, ita me un脿 cum sodalibus itineri ad eam spectandam commisi, & peracta solemnitate, cum diutius subsistere non possem, solus domum redire constitui, reliquis sociis per aliquot ad huc dies subsistentibus. Erat autem portio sylvae, quam spessartum vocant, mihi transeunda: sylva sane horrida & non latrociniis tantum, sed & ferarum noxiarum frequentia infamis, hanc simul ac ingressus fui, viarum multitudine confusus, quano plus progressus fui, tanto me plus a vera semita aberrare adverto, dum sentibus & vepribus implicitus, prorsus, ubinam essem, nescerem: Accessit noctis caligo, quae p猫n猫 omnem mihi ex tantis erroribus exeundi spem ademerat: magnis itaque animi angustiis pressus, & ferarum, quas ibidem stabulari inaudiebam, violentiam metuens, quid consilii opus esset, non reperiebam; supererat unicum Divinae Bonitatis asylum: Deo itaque & Deiparae me summo mentis ardore commendans, arborem altissimam, quibus sylva abundabat, ut sic 脿 feris immunis essem, ascendi, ibique in continua oratione usque ad auroram permansi: qua illucescente statione derelict芒, per avia & devia ad semitam perditam reperiendam divagabar, sed frustr脿: tant么 enim me intricatorem, quanto plus progrediebar, inveni, & cum angustia animi, nec non fame sitique exhaustus, progredi non valarem, novis ad Deum conceptis votis iter continuavi; & ecce: post 9. horarum divagationem, pratum ingens sese offert, ubi messores incredibili animi mei gaudio obvios rogavi, ubinam essem: illi 脿 loco, quem petebam, biduo distare, responderunt, rogavi, ut me in patriam reducerent, futurum, ut abunde iis pro praestita opera satisfaceret. Quod factum fuit: equo enim impositum, perditum parentibus Filium cum promissa satisfactione restituverunt. Ego ver貌 non hujus tantum beneficii, sed & praeteritorum 脿 Divina Bonitate mihi concessorum pro sua infinita Clementia memor, ab illo tempore in deliberatione de capessendo statu religioso, mundoque deserendo totus eram; & cum religionem genio meo magis consentaneam quaererem, occulto Divini spiritus instinctu societatem Jesu elegi, quam & sine mora instantibus precibus & ardentibus votis a R. P. Joanne Coppero Rhenanae Provinciae Moderatore, singulari animi gaudio obtinui.

CHAPTER II.

On Life Spent in Fulda in the Lower Schools

All zeal for studies and a passionate mind for pursuing disciplines, unless joined with true piety and the cultivation of the soul, is futile and cannot be pleasing to God. Therefore, I cannot sufficiently marvel at the divine providence of my father, who gave me such excellent teachers and such an environment that one could complement the other. Father Johannes Altink, S.J., my teacher in the lower schools, was a man of extraordinary skill in educating youth, not only in literature but also in piety and the study of divine worship. He made it his singular goal to add the fervor of devotion to my fervor for learning. He did not allow a week to pass without urging me to purify my conscience through the holy sacrament of confession and, as often as the rules permitted, to refresh myself with the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Moreover, he took every possible measure to ensure that I was not led astray by the company of corrupt classmates. He always sought to join me with companions of similar character and inclinations, especially those fervent in the exercises of piety. He frequently summoned us privately and exhorted us with every possible means to flee vices, cultivate devotion to the Virgin Mary, pursue virtue, and emulate the lives of the saints. Through his private conversations, he inspired us with such great fervor that we seemed incapable of desiring anything other than the divine. Thus, we were wholly intent on these matters. I cannot omit here to mention the truly great evidence of divine providence in my life, which kept me perpetually occupied either with learning or with acts of piety, with such fervor of spirit that I came to scorn all the things that boys usually hold dear. Divine mercy shone forth, delivering me for the third time from the inevitable perils of life. The first instance was as follows: On a summer day, while going with my companions to bathe in the river, it happened that the flow of the river, made more forceful by a sluice gate raised near a mill, carried me toward the channel of a large millstone wheel. Through youthful imprudence, I was drawn into this channel and found myself close to the wheel, facing mortal danger and the prospect of my body being crushed. Overwhelmed with terror, I invoked the names of Jesus and Mary with the devotion usual to me in such peril. Immediately, I was carried under the wheel and, by the singular protection of God and the Blessed Virgin, emerged safely on the other side without any injury whatsoever. All my companions had despaired of my life, particularly since the wheel was so close to the bottom of the channel that my body could hardly have passed through without being crushed. Having returned to my companions by divine mercy, who rejoiced and recognized this as an evident miracle, I, mindful of the favor I had received, began to dedicate myself to the study of piety with even greater fervor. I blessed God for delivering me from such great peril. The second incident occurred on Pentecost, a day when, according to local custom, all the townspeople would gather for a solemn horseback procession. This was done to bless the surrounding fields against storms caused by demons and Satan, with a priest performing the blessing. As part of the custom, after the blessing was completed, there would be a race in a narrow, enclosed space, akin to a stadium, where riders would urge their horses to gallop at full speed toward a set goal, with a prize awarded to the victor. I, along with a dense crowd of people eager to watch, was present at this stadium. At the start of the race, the spectators, driven by their excitement, began pressing against one another more forcefully. Being a boy and having secured a spot at the front, I could not withstand the pressure of the crowd and was violently thrown from my position into the stadium, right into the path of the charging horses, which were thundering toward me at full speed. Commending myself at once to God and the Virgin Mary, I pressed my face to the ground and curled my body as tightly as I could, remaining in that position while the horses rushed over me. The crowd, horrified, shouted for the riders to stop their horses, but who could halt such a stampede? Amid the dust stirred up by the race, I disappeared from sight, and the onlookers believed that I had been crushed to death under the horses' hooves. However, once the race was finished and all the horses had passed over me, I arose, entirely unharmed and uninjured鈥攁 singular gift of God. Everyone regarded the event as miraculous, and many approached me afterward, asking how I had managed to survive such a perilous ordeal without any injury. I replied to them: "The One who saved Jonah from the belly of the whale, Tobit from the fish, and Daniel from the lions has not diminished His power, and it is He who preserved me unharmed from the trampling of the horses. The danger was so great that, even to this day, I cannot recall the memory without a shudder. May God and His Blessed Mother be praised for all eternity! The third instance was as follows. I had heard about a tragedy being performed in a town two days' journey from Fulda. Being curious and eager to witness such spectacles, I set out with companions to see it. After the solemn event was over, I could not remain there any longer, so I decided to return home alone, while my companions stayed behind for several more days. I had to pass through a part of the forest called Spessart, a dreadful wilderness infamous not only for its bandits but also for its abundance of dangerous wild animals. As soon as I entered the forest, the multitude of paths confused me. The further I went, the more I realized I was straying from the true path. Entangled in thickets and brambles, I had no idea where I was. Darkness fell, robbing me of almost all hope of escaping my predicament. Overwhelmed by great distress of mind and fearing the ferocity of the beasts I knew roamed there, I found myself unable to decide what to do. My only refuge was the boundless mercy of God. Commending myself with fervent devotion to God and the Blessed Virgin, I climbed one of the tallest trees in the forest, which was plentiful with such trees, hoping to be safe from wild animals. There, I remained in continuous prayer until dawn. When the light of morning broke, I climbed down and wandered aimlessly, trying to find the lost path, but it was in vain. The more I tried, the more lost I became. Exhausted by hunger, thirst, and mental anguish, I could no longer continue. Renewing my vows to God, I pressed on. Finally, after nine hours of wandering, I came upon a vast meadow. Overjoyed beyond words, I encountered harvesters and asked them where I was. They told me that the place I was seeking was still two days' journey away. I begged them to guide me back to my homeland, assuring them that they would be amply rewarded for their assistance. They agreed and, placing me on a horse, returned me to my parents, who had thought me lost, with the promise of a reward. I reflected not only on this blessing but also on all the past graces granted to me by Divine Goodness in His infinite mercy. From that time onward, I devoted myself entirely to deliberating on embracing the religious life and renouncing the world. Seeking a religious order that was most in harmony with my own spirit, I was inspired by the secret prompting of the Divine Spirit to choose the Society of Jesus. Without delay, through fervent prayers and ardent vows, I obtained acceptance into the Society from the Reverend Father Johannes Copperus, Provincial of the Rhine Province, filling me with singular joy of soul.

CAPUT III.

Admissio & ingressus in societatem Jesu.

Vix dum licentiam 脿 R. P. Provinciali societatem ingrediendi obtinueram, cum ecce! Clementissimus Deus novis servum suum tribulationibus exercere voluit. Anno 1617, mense Januario, dum omnia flumina glacie constricta videbantur; ego cum sociis meis ad ludos, qui tunc temporis in glacie fieri solent, frequentandos egressus ad meam in glacie curs煤s agilitatem demonstrandam, & uti gloriae eram appetentior, ita reliquis agilitate, & pernicitate curs没s palmam omnibus modis praeripere puerili vanitate aestuans ambiebam. Contigit ver貌, ut post varia agilitatis specimina unum ex sociis me agiliorem superare contenderem, sed, dum concepto impetu me continere non possem, sejunctis divaricatisque pedibus in glaciem illisus, maximam herniam contraxerim, accedebat periculosa crurum scabies, quam ex frigore, nocturnis vigiliis, quas studiis impendebam, eodem fere tempore incurreram: mala utique tanto majora, quanto vel unum sufficeret, ne tot votis appetitae societatis particeps fierem. Ne itaque morbi superioribus paterent, utrumque morbum silentio summo supprimendum censebam. Interim de die in diem haernia crescebat, & scabies, mirum in modum exasperabatur, praesertim nullo adhibito remedio; neque ulli mortalium mala, quae patiebar, manifestavi: ea sola ex divino quodam instinctu, munitus fiducia, futurum, ut Divina Bonitas cui soli mala mea cognita erant, suo tempore medicinam adhiberet, tum vel maxime, quando spreto omni humano auxilio totam meam fiduciam in ejus Divina providentia collocassem, ratus Eam ex aequitate causae, qua Ei servire unice desiderabam, ad pristinam mihi sanitatem restituendam quodammodo obligatam esse. Haec fiducia in Deum cum essem plenus, venit tempus, quo ad Tiocinium Paderbornense me accingere jubeor. Quant芒 eo in itinere tot malis pressus incomoda subiverim, solus ille novit, qui corda hominum novit. Appuli tamen Dei gratia, omnibus difficultatibus usque Paderbornam superatis, & ad Tirocinium Soc. Jesu An. 1618. 2. Octobr. admittor, sed mala, quibus premebar, vel primo die latere non poterant, cum enim in incessu ex summo pedum dolore vacillarem, superioribus id adverentibus, malum detegere coactus fui, quod cum Chirurgus aspexisset, horrore attonitus, mox incurabile pronunciat, gangraenam enim incureram, ex nimii itineris laboribus contractam. Interim herniam alio silentio supprimabam, ne de duobus incurabilibus malis apertis de me actum esset, cum ver貌 Medici omni adhibita cura nihil proficerent, tandem sententia meae 猫 societate dimissionis, si intra mensem nihil medicamenta conferrent, mihi denuntiatur: qua mirum in modum, cum consternarer, nil restabat, nisi Deipara unicam salutis meae refugium. Nocte itaque intempest脿 ante statuam ejusdem Virginis in Choro expositam prostratus in terram cum lacrymis, tanquam cunctam humani generis Curatricem, omnibus modis & affectibus, quos lectori concipiendos relinquo, violentisque precibus sollicitavi magnam Matrem afflictissimus filius: & ecce! mox in me exauditionis factae instinctum sensi manifestum; nam interiori consolatione incredibili perfusus, nequ茅 de obtenta sanitate dubius amplius, ex oratione surgens ad lectum me confero, ubi & profundo somno oppressus, mane ver貌 evigilans, utrumque 忙grum perfect猫 sanum reperi; herniam quoque crus perfect猫 sanum reperi, herniam quoque evanuisse cognovi, gaudio itaque exultans, mox chirugi operior adventum, qui tandem veniens, cum nudasset crura, & solas squammas, scabiei reliquias, invenisset, miraculum exclamat; ad superiores curritur, qui inspectis cruribus, rem, uti Chirurgus dixerat, se habere, reperiunt, Laudantes Deum, ejusque ss. Matrem, cujus Beneficio & intercessione tam prodigiosa cura contigerat: quae omnia fusius ad Dei honorem & B. Virginis cultum in animis proximorum excitandum propagandumque describere volui.

Chapter III.

Admission and Entry into the Society of Jesus

Scarcely had I obtained permission from the Reverend Provincial Father to enter the Society of Jesus when, behold! The most merciful God willed to test His servant with new tribulations. In January of 1617, when all the rivers were frozen over with ice, I went out with my companions to partake in the games that were customary at the time, performed on the ice. Desiring to demonstrate my agility in running on the ice鈥攁nd being overly eager for glory鈥擨 vainly strove, with youthful ambition, to surpass all others in speed and skill. It so happened that, after displaying various feats of agility, I sought to outdo one of my companions who was proving more agile than I. But, rushing forward with unchecked momentum, I lost control, slipped, and fell violently onto the ice with my legs spread apart, sustaining a severe hernia. To make matters worse, I also contracted a dangerous case of leg scabies around the same time, likely caused by the cold and the long nights I devoted to my studies. Either one of these afflictions alone would have been sufficient to disqualify me from entering the Society I so ardently desired to join. Fearing that my illnesses might be discovered by my superiors, I decided to conceal them both in absolute silence. Meanwhile, the hernia grew worse by the day, and the scabies became increasingly severe, particularly as I applied no remedies to either ailment. I revealed my suffering to no one, placing all my trust in divine assistance. With confidence inspired by a certain divine instinct, I firmly believed that the divine goodness鈥攂eing alone aware of my afflictions鈥攚ould, in due time, provide healing, especially since I had entrusted myself entirely to divine providence and sought only to serve God. I reasoned that the equity of my cause鈥攎y desire to serve Him exclusively鈥攐bligated Him, in a sense, to restore me to health. Filled with this trust in God, I received the order to proceed to the novitiate at Paderborn. The hardships I endured on that journey, burdened as I was by my ailments, are known only to Him who knows the hearts of men. Yet, by the grace of God, I overcame all obstacles and arrived in Paderborn, where I was admitted to the Jesuit novitiate on October 2, 1618. However, my afflictions could not remain hidden even on the first day. My difficulty walking due to severe pain in my legs drew the attention of my superiors, who forced me to reveal my condition. When a surgeon examined my legs, he was struck with horror and immediately pronounced the condition incurable, declaring that I had developed gangrene due to the hardships of my journey. Meanwhile, I continued to conceal the hernia, fearing that if both incurable conditions became known, my dismissal from the Society would be inevitable. Despite the physicians鈥� efforts, all treatments proved futile. Finally, I was informed that if no improvement occurred within a month, I would be dismissed. This pronouncement deeply distressed me, leaving me with no recourse but to turn to the Blessed Virgin, my sole refuge. In the dead of night, I prostrated myself before her statue in the chapel, which had been set up for veneration. There, with tears and every emotion I could muster鈥攅motions that I leave to the reader to imagine鈥擨 implored the great Mother of God with fervent and vehement prayers. And behold! I soon felt a clear interior assurance that my prayers had been heard. Filled with incredible consolation and no longer doubting that I had been healed, I arose from prayer and returned to my bed. Falling into a deep sleep, I awoke in the morning to find that both ailments had been completely cured. Not only had the scabies on my legs disappeared without a trace, but the hernia had also entirely vanished. Overcome with joy, I immediately called for the surgeon. When he arrived and uncovered my legs, finding only the faintest traces of healed scabs, he exclaimed in amazement at the miracle. Word quickly spread to my superiors, who examined my legs and confirmed the surgeon鈥檚 account. They praised God and His Blessed Mother, whose intervention had brought about such a wondrous cure. I have described these events in detail to glorify God and to inspire devotion to the Blessed Virgin in the hearts of others. May these acts of divine mercy be a source of encouragement and faith for all who hear of them!

LATIN transcription

ENGLISH translation

CAPUT IV.

De Vita post Tirocinium instituta usque ad tertium probationis annum.

Peracto Tyrocinio ad Philosophiae cursum inchoandum destinatus Logicam incepi, & quoniam tot 脿 Deo beneficiis praeventus eram, non audebam ingenii talentum ostendere, veritus, ne ex suboriente nonnull脿 vanae gloriae complacentia, divinarum in me donorum influxum minuerem (post curam enim Corporis, ingenii quoque dotem auctam luculenter sensi) quae quidem taciturnitas & ingenii occultatio id effecerant, in opinione tum Magistri tum discipulorum, ut me stupidum & prorsus ad Philosophiam in habilem ex simulata stupiditate reputarent: neque enim unquam vel ad argumentandum vel resummendum more solito fui adhibitus, gaudens & exultans, quod amore Christi stultus & stolidus ab omnibus haberer: Hoc pacto anno Logicae transact么 Physicam incepi, in in qua vix dum bimestre spatium confeceram, tum ecce! novus turbo exoritur, qui maximam mihi patientiae aliorumque pro Christo tolerandorum occasionem dedit: res ita sese habet, An. 1622. Episcopus Halberstadiensis haereticus, & Catholicae Religionis accerrimus persecutor, uti rebellis Imperio, ita Bellum moturus Caesari cum vasto exercitu Westphaliam irruens, flamma & ferro omnia circumjacentia loca vastavit, tandem Paderbornam quoque adortus, in ea simili crudelitatis genere debachatus est. Erat tunc temporis in collegio Paderbornensi seminarium Juventutis societatis nostrae unde ad. 80. personas alebat: & quoniam dictus Halberstadiensis Princeps, quem insanum Episcopum vocabant, capitalem se Jesuitarum inimicum profitebatur, ne violent芒 in Urbem irruptione fact芒, omnes ad unum trucidarentur, de dissolvendo collegio consultatum fuit, quod in executionem deductum est. Et quoniam hostis paulatim Urbem cingere incipiebat, neque de Viatico singulis, in tam repentinae perturbationis statu, provideri posset, plerique suis ne viatico, quo eos fortuna & Divina Providentia traheret, dimissi sunt inter quos & Ego cum aliis tribus sociis unus fui. Erat tunc hyems acerba, & nives altissimae, & nos, quod pessimum erat, male vestiti: sed urgens subsequentis militi忙 timor fugientibus alas addidit commendantes itaque nos Deo & B. Virgini iter Monasterium versus direximus per altissimas nives, semitis omnibus nive oppletis: non fuit possibile, nobis diu noctuque divagatis viam & exitum reperire. Imaginabamur nos in desertissima Indiae Regione versari, summ芒 in B. Virginem fiducia futurum sperantes, ut qui ex S. Obedientiae voluntate tam difficile iter inieramus, nos Deum quoque non derelicturum. Hac spe animati per sylvas asperrimas, & densis nivium globis genu tenus immersi, iter inceptum, uti poteramus, prosequebamur. Interea biduo in tali calamitate constitutos dira fames invasit: neque enim quicquam ad vivendum nobis supererat. Didici ex hoc casu, quid sit fames, & quantum in homines possit. O quantis in deliciis nobis herbae & radices fuissent, si nivium altitudo & terra gelu constricta hanc nobis felicitatem non invidissent! conceptis tandem votis sylvam evasimus, toto corpore rigidi, trementibus genibus, facie tota in livorem versa. sed Deus Optimus Maximus nos tentari supra id, quod poteramus, noluit: Locum itaque invenimus habitatum, quem ingressus, ut eleemosinam pro sociis lassitudine vix vivis in vitae subsidium compararem: sed post multam solicitationem tandem panem extorsi, qui tametsi pessimae conditionis, utpote ex avena & furfuribus conflatus, ade貌 tamen famelico palato dulcis fuit, ut nihil in vita mea sapidius comedisse me meminerim & in fortitudine hujus panis reliquum itineris hujus Diei confecimus. Circa Vesperam enim in locum incidimus, non tam domibus quam casis instructum, ubi ad ignem nos omnibus aliis ad victum necessariis destituti refecimus. Mox non nemo adest, qui, num patres 猫 societate h膩c transfierint, interrogat: hac voce quasi coelitus animati accurrimus omnes nos ex societate esse acclamantes: ille ver貌 respondet, se a Domino suo dat芒 oper芒 esse missum, ut nos ad coenam secum sumendam adduceret, laetari ergo de coena extraordinaria, quadam dispositione Divinae providentiae nobis parata Ducem secuti sumus, & in condicto loco Coenam summa nobis charitate paratam sumpsimus, qua peract芒 summis Deo & liberali hospiti gratiis peractis, man猫 iter Monasterium versus dirigimus, quam Urbem eodem die attigimus, eaque Charitate in collegio fuimus recepti, quam suis peregrinis societas & itinerum laboribus attritis exhibere solet. Refectis itaque octidui spatio viribus, Coloniam ad studiorum cursum prosequendum ammandati sumus. Sed antequam ulterius progrediar, novum, idque spectatissimum Divinae Providentiae argumentum, dum me denuo ex inevitabili vitae periculo pro sua infinita misericordia & Matris suae intercessione liberare dignatus est, hoc loco adducam, ut quantum concepta in Deum, & B. V. fiducia possit, colligat lector, & inde in omnibus tribulationibus ad eam tanquam unicum sui solatium recurrere discat. Res itaque hoc pacto se habet. Itineri Monasterio Coloniam versus nos agentes intra biduum attigimus Dusseldorpium, ubi Rhenum tota glacie constrictum reperimus, est autem moris hujusmodi Rhenicolis, ut cum Rhenum glacie constrictum vident, unum certa pecuniae summ芒 conductum quaerant, qui flumen transiturus exploret, num ea glaciei soliditas sit, ut & homines & jumenta sustinere possit. Dum itaque, quemadmodum dixi, hujusmodi exploratorem quaererent, a Magistratu D眉sseldorpienfi in hunc finem deputati, nescio qua in felici nostra sorte in hosce incidimus, qui dum nos mal猫 vestitos (eramus enim in veste saeculari) viderent, & eadem adhuc die Rhenum transire summ猫 desiderare adverterent, suspicarenturque nos aut nauci homines, aut milites fugitivos, par霉m interesse arbitrati sunt, si nobis primam viam tentare nostro malo perituris persuaderent: itaque nobis locum transituris, eam viam omnibus, ut ajebant, communem, mendacio san猫 luculento, ostendunt, nos uti simplices nihil mali suspicantes iter ingressi sumus, e芒 tamen cautel芒, ut unus alterum denorum pedum spatio sequeretur. Ego vero Dux omnium tentavi viam, & cum jam medium fere fluminis confecissem, ecce, totum Rhenum apertum video, reliquis sociis timore perterritis & mox derelictum litus repetentibus. Ego vero ulterius progressus, quantum soliditas glaciei ferebat, dum & ego socios assequi contendo, ecce tota circum circa glacies diffringitur, & jam secundo flumine defertur. Interim ego in media velutque Insula constitutus progredior, quod dum vident socii de me actum indicantes, positis in glacie genibus divinam pro mea salute opem & Deiparae Patrocinium implorant quam ardentissime (erat enim ipso die purificatae Virginis, qui dies in hanc usque horam singulari cultu ob praestitae Liberationis Beneficium 脿 me celebrari solet) interim ego in glaciali insula devectus, avectusque, dum nullam humanam evadendi opem possibilem viderem, ad Deum cum lachrymis confugio, ad mortem & ad vitam aeque paratus: erat enim, si unquam alias cor meum in Domino fiduciam habens, memor aliorum periculorum, 猫 quibus me divina providentia liberaverat. Noveram etiam Deum ubi humana deficiunt auxilia, suis nunquam defuturum. Dum itaque hoc pacto aliquantum temporis deferor; ecce amnem paulo post iterum covaluisse reperio immensis fragmentorum glacialium molibus veluti muro quodam interceppsum inter aquas, & fragmenti moles, qua devehebar, quievit. Verum hic novae oriuntur difficultates, tanto utique periculosiores, quanto difficilius erat, immensos hosce glacialium fragmentorum acervos superare; nisi perire mallem, tentandum erat, duae itaque difficultates sane inevitabiles hosce inter acervos superandae occurrebant, quarum prior erat lubricitas glaciei, quae nec pedibus nec manibus ullum ascendendi subsidium praebebat; altera hiatus, qui inter fragmenta usque ad superficiem glaciem sese insinuabant, inquos, si lubricitate glaciei incidissem, nulla amplius spes erat humanitus evadendi, quis mihi in tot ac tam inevitabilibus periculis animus esset, Deus solus novit. Magno tamen animo & praesentissimo, addente mihi ingenii industriam timore, per minora frustra tandem ad alteram partem, ubi Rhenus solidior evasi. Iter itaque, cum jam aliquod, & usque fere ad oppositam ripam continuassem, ecce Rhenum denuo apertum video; quid hic facerem, nim猫 disquirere valui: retrogredi impossibile, progredi difficile erat, manere tamen puro frigori expositum alta hyeme, praesertim laboribus, timore, & animi anxietate exhaustum, manibus ad haec, digitisque ex acutis glaciei frustis sanctum, nihil aliud erat, quam mortem ipsam operiri. Nullum itaque aliud medium superfuerat, quam natatus (natare enim a puero didiceram) alteram ripam, quae non nisi 24. circiter passus distabat, pertingere; quod factum fuit; & cum vestibus inter natandum gravarer, tentavi fundum, quem cum reperissem, reliquum spatium nunc collo, paulo post pectore, tandem genu tenus facile confeci: ripae redditus positis in terra genibus Deo, Matrisque Dei de tam luculento Divinae in me protectionis argumento gratias egi. Et cum toto corpore rigidissimo torpore, quod inclementius tunc annus habebatur, digitis quoque & membris fere omnibus frigoris vehementia stupefactis urerer, timebam, ne, si diutius morarer, mihi concreto 脿 rigore sanguine lethargus, quod in frigore stupefactis contingere inaudieram, accideret, mox omni excussio torpore Novessium versus, quod inde non nisi trium horarum itinere distabat, concitato progressu perrexi, quam urbem divina opitulante gratia appuli, ubi in collegio jam mortuus, submersusque 脿 sociis per aliam fluminis partem solidiorem me praevenientibus nuntiatus fueram, incredibili omnium gaudio exc猫ssus, refocilatusque, triduo moratus tandem sine ullo valetudinis damno, quod Medicis tunc non fieri posse videbatur, Coloniam perveni, ubi Philosophiae cursu absoluto 脿 superioribus Consuentiam missus sum, humaniores litteras uti moris est in nostra religione, repetiturus, ubi totum me Mathematicae & Lingvarum studio dedi, iis, quae, antequam societatem ingrederer, principia hauseram innixus, eodemque tempore cathedram Professionis linguae graecae superiorum jussu ascend. Venit itaque tempus, quo ingenii talenta hujusque abscondita ex obligatione manifestare cogerer, non tam mei intuitu, quam bona societatis aestimatione in publica professione praestanda. sed talentum publico expositum, novam mihi, Deo sic disponente, persecutionum materiam praebuit; dum capere non possent, quommodo is, cujus nulla hactenus existimatio fuerat, nec ullum alicujus ingenii vestigium illuxisset, ea, quae vix in consumatos lingvarum, Matheos & reconditoris sapientiae Magistros caderent, praestare posset. Tempori itaque & loco invidiaeque cedendum, a superioribus ad totius Provinciae remotissimum collegium Heiligenstadiens in finibus saxoniae positum ad infimae Gramatices principia docendum amandatus fui, quo in itinere praeter alios casus, unus sane maximus, notabilis & consideratione dignissimus visus est, quem loco suo describam.Fuld谩 discedenti Hagiopolim Versus, dum loca haeretica transeunda essent vestis mihi mutuatitia suadebatur: sed respondi, malle me in veste religiosa mori, quam veste seculari tutam sectari viam. Iter itaque solus orditus sum comite nuntio quodam directore viae, & cum jam circa vesperam in vallem quandam obscuram ac horridam intraremus, quae a formidabili ejus aspectu nomen obtinuerat vallis inferni, inter Isenacum & Marcisolium sitam, ecce! derepente ab equitibus haereticis, qui in vicina sylva stabularentur, circumdor. Cum Jesuitam me esse ex habitu cognoscerent, mox omnibus usque ad indusium spoliatum, neque hic desiit furor, omnibus scriptis, viatico, vestibus spoliato, insuper colaphis, verberibusque contuso, mortem per suppendium parabant. Quare me inter duos equites coarctatum, un么 dexteram ter貌 sinistram praetendente, concitato equorum cursu ad arborem, destinatum supplicii locum verius traxerunt, quam perduxerunt. Et cum viderem, eos rem serio agere, hominesque tam efferatos & implacabili in Jesuitas odio frementes, omnino me ad mortem destin芒sse, mox composito animo, flexis in terr芒 genibus, oculis in coelum sublevatis, cum lachrymis Deo, Matrique ardenter me comendaban, gratias agens Divin忙 Bonitati, quod me pro sanctissimi Nominis sui honore mortem subire dignum fecisset, obortisque copiose lachrymis tant芒 consolationum abundanti芒 me expleri sensi, quant芒 unquam in vita mea: neque enim ullus amplius me timor occupabat, pro Deo vitam & sanguinem fundere paratissimum. Hoc rerum statu unus ex circumstantibus militibus me lachrymis perfusum intuens, commiseratione tactus pro me芒 salute omnibus modis sese interposuit, hac usus apostrophe: Quid facimus socii? cur innocentis hominis sanguine manus nostras poliuimus? si Jesuitae mal猫 egentunt: erg貌 innocens hic pro omnibus sufficiet? protestor, meas manus innocuas a sanguine hujus, sciatis autem, qu貌d si huic homini mortem inferemus, minime nos manus Dei evasuros, dimittite itaque eum, omnibus ei rebus, quas abstulistis, restitutis. Itaque me circumstantes, (erant enim 12. fere equites) sermonis hujus efficacia a proposito desisterentes, veluti panico quodam timore invasi, interiora sylvae, me solo unacum veste & scriptis, quae attuleram, relicto, sese receperunt. Interim advolat viae comes timore attonitus, & cum de evitato mortis periculo congratularetur, ecce, post concitato cursu venit is, qui se intercessorem pro mea salute interposuerat, rogans, ut sibi pariter imputaretur: & cum nos viatico spoliassent, duos taleros Imperiales obtulit sui in me affect没s symbolum, suasitque, ut protinus nos ex eo loco properaremus, quod factum fuit. Ego vero Deo Optimo Maximo pro hoc tanto beneficio, & suae in me Divinae protectionis argumento gratias quidem agebam, at hoc unicum dolebam, tam optatam me pro ipsius gloria moriendi occasionem perdidisse. Viatic么 itaque Divinitus concess么 iter prosecuti intra bidui terminum meae peregrinationis, Heiligenstadium attigimus, ubi commissum mihi ex obedientia officium, quo potui meliori modo, administravi, tametsi linguarum & mathematicae studium summo semper fervore absolverim. Contigit eo tempore, ut ArchiEpiscopus Moguntinus S.R.I. Elector Joannes suicardus in has partes legationem solemnmen expediret. suberat enim totius Eisfeldiae status, cujus Metropolis Hagiopolis, seu Heiligenstadium erat, ejus Jurisdictioni absolutae. Et quoniam ad legatos rite excipiendos apparatus non spernendus instituabatur, mihi Actio scenica committebatur expedienda, in qua dum ea exhiberem, quae uti aliquid ultr脿 commune sapere videbantur, ita summam quoque admirationem in spectantibus legatis excitabant, non nullis me criminis Magiae insimulantibus aliis alia obloquentibus, necess猫 fuit ad me 猫 tam turpi crimine liberandum istis legatis omnem exhibitarum rerum rationem exponere, quod & c霉m omnium summa satisfactione pr忙stitum fuit, unde ab illo tempore tanto me affectu prosecuti sunt, ut 脿 me vix divelli posse viderentur; quibus accessit curiositatum Mathematicarum nova reperta illis 脿 me oblata un脿cum exoticatum linguarum panegyri in laudem eorum concinnata, quibus san猫 illorum in me benevolenti忙 non exiguum incrementum factum fuit. Discesserunt deinde illi in omnibus plano satisfacti, qui ad Principem peracta legatione reversi, tanta de nugis meis spars膿runt, ut summum Principi me videndi desiderium ingrederent. Qu脿m mox igitur per R. P. Joannem Reinhardum Zieglerum, qui mathematicarum disciplinarum periti芒 magnam in Germania famam sibi pepererat, Principis t霉n temporis Confessarium, cum R. P. Provinciali de me Aschaffenburgum, ubi Electoris Residentia erat, advocando actum est; neque difficulter impetratum. Brevi itaque ad conditum locum advocor, ubi applausus summo Principis gaudio & benevolentia exceptus, totus fui in rebus curiosis, quibus sumopere delectabatur ad privatam recreationem ei exhibendis, P. Zieglero impigr猫 operam suam in rebus Principi beneplacitis conferente. Redierat tunc temporis ad Principis Moguntini Electoris potestatem Principatus Pratemontanus, olim Palatino a Diethmaro Archiepiscopo Moguntino oppignoratus, & ut Princeps totius status recepti exactam notitiam haberet, a me totius Regionis ichnographicam delineationem, tanquam noto & fideli sibi fieri jussit, quam & ea, qua possibile fuit, diligentia intra tres menses expeditam Principi obtuli, qui concinna locorum singulorum, limitumque consitorum repraesentatione mirum in modum delectatus, alios Archiepiscopat没s Moguntini controversos status pari diligentia fieri mandavit. sed uti humanarum rerum dispositiones sunt ita mors Principis paulo post consecut忙 susceptam consilii rationem dissipavit, Ego ver貌 post annuam Principi impensam operam meam 脿 superioribus Moguntiam ad Theologiae cursum inchoandum missus fui, ubi toto quadriennio illius solius rei s忙tegi, ut Lingvarum orientalium studium Theologicis studiis jungerem, & ex 忙quo utrique omne tempus impenderem, ubi interim multa acciderunt, qu忙 quia proprias laudes sapiunt, silentio consult貌 supprimenda duxi.

Chapter IV.

On Life After the Novitiate, Leading to the Third Year of Probation

After completing the novitiate, I was assigned to begin the course of philosophy and started with logic. Since I had been preceded by so many benefits from God, I did not dare to display my intellectual abilities, fearing that even a hint of vain self-satisfaction might diminish the divine gifts that had been poured into me. (Indeed, after the care of my body, I clearly felt that the endowments of my mind had also been greatly increased.) This deliberate silence and concealment of my abilities caused both my teachers and classmates to consider me dull and entirely unfit for philosophy, believing my apparent stupidity to be genuine. I was never called upon to argue or to summarize according to the usual practice, but I rejoiced and exulted that, out of love for Christ, I was regarded by all as foolish and ignorant. Thus, after completing a year of logic, I began studying physics. I had scarcely completed two months when a new storm arose that provided me with a great opportunity for patience and for bearing suffering for Christ. The event occurred in the year 1622, when the heretical Bishop of Halberstadt, a fierce persecutor of the Catholic faith and a rebel against the Emperor, raised an army and invaded Westphalia with devastating speed, laying waste to everything with fire and sword. Eventually, he also attacked Paderborn, wreaking similar havoc with cruel savagery. At that time, our Jesuit college in Paderborn operated a seminary for youth, housing around 80 individuals. Since this Prince of Halberstadt, known as the "mad bishop," openly declared himself a mortal enemy of the Jesuits, it was feared that, if the city were taken by storm, all would be massacred. It was decided to dissolve the college, and this decision was carried out. As the enemy gradually began to encircle the city, and it became impossible to provide each person with Viaticum in such a sudden state of disruption, many were sent off with no more than divine providence and fortune to guide them. I was one of four companions sent away in this way. It was a harsh winter, with deep snow, and we were poorly dressed. However, the looming threat of advancing soldiers gave wings to our flight. Entrusting ourselves to God and the Blessed Virgin, we set off towards the monastery, trudging through the deep, snow-covered paths. It was impossible to find a clear route, and for days and nights, we wandered without finding a way out. We imagined ourselves in the remotest regions of India, holding on to the firm hope that God, who had called us to this difficult journey through holy obedience, would not abandon us. With this confidence, we pressed on as best we could through the harshest forests, knee-deep in thick snowdrifts. After two days in such calamities, we were struck by dire hunger. We had no provisions left. From this trial, I learned what hunger is and how powerfully it can afflict humanity. How delightful grass and roots would have seemed to us鈥攊f only the deep snow and frozen earth had not denied us even this small blessing! Finally, after making renewed vows, we emerged from the forest, our entire bodies stiff and trembling, our faces turned blue with cold. But God, in His supreme goodness, did not allow us to be tested beyond our strength. We came upon an inhabited place and entered, hoping to obtain alms for our companions, who were barely alive from exhaustion. After much pleading, I managed to secure some bread. Though it was of the poorest quality, made from oats and bran, it tasted so sweet to my famished palate that I can recall nothing in my life ever tasting better. Strengthened by this bread, we completed the remaining part of that day's journey. By evening, we arrived at a small settlement, more a collection of huts than houses, where we warmed ourselves by a fire, though we lacked everything else needed for sustenance. Soon after, a man approached and asked if the Fathers of the Society of Jesus had passed through that way. Hearing these words, which seemed almost heaven-sent, we all rushed forward, proclaiming ourselves to be of the Society. He replied that he had been sent by his master specifically to invite us to supper. Overjoyed by the extraordinary kindness of divine providence, we followed our guide and were brought to a designated place where a supper, prepared with the utmost charity, awaited us. After dining, we gave thanks to God and our generous host, then set out the next morning towards the monastery, which we reached the same day. At the monastery, we were received with the warmth and care that the Society is accustomed to show its traveling members, especially those worn out by the hardships of the road. After resting and regaining our strength over the course of eight days, we were sent to Cologne to continue our studies. But before proceeding further, I must recount here a new and truly remarkable testament to Divine Providence, whereby, through His infinite mercy and the intercession of His Blessed Mother, He deigned to deliver me once again from an unavoidable danger to my life. I share this story so that the reader may understand the power of trust in God and the Blessed Virgin and learn to turn to them as the sole source of solace in all tribulations. This is how the event unfolded. During our journey from the monastery to Cologne, we reached D眉sseldorf within two days. There, we found the Rhine completely frozen over. It is customary among the Rhine-dwellers that, when the river freezes, they hire someone for a set fee to cross the ice and assess whether its solidity can safely support people and animals. As I mentioned, while such a scout was being sought, some individuals appointed for this purpose by the magistrate of D眉sseldorf encountered us. Seeing that we were poorly dressed (for we were in secular attire) and noticing our urgent desire to cross the river that very day, they suspected us to be either vagrants or fugitive soldiers. Thinking it mattered little if we perished in the attempt, they deceitfully directed us to what they claimed was a commonly used crossing point. Unaware of their duplicity and suspecting no harm, we began our journey across the ice, maintaining the precaution of spacing ourselves about ten feet apart. I, as the leader, tested the path. When I had reached nearly the middle of the river, I suddenly saw the entire Rhine ahead of me break open. My companions, terrified, immediately retreated to the bank we had just left. I, however, pressed on, advancing as far as the solidity of the ice permitted. Yet as I strove to rejoin my companions, the ice around me completely gave way, and I was carried downstream by the rushing waters. Stranded on what was effectively an ice island, I pressed onward as far as I could. My companions, seeing my plight, assumed I was lost and fell to their knees on the ice, ardently imploring Divine assistance and the Blessed Virgin's intercession for my safety. (It was, after all, the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary, a day I have celebrated ever since in gratitude for the benefit of this deliverance.) Meanwhile, I was carried away on my glacial island. Seeing no possible means of escape, I turned to God with tears, ready to accept life or death equally. Indeed, never before had I placed such trust in the Lord, recalling the many past dangers from which Divine Providence had rescued me. I knew that when human help fails, God's aid never does.After being carried downstream for some time, I suddenly found that the river had refrozen, with massive blocks of ice forming a kind of wall between the waters. The fragment of ice I was on came to rest against this barrier. However, new and even greater challenges arose. The towering piles of broken ice were extremely slippery, offering no foothold for hands or feet, and were riddled with fissures leading down to the freezing waters below. Should I slip, there would be no hope of human rescue. Only God knew the state of my mind amidst such unavoidable perils. Yet, with great courage and presence of mind, aided by fear which spurred my ingenuity, I managed to navigate through smaller gaps in the ice to reach a more solid area of the Rhine. As I continued my journey, nearly reaching the opposite bank, I found the river once again open before me. What could I do? Turning back was impossible; going forward was perilous. Staying exposed to the frigid air in the dead of winter, exhausted from labor, fear, and mental anguish, was nothing short of awaiting death itself. The only option left to me was to swim across to the other bank, which was about 24 paces away. I had learned to swim as a child, and this skill now proved lifesaving. Entering the water, I was weighed down by my clothes but managed to find footing. From there, I slowly made my way, first up to my neck in water, then to my chest, and finally knee-deep, until I reached the shore. Once on solid ground, I knelt and gave thanks to God and His Blessed Mother for this clear sign of Divine protection. However, my entire body was stiff with cold from the severe winter weather. My fingers and limbs, almost entirely numb from the intense chill, left me fearing that if I remained immobile any longer, my blood would freeze, leading to the lethargy I had heard could result in death. Summoning all my strength, I shook off the torpor and hastened toward Neuss, which was about a three-hour journey from there. With great effort, I reached the city, aided by Divine grace. At the Jesuit college, my companions鈥攚ho had crossed earlier over a more solid part of the river and had already reported me dead or drowned鈥攇reeted me with incredible joy and amazement. After being revived and cared for, I remained there for three days, finally recovering without any lasting damage to my health鈥攁 result the physicians deemed impossible at the time. From there, I proceeded to Cologne, where I completed my course in philosophy. Subsequently, my superiors assigned me to Constance to repeat the study of humanities, as is customary in our order. There, I devoted myself entirely to the study of mathematics and languages, building upon the foundations I had laid before entering the Society. During this time, I also, under the direction of my superiors, assumed the professorial chair of Greek. At last, the time came when I was obliged to reveal my intellectual talents, which had until then been kept hidden, not for my own sake but to uphold the reputation of the Society through public teaching. However, the public display of my abilities, as ordained by Divine Providence, gave rise to new persecutions. Many could not comprehend how someone previously thought unremarkable, with no visible signs of exceptional intelligence, could now demonstrate such proficiency in subjects mastered only by the most seasoned scholars of languages, mathematics, and the most profound sciences.I had to yield, therefore, to time, place, and the envy I faced. Consequently, my superiors assigned me to the most remote college in the entire province, located at Heiligenstadt on the borders of Saxony, to teach the rudiments of grammar. During this journey, apart from other incidents, one particularly significant and noteworthy event occurred, which I shall recount in its proper place. As I departed from Fulda toward Heiligenstadt, passing through heretical territories, it was suggested to me that I change out of my religious habit and wear secular clothing to ensure my safety. However, I replied that I would rather die in my religious habit than seek safety in secular attire. Thus, I began my journey alone, accompanied only by a guide who served as a local pathfinder. Around evening, we entered a dark and dreadful valley, so ominous in appearance that it had earned the name "Valley of Hell." It was situated between Eisenach and Marienthal. Suddenly, we were surrounded by heretical horsemen who were stationed in the nearby forest. Recognizing me as a Jesuit by my habit, they immediately stripped me of everything down to my undershirt. Their fury did not stop there. After robbing me of all my belongings, including my writings, provisions, and clothes, they beat me with their fists and scourged me. Then, they prepared to execute me by hanging. Placing me between two horsemen鈥攐ne grasping my right arm and the other my left鈥攖hey dragged me at a gallop toward a tree, the designated site of my execution. It was more like being hauled than being led. And seeing that they were serious, men so savage and seething with implacable hatred against the Jesuits, utterly determined to put me to death, I composed myself, knelt on the ground, lifted my eyes to heaven, and with tears fervently commended myself to God and His Mother, giving thanks to Divine Goodness for deeming me worthy to suffer death for the honor of His Most Holy Name. Tears flowed copiously, and I felt myself filled with such an abundance of consolation as I had never experienced in my life. No fear remained within me, for I was fully prepared to offer my life and blood for God. In this dire situation, one of the soldiers standing nearby, seeing me bathed in tears, was moved with compassion. He intervened on my behalf in every possible way, addressing his comrades with these words: "What are we doing, comrades? Why should we stain our hands with the blood of an innocent man? If Jesuits are to be hated, is it not enough that this one stands here alone to bear it all? I declare that my hands will remain innocent of this man's blood. Know this: if we bring death upon this man, we will not escape the hand of God. Let him go, and return to him all that you have taken." Thus, the horsemen surrounding me (there were about twelve of them) were swayed by the power of this speech. Overcome by a kind of sudden panic, they abandoned their intent, retreating deeper into the forest and leaving me alone with my habit and the writings I had brought with me.  Meanwhile, my guide, who had been paralyzed with fear, rushed to my side. As he congratulated me on escaping death, the very soldier who had intervened on my behalf returned at a gallop. He asked me to attribute my deliverance to his intervention and, knowing that we had been robbed of our provisions, offered two Imperial thalers as a token of his goodwill. He also urged us to leave the area immediately, which we did without delay. I, for my part, gave thanks to Almighty God for this great mercy and for such a clear sign of His divine protection. Yet I could not help but feel sorrow that I had lost the long-desired opportunity to die for His glory. With the provisions providentially supplied, we continued our journey and, within two days, reached Heiligenstadt. There, in obedience to my assignment, I carried out the duties entrusted to me as best as I could. At the same time, I devoted myself with unwavering zeal to the study of languages and mathematics, always striving to improve in these disciplines. At that time, it happened that the Archbishop of Mainz and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, Johann Schweikhard, dispatched a solemn delegation to these parts. The entirety of the region of Eichsfeld, with Heiligenstadt as its capital, fell under his absolute jurisdiction. As preparations were being made for a fitting reception of the delegates, I was entrusted with organizing a theatrical performance. In presenting this work, which seemed to possess an uncommon refinement, I succeeded in arousing great admiration among the delegates. However, some began to accuse me of the crime of magic, while others spread various calumnies. It became necessary for me to explain to the delegates the rationale behind everything that had been displayed, in order to clear myself of such a shameful accusation. I provided a thorough explanation, which was received with complete satisfaction by all. From that time onward, the delegates held me in such great affection that they seemed almost unwilling to part from me. This goodwill was further enhanced when I presented them with newly developed mathematical curiosities, along with a panegyric in exotic languages composed in their honor. These offerings significantly deepened their benevolence toward me. Then, those who had been fully satisfied in every respect with the mission returned to the Prince, and they spread such reports of my trifles that a great desire for me to be seen by the Prince arose. Thus, very soon, through Father John Reinhard Ziegler, who had gained great fame in Germany for his expertise in mathematical disciplines, and who at that time was the Prince's confessor, the Provincial Father, a meeting with me was arranged in Aschaffenburg, where the Elector's residence was, which was not difficult to obtain. Shortly afterward, I was summoned to the appointed place, where I was warmly received with the Prince's greatest joy and benevolence. I was fully occupied with the curious matters in which the Prince greatly delighted, which I presented to him for his private recreation, with Father Ziegler diligently assisting in matters that pleased the Prince. At that time, the Prince of Pratemontanus, once pledged by Archbishop Dietmar of Mainz, had returned to the power of the Elector of Mainz. To ensure the Prince had a complete understanding of the state, he ordered me to create a detailed map of the entire region, which I delivered to him with as much care as possible within three months. The Prince was greatly pleased with the representation of the various places and boundaries. He then commanded that similar maps be made for other disputed territories within the Archdiocese of Mainz with the same diligence. However, as is the way with human affairs, shortly after, the Prince's death dissolved the plans he had made. As for me, after a year of dedicated service to the Prince, I was sent by my superiors to Mainz to begin my theological studies, where I spent the next four years solely focused on that endeavor. During this time, I joined the study of Oriental languages with my theological studies, devoting equal time to both. Meanwhile, many things occurred which I believe to be of personal merit, but I chose to suppress them in silence out of consideration.

CAPUT V.

De Tertio probationis anno vitaque reliqua in Germania transacta.

Finito studio Theologico, & sacerdotio initiatus 1628. spir忙 ad tertium probationis annum more solito societati omnibus exsolvendum, missus sum: ubi omnibus depositis studiis totum me dedi divinarum rerum contemplationi, & rebus ad religiosi hominis perfectionem consequendam conferentibus unice incubui. Contigit eodem tempore, ut mihi, nescio, cujus libri in Bibliotheca domestica inquirendi cura demandaretur. Dum itaque singulos libros excutio, casu ne, an divina Providentia sic disponente, in librum incido, in quo omnes Obelisci Romani 脿 sixto V. Pont. Max. in Urbe erecti Hieroglyphicis figuris expressis exhibebantur, statim curiositate abreptus, qualesnam hujusmodi figurae essent examinabam; putabam enim, illas 脿 sculptore pro phantasiae arbitrio positas, cum ver貌 ex historia obeliscorum annexa cognovi illas figuras veteris Aegypti monumenta esse, ab immemorabili tempore Obeliscis Romae superstitionibus insculptas, quarum tamen expositionem 脿 tanto tempore perfectae eorundem notitiae nemo dedisset, summum me, occulto instinctu stimulante, num ad notitiam hujusmodi consequendam, pertingere liceret, incessit desiderium. Unde ab illo tempore ad illas penetrandas animum nunquam deposui, sic enim ratiocinabar; erg貌 significata eorum alicubi latebunt? in tam innumereorum Auctorum veterum monumentis sparsa, & si forsan non in latinis & graecis, saltem in exoticis orientalium libris. Unde ex illo tempore omnia dictorum Auctorum monumenta scrutari coepi, ut collectis sparsim doctrin忙 fragmentis Corpus Panth忙i dissipatum in integrum restituerem, quod, Deo sic volente & disponente, miris occasionibus & librorum in hunc finem conferentium detectione factum est, uti suo tempore Oedipus Aegyptiacus docebit. Atque haec prima fuit occasio suscepti ardui tentamenti, id est, abolitae litteraturae interpretandae suscepta Provincia, ut lector omni ex ordine institutum vitae meae luculentius intelligat, porro, finito tertio probationis anno, Herbiopolim ad Mathefin, syriacamque docendam advocatus, ibi postea totum me professionis meae propriis studiis impendi, ubi & prim貌 artem magneticam sub forma concussionis edidi, non sine curiosorum hominum plausu exceptam, finito hujus anni cursu; ecce novi & repentini bellorum turbines omnia su艣que deque verterunt; siquidem Gustavus Rex sueci忙 post adeptam contr脿 Tillium victoriam cum exercitu suo summa velocitate versus Franconiam movit, ubi uti omnes imparatos ex improvis芒 irruptione invenit, ita facile & sine ulla resistentia intr脿 binarum hebdomadarum spatium totam sibi Franconiam subjecit. Ver霉m hoc loco intermittere non possum, quin qu忙 mihi circ脿 Collegii dissolutionem & totam patri忙 devastationem medio ante anno contigerant, breviter recensam. Anno 1631. cum tot芒 Germani芒 C忙sari subjugat脿, alta apud Catholicos pax resid茅ret, nemine H忙reticorum caput tam facile extollere cogitante, ecc猫 intempest脿 qu芒dam nocte insolito quodam strepitu 猫 somno excitatus, quasi lumen quoddam obscuram per fenestram diffusum vidi, & cum, ut quid sibi insol铆tum lumen vellet viderem, me a lecto proripuissem, apert芒 subito fenestr芒 totam Collegii aream, qu忙 perampla erat, plenam armatis equis in militarem ordinem redactis clar猫 conspexi. Horrore itaqu猫 perterritus ad vicina me cubicula confero, sed alio omnibus somno oppressis, somno me illusum credens, repeto fenestram, & idem spectaculum occurrit, abeo, ut testes spectaculi adducerem, sed mox inveni, totum spectrum evanuisse. Consequentibus deinde diebus tanta me animi angustia invasit, ut loco contineri nescius hinc inde discurrerem, secuturasque calamitates tanta certitudine intra me ipsum pr忙sentiebam, ut veluti in speculo omnes repr忙sentatas intuerer, notata fuit h忙c anxi忙 mentis sollicitudo a multis, & quid tantopere me urgeret, atque torqueret, interrogantes inter c忙teros superiori, respondi. Pater mi, oremus Deum, quia magnas calamitates non huic Collegio tantum, sed & Franconi忙 quoque & univers忙 Germani忙 imminere sentio, ac proinde vestra Reverentia videat, ut thesaurum Ecclesi忙 tempestiv猫 in locum securum transferat, fabrica quoque, quam Reverentia vestra inc忙pit, non perficietur. Qu忙 verba tum rite excepta, verum tamen hoc fuisse, effectus mense Octobris consecutus sat superque demonstrabat, dum hostis ex improviso in Franconiam irrumpens, tanta omnes consternatione oppressit, ut omnis consilii inopes, quiqu忙 convasatis rebus vit忙 fug忙 satageret consulere, relicta Urbe Herbipolensi sine pr忙sidio, sine provisione, sine ulla defensione; didiceruntque tandem Patres nostri pr忙dictum meum non irritum fuisse, unde multi secreto examinantes, qua ratione tam constanter Urbis invasionem pr忙dixissem, putabant, astrologica arte id factum esse, sed uti ad visionem aperiendam non obligabar, ita alto eam silentio pressi, relinquendo unicu铆que potestatem de pr忙dictione judicandi, quod vellet, dissolutum itaque intra 24. horas totum Collegium, incredibili confusione omnibus, hoste jam urbi appropinquante, terrore perculsis; audiverunt enim inimicum nulli Jesuitarum parciturum: ego vero cum reliquis communi turbini involutus, omnibus meis scriptis relictis Moguntiam & spiram concessi, quantam vero hoc in itinere Benignissimus Deus malorum pro ejus Nomine sustinendorum materiam obtulerit, uti mille alia lubens ommitto.

CHAPTER V.

On the Third Year of Trial and the Remaining Life Spent in Germany.

Having completed theological studies and been initiated into the priesthood in 1628, I was sent, according to custom, to fulfill my third year of probation in the Society of Jesus. There, having put aside all other studies, I gave myself entirely to the contemplation of divine matters and focused exclusively on things that would aid the perfection of a religious life. At the same time, I was unexpectedly entrusted with the task of investigating some books in the domestic library. As I was examining each book, by chance鈥攐r perhaps by divine Providence鈥擨 came across a book that depicted all the obelisks erected in Rome by Pope Sixtus V, represented in hieroglyphic figures. Immediately struck by curiosity, I began to examine what these figures were, initially thinking they were simply the product of the sculptor's imagination. However, upon reading the history of the obelisks, I learned that these figures were ancient Egyptian symbols, inscribed on the obelisks in Rome from time immemorial as part of their superstitions, though no one had yet offered a full explanation of them despite their long history. Driven by an obscure impulse, a strong desire took hold of me to understand these symbols. From that time on, I never ceased to pursue this inquiry, reasoning that these symbols must surely have some hidden meaning. They must be scattered throughout the works of many ancient authors, and if not in Latin or Greek, at least in the exotic texts of Eastern books. From that time onward, I began to study the works of these authors, gathering scattered fragments of knowledge in an attempt to restore the scattered body of the Pantheon to its completeness. This, as God willed and arranged, came to fruition through marvelous opportunities and the discovery of books related to this purpose, as will be explained in due time in the Oedipus Aegyptiacus. And this was the first occasion of the great temptation I undertook, that is, the undertaking of the interpretation of the abolished literature, so that the reader may more clearly understand the course of my life. Furthermore, after the completion of the third year of my trials, I was called to Herbiopolis to teach Mathematics and Syriac. There, I dedicated myself entirely to my profession鈥檚 studies, where I first published the magnetic art under the form of concussion, which was received with applause by many curious individuals. After completing this year鈥檚 work, behold, new and sudden whirlwinds of war turned everything upside down. For Gustavus, King of Sweden, after his victory over Tilly, moved his army with the utmost speed towards Franconia, where, finding all unprepared due to the surprise attack, he easily and without resistance subdued all of Franconia within the span of two weeks. However, I cannot refrain from mentioning what happened to me regarding the dissolution of the College and the devastation of the country a year earlier. In 1631, when all of Germany had been subjected to Caesar, peace rested among the Catholics, and no heretic thought of raising their head so easily. But on one stormy night, I was suddenly awakened by an unusual noise, and through the window, I saw a certain light diffused. As I got up from bed to see what the unusual light was, I opened the window and clearly saw the entire area of the College, which was quite large, full of armed cavalry arranged in military formation. Horrified, I went to the nearby rooms, but finding everyone else fast asleep, I thought I had been deceived by a dream. I returned to the window, and the same sight met my eyes. I went to bring witnesses to the sight, but soon found that the whole vision had disappeared. In the following days, a great mental anguish overtook me, and I found myself wandering aimlessly, unable to stay in one place, feeling with certainty that the calamities to come were imminent, as though I were seeing them reflected in a mirror. This anxiety of mind was noted by many, and when others asked what was troubling me so much, I replied, 'Father, let us pray to God, for I sense that great calamities are impending, not just upon this College, but also upon Franconia and all of Germany. Therefore, I ask that Your Reverence consider transferring the Church鈥檚 treasure to a secure place, and that the building Your Reverence began should not be completed.' These words were duly received, but the effects of this warning became clear in October, when the enemy, suddenly invading Franconia, struck such fear into everyone that those who had any plans for survival fled in confusion, leaving the city of Herbiopolis undefended, unprepared, and without any protection. In the end, our Fathers learned that my prediction had not been in vain, and many secretly examined how I had predicted the invasion so steadily, with some thinking that it was the result of astrological art. But as I was not bound to reveal the vision, I kept it in deep silence, leaving it to each person to judge the prediction as they wished. Within 24 hours, the College was dissolved in incredible confusion, with the enemy approaching the city. The fear was so great that it was heard that none of the Jesuits would be spared. I, along with the others, caught up in the general turmoil, left all my writings behind and fled to Mainz and Spira. As for the immense amount of suffering that the Most Gracious God provided me on this journey for His Name鈥檚 sake, I willingly omit it, along with many other things.

CAPUT VI.

De Vita in Francia transacta, adventuque in Urbem.

His ita ordine gestis, cum su忙que deque omnia verterentur in Germania neque ulla aut redeundi aut subsistendi spes affulgeret, dispositione superiorum in Franciam fui missus; primo quidem Lugdunum, deinde Avenionem, ubi easdem, quas Herbipoli, facultates publice & privatim docui, & cum multum mihi temporis superesset, id totum partim mathematicis linguisque, partim Hieroglyphicis interpretandis impendi. Contigit eodem tempore, ut dum superiorum jussu Provinciam Narbonensem, tum ad Chorographiam novam illius Provinci忙 concinnandam, tum ad pia loca, cujus modi sunt Antrum S. Mari忙 Magdalen忙, quod vulgo S. Beaume dicitur, S. Maximini, ubi Corpus S. Magdalen忙; Marsiliam, ubi S. Lazari, Jarascum, ubi S. Marth忙 requiescit, visitanda, lustrarem; Aqvis sextiis bona mea forte in celeberrimum Virum Nicolaum Perescium senatorem Parlamenti, summum omnium totius Europ忙 litteratorum fautorem inciderem, qui uti curiosissimus reconditiarum rerum indagator erat, cum me peritum lingvarum orientalium percepisset, quin & Hieroglyphica 脝gyptiaca interpretandi gnarum, quorum ille in instructissimo suo Mus忙o farraginem tenebat; dici vix potest, quanta me benevolentia prosecutus sit, pr忙sertim cum dicerem me lingvarum, Hebraic忙, Chaldaic忙, Arabic忙, & samaritanae (quorum librorum ipse ingentem thesaurum reconditum tenebat in sua bibliotheca) exhibiturum specimen; superet specimen Hieroglyphic忙 interpretationis dandum. Hieroglyphica ita que ex statua 脝gyptiaca depromi mox curavit, eaque interpretanda dedit, bon芒 itaque noctis parte interpretationi impens芒, postero die attuli interpretationem factam, quam cum 脝gyptiacam lucernam olere, (erat enim totius Antiquitatis consultissimus,) comperisset, ea verborum gravitate de instituto meo locutus est, ut ea, verecundia postulante, hic adscribenda non duxerim, Avenionem itaque bona illius venia reversurum non destitit cistis plenis librorum in hunc finem conducentium me onerare, interim litteris ab Adm. R. P. nostro Mutio Vitclesco Viennam in Austriam, in C忙saris Mathematicum designatus, vocor, quod ubi intellexit Perescius, nullum non lapidem movit, ut iter illud impediret; timebat enim, ne si Mathematicis studiis in aula C忙saris occuparer, omnem de Hieroglyphica sapientia instauranda animum abjicerem; quare mox ad Urbanum Octavum Pontificem Maximum, & Franciscum Cardinalem Barberinum instantissimas litteras dedit, ut me ex medio itinere Romam revocarent: sed antequ脿m hic ulterius progrediar, pr忙terire non possum, quin ad Dei honorem periculum ingens narrem, ex quo me Divina Bonitas eripuit: Hortus erat Collegio suburbanus, in quo ingens rota intra duos parietes ad hortum irrignandum ab equo agitabatur; erat inter duos parietes aqu忙 scaturientis ingens copia, nec non profunda, qu忙 haustris rit猫 elevata & in coneham magnam effusa, inde per inciles in universum hortum derivabatur. Cum it脿que ad divertendum tantisper 脿 studiis animum cum uno 猫 laicis nostris hortum ingressus dictam machin am ab equo ingenti vecte agitatam considerarem, & cogitationibus implicitus equum laborantem non adverterem, ecc猫! vecte derepente interceptus, c霉m nec equum firmare possem, nec sine totius corporis contritionis periculo inter murum, & Vectem consistere possem, urgente vecte intra rotam excussus sum, sed rot脿 indefinenter mot脿 pedem firmare nullibi poteram, n茅que etiam 脿 latere propter murorum auguftiam, utpot猫 qui rotam prope conting猫rent, elabi daretur, in maxima hac neceffitate ac periculo conftitutus, socii opem imploravi, sed is in horti remotioribus partibus occupatus, clamorem nen audivit: interim ego cum rota circumvolvebar, & dum apertum mortis periculum viderem, solit芒 fiduc卯芒 ad Deiparam confugi & ecce! rota stetit; ego ver貌 mox intra aquam collo tentus immersus per gradus quosdam, per quos ad aquam aditus dabatur, totus salvus & incolumis evasi; quaes卯vi socium, qui mox toto corpore madefactum & membris omnibus trementem, nec non motti pallore suffusum in domum unicam recreationi nostrorum designatam introduxit, instructoquc foco vestes siccavit, & calore ignis in priftinum me ftatum reftituit, fuit hoc periculum ade貌 formidabile, ut de eo sine horrore cogitare non possim, fuitque hujus periculi Divina ope peracta evasio summum mihi ad Deo qu脿m ardentiffim猫 serviendum incitameumentum. His peractis itineri me accingo in Germaniam, qu貌 vocabar, abiturus, de quo certior factus Perescius, me Aquas sextias prius transire voluit, ubi incredibili benevolenti忙 significatione per aliquot dies me detinuit, donec sociis properantibus obtent芒 veni芒, Marsiliam versus discessi, iter Genuam & deinde in Germaniam directurus, nihil prors霉s de machinatione, quam de itinere contrario Romam me evocando cum Cardinale Barberino moliebatur Perescius, suspicatus. sed quoniam hoc in itinere Divina Bonitas novam mihi tribulationum materiam suggere voluit, quid acciderit paucis referam.Marsili忙 nos mari commisimus, & ut facilius nostra navis ventum adquiret, ad desertam quandam Insulam Marsili芒 tribus leucis dissitam conducti fuimus, nos nause芒 maris consuet芒 vexati, insulam ingressi dormivimus aliquant霉lum remoti 脿 navi, & postquam 猫 somno excitati fuimus, navim jam discessisse reperimus. Unde summa anxietate invasi, quid in sterili ac deserta terra ageremus nescii, orationi nos commisimus, & ecce! vidimus de longinquo venientes piscatores cum lintribus suis, ut circa vicinam insulam piscarentur, quibus tot signa dedimus, ut unus ex iis tantum ad explorandum, quales essemus, approximaret, promisimus illi non exiguam vim pecuniae, si nos Marsiliam reduceret, quod factum fuit. Ubi celoce, quam Felucam vocant, conduct脿 iter Genuam versus direximus, quo in itinere naufragium passi sumus, hoc, qui sequitur, mod貌, postquam in portu deserto triduo ob temporum marisque inquietudinem morati sumus, Navarchus mor忙 pert忙sus eodem adhuc die post meridiem situm maris admod霉m periculosum & scopulis altissimis formidabilem, 30000. passuum penetrare cogitabat, sperans futurum, ut sub vesperam portum Cassium vulg貌 Cassis obtineret, sed aliter contigit, itaqu猫 magno animo sinum ingressus est intra octavam Nativitatis B.V. Mari忙 anno 1633. & ecce! vix tria millia ria confecerat, dum mare 忙stuare incipit pr忙ter solitum, Ventus australis exsurgere, mare formidandum in modum intumesce虅re magno tamen animo, quo & alios omnes animabat, progressus est, interim ad ultimas redigimur angustias, navicul芒 undarum violenti忙 non amplius ad sustinendum pari, fluctus enim erant tanti, ut sine horrore aspici non possent; interim omnibus aqu芒 in naviculam tempestatis vi inject芒 exoneranda occupatis, desperatis jam omnibus quisque opem Divinam reconciliatione per S. Exhomologesin, meliore, quo poterat, modo fact芒, implorabamus. Nos quoque in tam inevitabili mortis periculo Votum ad Beatam Virginem Lauretana虅 concepimus, mox ac Itali忙 redditi essemus, ibidem illud exsoluturi: Interim tenebr忙 ad malorum omnium complementum (fuerat enim novilunii tempus,) ingruunt. Nauclerus itaque in desperato negotio memor erat unius cavern忙 inter scopulos 脿 natura excavat忙, in qua ali脿s ipse se servarat; habebat autem caverna illa circiter 8. pedes latitudinis & altitudinis circiter 10. & totum montem pervadebat, ita ut ex altera parte evadendi locus daretur, uti postea experientia me docuit: & cum adhuc crepusculum esset, & 15. adhuc leucis a desiderato portu abessemus, rem prorsus temerariam aggressus est, ita enim, ut postea nobis retulit, ratiocinabatur: tentabo intrare spatium intempest芒 nocte manifestoque submersionis periculo, & viatores, & me, & naviculam exponere: dictum factum! nil nobis de periculoso naucleri molimine suspicantibus; in silentio itaque appropinquavit locis, ubi caverna erat, & quoniam dictum foramem undarum fluxu nunc claudebatur, nunc vero earundem retroactione aperiebatur, arguto sane consilio, & Angelo custode haud dubi猫 timorem ejus regente observavit undarum illapsum, & mox naviculam in latus deflexit, ut undarum impetu in cavernam conjiceretur, quod Divina potius dispositione, quam humana industria factum fuit; nam alias oppleto foramine undis, illisis saxis omnes periissemus; quia tamen navicula pr忙cise medium foraminis non tetigit, sed ea ad latera elis芒 diffringebatur, unde omnes exsilientes, dum cavernam ingredimur, de repente novo undarum fluxu omnes aquis tecti sumus; Quia tamen aqua impetu peracto retrocedere solebat, ut ab undis essemus liberi, ex altera montis parte exitum maturavimus, genibusque flexis omnes Divin忙 Clementi忙 gratias egimus, quod nos post naufragium incolumes esse voluisset, navicula ver貌 脿 nautis intus tracta, postero die refecta fuit: sed hoc loco in novas angustias recidimus, c霉m post montem nihil aliud, qu脿m immens芒 pr忙cipitia, & inaccessi scopuli occurrerent, atque ade貌 veluti captivi inter duas immensas pr忙ruptorum montium rupes sine ullo exitum detinemur, quia tamen summa necessitas ingenium acuit, unus 猫 nautis locorum peritus viam tandem tentavit, sed eam, qu忙 nobis non minus periculi, quam in summo mari minabatur. Vestigia itaque naut忙 caprarum instar sectantes pedibus, manibus ver貌 spinosis fruticibus nos sustentantes tandem Divin芒 Grati芒 scopulos superavimus: quod si quemque ex nostris vestigium fefellisset, ei haud dubi猫 pr忙cipito pereundum fuisset. In hoc periculosissimo scopuli ascensu acutorum silicium discissione vestes omnes, quin & calcei ita lacerati fuerunt, ut nulli amplius usui esse poterant; ex hoc itaque periculo liberati, sub tertiam noctis horam Cassis portum tenuimus non per mare, sed per asperrimos, ut dixi, montes, tribus horis in eo conficiendo itinere impensis, cum secundum rectam lineam non nisi medi芒 hor芒 脿 caverna distaret, instauratis viribus & navicul芒 jam, ut dixi, in ips芒 spelunc芒 resarci芒 adduct芒que postero die, viam nostram prosequentes intra occiduum Genuam Divin芒 aspirante Grati芒 appulimus, ubi quatuordecem dies commorati, alia conduct芒 navicul芒 Liburnum petimus ea intentione, ut inde per terram voti exsolvendi grati芒 Lauretum, inde Venetias, & hinc in Germaniam tenderemus. sed aliter Divin忙 Dispositioni visum fuit: navicula enim ventis & tempestatibus agitata imm貌 in Insulam Corsic忙 vicinam, indeque post periculosissimam & diuturnam navigationem, omnibus ventis conspirantibus nos in portum Centum Cellarum, qu忙 Civita Vecchia vulg貌 dicitur, exposuit, quod oppidum, cum non nisi 40. milliariis Rom芒 distet, omnibus rebus jam consumptis, iter reliquum pedibus confecimus, fame & 忙rumis tantum non consumpti. Romam itaque attigi Anno 1634. ubi jamdudum nihil horum me suspicante exspectabar... siquidem jam Admod霉m R. P. Generalis Mutius 脿 Cardinale Barberino sollicitatus, ut me ex via, ubicunque essem, omisso Germanico itinere, jussu Pontificis Romam venire procuraret, literasque dederat, quibus me Romam advocabat, ut vel ex hoc capite Divinam Providentiam satis mirari non potuerim. Rom忙 itaque commoratus negotium Hieroglyphicum, cui titulus Oedipus 脝gyptiacus, sic volente ac jubente Francisco Cardinalle Barberino, Perescij suasu sollicitato, aggressus sum, quod tandem Dei gratia, post viginti annorum labores perfeci.Contigit autem, ut binis post adventum meum annis Roma Melitam cum Landgravio modo Eminentissimo S. R. S. Cardinale, ut, cujus conversionis ad fidem Cath. occasio fueram, primus ei 脿 confessionibus essem, amandaret. Cum ver貌 Melit忙 sine notabili studiorum inceptorum detrimento h忙c rerere non posse videret, alio in meum locum subrogat么, juss没 Cardinalis Melit芒 Romam me revocavit P. Generalis, ubi Cathedr忙 Mathematic忙 in Collegio Romano Pr忙fectus & Opera, Professionis me忙 edidi, qu忙 jam mundo nota sunt; voluit autem Divina clementia in itinere quod Melit芒 Romam conficiebam, ita me nova vit忙 pericula experiri, dum in crebris illis & formidandis terr忙 motibus, quibus illis temporibus universa fer猫 Calabria in vastitatem abiit, me pr忙sentem esse sibi complacuit. Quam Historiam descriptam, & pericula summa, ex quibus me Dominus eripere dignatus est, dum tant霉m non ruina montium, domuumque oppressus fui, dum montis Vesuvii, 脝thn忙, strongli naturam & proprietatem maximo cum periculo aggressus sum, cum in Mundo subterraneo fus猫 descripserim, e貌 Lectorem remitto, ubi Lector luculenta Divin忙 circa me protectionis argumenta, cum admiratione intuebitur.

CHAPTER VI.

On the Life in France and the Arrival in the City.

After these matters were completed, when all was turning in Germany and there was no hope of returning or staying, I was sent by the orders of my superiors to France; first to Lyon, then to Avignon, where I taught the same subjects publicly and privately as I had in W眉rzburg, and since I had much time left, I dedicated it partly to mathematics and languages, and partly to interpreting hieroglyphics. It so happened at the same time that, by the command of my superiors, I was traveling through the Province of Narbonne, both to prepare a new chorography of that province and to visit the holy places, such as the Cave of St. Mary Magdalene, which is commonly called St. Beaume, St. Maximian, where the body of St. Mary Magdalene is, Marseille, where St. Lazarus is, and Jarascum, where St. Martha rests. While in the region of Aquae Sextiae, I happened to meet the famous man, Nicholas Perescius, a senator of the Parliament and the greatest patron of all the learned men of Europe. He, being a most curious investigator of recondite matters, when he learned of my expertise in Oriental languages and my knowledge of interpreting Egyptian hieroglyphics, for which he held a collection in his well-appointed museum, can scarcely be described for how greatly he received me. Especially when I told him that I would offer a specimen of my knowledge in the languages of Hebrew, Chaldean, Arabic, and Samaritan (the books of which he kept in his vast and hidden library) and also provide a specimen of hieroglyphic interpretation. He immediately arranged for hieroglyphics to be drawn from an Egyptian statue and given to me for interpretation. After spending a good part of the night on the task, the next day I presented the completed interpretation. Upon learning that the interpretation was in the style of an Egyptian lamp (for he was highly learned in antiquities), he spoke of my project with such weighty words that, out of modesty, I have not deemed it necessary to transcribe them here. Thus, with his generous permission, I returned to Avignon and, as a token of his goodwill, he filled my luggage with books that would aid me in this pursuit. Meanwhile, I received letters from our Most Reverend Father General, Mutius Vitclesco, who had been appointed to the Mathematical Chair of the Emperor in Vienna. When Perescius learned of this, he spared no effort to hinder my journey, fearing that if I became involved with mathematical studies at the Emperor鈥檚 court, I might abandon my work on restoring the wisdom of hieroglyphics. Therefore, he immediately sent urgent letters to Pope Urban VIII and to Cardinal Francesco Barberini, asking them to recall me to Rome from the middle of my journey. But before I proceed further, I cannot overlook the immense danger I faced, from which Divine Goodness rescued me, to the honor of God: There was a garden at the suburban college where a huge wheel, driven by a horse, was used to irrigate the garden. Between two walls, there was a great supply of water flowing, which, after being raised by pumps, was poured into a large reservoir and from there diverted into the entire garden. While I was momentarily distracted from my studies, I entered the garden with one of the lay brothers and began to observe the mechanism of the wheel driven by the large rod, and lost in thought, I did not notice the struggling horse. Suddenly, the rod was intercepted, and I was unable to steady the horse, nor could I stand between the walls and the rod without risking serious injury. As the wheel moved uncontrollably, I was thrown off, but the wheel continued to spin endlessly, and I was unable to steady my foot anywhere. Nor was it possible to escape from the sides because the wheel came close to the walls, preventing any movement. In this extreme danger, I called for help, but my companion, busy in a distant part of the garden, did not hear my cry. Meanwhile, I was being tossed around by the wheel, and seeing the open danger of death, I turned, as usual, to the Blessed Virgin for help. Behold! The wheel stopped. I was soon immersed in the water, caught by the neck, but by Divine Grace, I managed to escape safely and unharmed, climbing out through certain steps that led to the water. I sought my companion, who was soon found, drenched and trembling all over, his face pale from the ordeal. I took him to a nearby house, where we dried our clothes by the fire, and the warmth restored me to my former state. This danger was so terrifying that I cannot think of it without fear, and this deliverance by Divine help was a powerful encouragement for me to serve God with all my heart." Having completed these things, I prepare myself for the journey to Germany, to which I was being called. When Perescius, having been informed, wanted me to cross the Aquae Sextiae before I left, where, with an incredible display of kindness, he detained me for several days, until my companions, who were hurrying, obtained permission, I departed towards Marseille, intending to go to Genoa and then on to Germany. I was completely unaware of the plot that Perescius, in opposition to my journey, was concocting to summon me to Rome with Cardinal Barberini. But since Divine Goodness wished to provide me with a new source of tribulation during this journey, I will briefly recount what happened. We boarded a ship in Marseille, and to allow our ship to catch the wind more easily, we were taken to a certain deserted island, three leagues from Marseille. We were troubled by seasickness, and after landing on the island, we slept a little, far from the ship. When we awoke, we found that the ship had already left. We were filled with great anxiety, not knowing what to do in this barren and desolate land. We entrusted ourselves to prayer, and behold! We saw fishermen coming from a distance with their boats, fishing near a neighboring island. We gave them so many signs that one of them came over to explore who we were. We promised him a considerable sum of money if he would take us back to Marseille, and this was done. Then, with a small boat, which they call a "felucca," we set off for Genoa. On this journey, we suffered shipwreck. After having stayed in a deserted port for three days due to the storms and troubled seas, the captain, weary of the delay, decided to attempt to navigate a very dangerous and rocky sea to reach the port of Cassis, hoping to arrive by evening. But things turned out differently. He entered the bay with great determination on the 8th of December, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the year 1633. And behold! He had barely completed three thousand leagues when the sea began to swell more than usual, the southern wind rose, and the sea became fearfully turbulent. Yet, with great courage, which also inspired all of us, he pressed on. Meanwhile, we were reduced to the last extremes, with our small boat no longer able to withstand the force of the waves. The waves were so great that they could not be looked at without fear. As everyone struggled to unload the boat due to the violent forces of the storm, and all were desperate, we implored Divine help through a good confession and with the best prayer we could manage. In this inevitable peril of death, we also made a vow to the Blessed Virgin of Loreto, which we would fulfill once we returned to Italy. Meanwhile, darkness descended upon us, and to make matters worse, it was the time of the new moon. The captain, in his desperate situation, remembered a cave among the rocks, naturally carved by the sea, in which he had once taken refuge. The cave was about 8 feet wide and 10 feet deep, and it ran through the entire mountain, so that there was an exit on the other side, as I later learned. And though it was still twilight, with 15 leagues remaining to the desired port, he made a very risky decision, reasoning that he would attempt to enter the cave, despite the danger of sinking, exposing both the travelers, myself, and the boat to risk. He quietly approached the area where the cave was located, and since the opening of the cave was now sometimes blocked by the waves and at other times opened, he skillfully observed the movement of the waves, and, as guided by his guardian angel, he watched for the right moment. He then steered the boat to one side so that it would be cast into the cave by the waves, which was done more by Divine arrangement than human planning, for had the opening been blocked by the waves, and had the rocks struck us, we would all have perished. Since the boat did not precisely hit the center of the opening, but was deflected to the sides and broken apart, we all jumped out and, as we entered the cave, we were suddenly covered by the new influx of waves. However, since the waves usually receded after their impact, we made our way to the other side of the mountain and, on our knees, gave thanks to Divine Mercy for preserving us after the shipwreck. The boat was later repaired by the sailors, and the next day we continued on our journey. Soon, however, we encountered new difficulties, as after the mountain, there was nothing but immense cliffs and inaccessible rocks, and we were effectively trapped like prisoners between two vast, steep mountains with no way out. But since extreme necessity sharpens the mind, one of the sailors, knowledgeable of the area, finally found a way, though it threatened us with as much danger as the open sea had. Following the sailor鈥檚 footsteps, like goats climbing over sharp rocks, we were sustained by the thorny bushes, and by Divine Grace, we overcame the rocks. Had any of our group failed to follow the path, they would surely have perished. In this perilous ascent of the rocks, our clothes and even our shoes were so torn by the sharp stones that they were no longer useful. After being freed from this danger, by the third hour of the night, we reached the port of Cassis, not by sea but by the difficult mountains, after spending three hours on this journey. The distance from the cave was only halfway, and after the boat was repaired, we continued our journey, and by Divine Grace, we arrived at Genoa. After staying there for fourteen days, we took another boat to Liburnum with the intention of going to Loreto, then Venice, and from there to Germany. But Divine Providence had other plans: the boat was buffeted by winds and storms and instead ended up on the nearby island of Corsica. After a perilous and long journey, with all the winds conspiring against us, we reached the port of Centum Cellarum, which is commonly known as Civita Vecchia. Since this town is only 40 miles from Rome, and having used up all our supplies, we completed the remaining journey on foot, nearly consumed by hunger and hardship. I reached Rome in the year 1634, where, to my surprise, I was expected by the General of the Society of Jesus, Father Mutius, who had been urged by Cardinal Barberini to bring me to Rome immediately, despite my Germanic journey. He had sent letters asking me to come to Rome, and from this, I could not fail to marvel at Divine Providence. Thus, after staying in Rome, I began the Hieroglyphic work, titled Oedipus 脝gyptiacus, as ordered by Cardinal Barberini, upon the urging of Perescius, and by God鈥檚 grace, I completed it after twenty years of labor. It happened that, within two years after my arrival, in Rome, with the Landgrave, the most Eminent Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, to whose conversion to the Catholic faith I had been the occasion, I was appointed as his first confessor. However, since he saw that he could not continue his studies in Malta without notable detriment, he substituted another in my place, and by the Cardinal鈥檚 command, I was recalled to Rome by the General Father. There, I became the Prefect of the Mathematical Chair in the Roman College and published works related to my profession, which are now known to the world. Moreover, Divine clemency willed that, on my journey from Malta to Rome, I should experience new dangers of life, when during those frequent and terrifying earthquakes, which at that time nearly destroyed all of Calabria, it pleased God that I should be present to witness them. The history of these events, and the greatest dangers from which the Lord deigned to rescue me, when I was almost crushed by the collapse of mountains and houses, I describe extensively in the "Mundus Subterraneus," to which I refer the reader, where they will see the clear arguments of Divine protection around me, which they will contemplate with admiration.

CAPUT VII.

De Vit芒 Rom忙 transact芒.

H脝c inter non modica erga me persecutio orta est, ut dum Viri litterati invisam ardui argumenti novitatem considerantes, & una juvenilem 忙tatem XXXII. siquidem annorum 忙tatem agebam, de mea fide non solum dubitabant, sed & calumniis, quibus poterant, Thrasonis, impostorisque nomen mihi imponentes. Cum jam in studio Linguarum Orientalium, uti etiam Mathematum periti芒 ac naturalis scienti忙 arcanis penetrandis nonnullam mihi famam pr忙riupissem, hanc quoque divellere modis omnibus conati sunt, his itaque agitatus, ne me忙 Religioni sycophanti忙 notam inurerem, Dei Bonitati confisus, ad mei defensionem Prodromum Coptum patrocinante Cardinale Barberino edidi, in quo, quod sincera fide promiseram, Divin芒 Numinis aspirante grati芒, pr忙stare me posse demonstrabam. Ex ejus Lectione & speciminibus tum non vanum esse, quod meditabar, cognoverunt. Qu忙 scribo, ut quant芒 in arduis rebus exequendis patienti芒, quam constanti animo, & imperturbabili ad eludendas adversariorum contradictiones opus sit, Lector perspiciat. subsecutum est Prodromum Dictionarium Lingu忙 pris忙 脝gyptiac忙, quod beneficio Petri de Valle, peregrinatione per totam Asiam fact芒, orbe celeberrimi pr忙stitum fuit, qui Onomasticon Arabico脝gyptiacum ex 脝gypto allatum mihi interpretandam dederat, cui supplementum junxi earum rerum, qu忙 in prodromo reliqueram, & uti opus erat instaurand忙 Hieroglyphic忙 literatur忙 pernecessarium, ita quoque, utpote quod 脿 nemine hucusque pr忙stitum fuerat, suam apud reconditioris doctrin忙 viros sustinuit Dei gratia & favore existimationem. Verum cum jam Matheseos Cathedra me detineret Rom忙, oper忙 pretium me facturum existimavi, ut in officio hoc non nulla quoque me忙 professionis exhiberem, vel ex eo capite, quod de me忙 peritia fides adversariorum vacillare videretur. Composui igitur isthoc professionis me忙 tempore tria Opera: primum de Arte magnetica; alterum Artem magnam lucis & umbr忙; tertium Musurgi忙 nomine inscriptum, qu忙 non exiguum, in lucem edita, sit Laus DEO! plausum meruerunt, sed enim hic plausus aliam mihi mox tribulationis materiam pr忙buerunt, dum de novo novis me accusationibus aggrediuntur, dum ea de causa me totum Mathematicis excolendis dare asseverabant, quasi jam desperato spe Hieroglyphici operis ob impenetrabilem difficultatem exequendi, cor & animum abjecissem, sed Divina Providentia, qu忙 nunquam fallitur, miro prorsus modo disposuit, ut & opus mihi impositum exequere, & structas adversariorum machinas occasione sane opportuna eluderem. Innocentius X Pont. Max. cum ad Nominis sui immortalitatem Obeliscum in foro agonali erigere constituisset, Obeliscum inquam illum, quem Caracalla olim in Hippodromo erexerat, sed injuri芒 temporum in quinque partes confractum prostratumque: Itaque me accitum ad se utpote quem literatur忙 Hieroglyphic忙 peritum audierat, & ea de causa Romam vocatum me hisce Verbis affatus est: Pater, Nos Obeliscum erigere constituimus molem saxeam non parv忙 molis, tuum erit, illam interpretatione animare, volumus itaque, ut ad hujusmodi negotium, cui Te pr忙ficimus, pro dono 脿 Deo Tibi concess么 serio Te applices, ut quotquot molem ex insolitarum figurarum aspectu mirabantur, tua interpretatione quoque, ad interiora ejus recondita mysteria eorumque intelligentiam pertingant.Acceptavi ea, qu芒 decuit, humilitate & promptitudine commissum mihi 脿 Vicario Christi in terris munus: & quoniam id sine auxiliari manu fieri non posse videbat, statim ad R. P. nostrum Vincentium Caraffam, societatis nostr忙 Pr忙positum misit, ut de socio omnibusque aliis ad negotium summi Pontificis jussu impositum, rit猫 exequendum necessariis provideret, quod factum fuit e芒 cur芒 ac solicitudine, qu芒 Vir sanctus Obedienti芒 & Reverenti芒 ferebatur erga sedem Apostolicam, vehementer gav铆sus, Pontificem unum ex societate nostra ad istiusmodi Operis executionem assumente dignatum fuisse. Et quoniam Obeliscus ex corrosione litterarum in multis erat defectuosus, & complura figurarum schemata deessent, voluit sua sanctitas, ut Obeliscus su忙 integritati restitueretur, imponendo mihi, ut omnes ejus occurrentes lacunas pro mea notiti芒 supplerem. Contigit hic res memorabilis, qu忙 uti Divinam Providentiam concernit, ita minime eam silentio pr忙tereundam censui. Erant in manibus antiquariorum omnia illa fragmenta Obelisci, qu忙 in Obelisco deerant un芒 cum figuris.Cum intellexissent Pontificem omnes ruptarum partium figuras figuris implere jussisse, tum ecce insurgentes contra me, jam, inquiunt, si Hieroglyphicam doctrinam callet; utrum genuin猫 figuras posuerit, videamus. Ego vero ex Divin忙 Grati忙 Lumine mihi indignissimo concess貌, juxt脿 peritiam, quam multorum annorum spatio acquisieram, eo modo figuras suis locis adaptaveram, ut cum erecto jam Obelisco, quas suppleveram figuras cum figuris in fragmentis relictis, quam curiosissimi combinarent, nihilque prorsus alienum 脿 meis reperirent, summam enim ver貌 in admirationem versi, fieri non posse crediderunt, quin supremi Numinis singulari gratia clavem me ad hujus desideratam litteraturam invenisse, confessi sunt. Ego egi de more Deo gratias, quod me 猫 tot contradictionibus eripuisset; porro fama hujus fam忙 pervenit ad aures Cardinalis Copronii, qui erectioni Obelisci pr忙erat: unde & hujus rei gest忙 seriem ad perpetuam rei memoriam posteritatis in Oedipo poni voluit, ad quem Lectorem remitto. Prodiit ergo Obeliscus 脿 nomine gentil铆tio Innocentii X. Pamphilius dictus; quod opus, c霉m mir猫 placuisset Pontifici, & ingentem plausum apud omnes litteratos meruisset, ego non meis viribus & meritis, sed Patri luminum adscribens omnia, solit脿 humilitate gratias profus铆ssimas egi, quod mihi infimo, indignissimoque servo suo tanto beneficio pro sua ineffabili bonitate subvenerit. succ茅ssit hisce aliud non minori observatione dignum, ex quo Divin忙 Providenti忙 catenam mihi intueri licuit luculenter; August铆ssimus Imperator Ferdinandus III. cum Ei oblatum fuisset, Obelisci Pamphilii Opus, pro suo in rempublicam litterariam promovendam ardore human铆ssimas litteras dedit, quibus ad Oedipi opus me, morte Innocentii X. P. M. cum non esset, qui sumptus ad impressionem necessarios pr忙staret, suspensum, prosequendum benign铆ssim猫 obtulit, seque una in perpetuum Operum imposter霉m edendorum M忙cenatem constituit, & ne verbis tantum mecum agere videretur, rogavit quantorum sumptuum opus foret, ad Oedipum imprimendum, cumque opus totum in 4. Tomos divisum librariorum, judicio infra trium millium scutorum Romanorum summam imprimi non posse, rescripseram, annuit sine mora, & quantocius Opus pr忙lo subdi jussit, pecuniis ad id necessariis per cambium solutis. Opus itaque felici auspicio c艙ptum, triennali spatio absolutum dedi. Quoniam ver貌 characteres, seu typi Linguarum Orientalium, Hebr忙忙, Chald忙忙, Arabic忙, Copt忙, & samaritan忙, quibus passim auctoritas Orientalium scriptorum in confirmationem rerum adductarum allegantur, necessari忙 erant, illos non exiguis sumptibus hic Rom忙, ne quidquam ad operis splendorem deesset, dign芒 san猫 C忙sare忙 Munificenti忙 amplitudine fieri curavit, & propterea in c忙teris Operibus meis promovendis singulis annis C. scutorum subsidium, quod in hunc usque diem durat, quam clementissime constituit. Unde quidquid operum meorum in lucem prodiit, posteri liberalissimo C忙fari Ferdinando III. post ejus obitum filio C忙sari LEOPOLDO adscribant, velim: Deinde posteris temporibus Celeberrimo Viro Joanni Jansonio, Bibliopol忙 Amstelodamensi, qui cur芒 meorum Operum suscept芒 edendorum, quam magnific猫 illa impress锚rit, posteri videbunt. Porr貌 Anno 1661. aliud accidit Divin忙 Bonitatis ostentum, quod me non sol霉m in reipublic忙 litterari忙 promotione laborare voluit, sed & animarum fructum, & ad devotionem in Hominibus excitandam eligere voluit, cum dicto anno Tybur virium instaurandarum caus芒 me conferrem, eodemque tempore materiam antiquitatuum pro Latii Opere conficiendo colligerem, audieram in vicinis montibus insignia Empolitan忙 Urbis 脿 Livio s忙pius allegat忙 rudera latere. Assumpto socio ad eas lustrandas difficili san猫 itinere contendi: Mox itaque inter ambulandum visa nobis tecti indice habitatio, ad quam cum pervenissemus, reperimus Ecclesiam, vetustate pene consumptam. Ingressus vidi magnificam olim hic fuisse 忙dificatam Ecclesiam. Mirabar tamen, in horrido hoc deserto conditam fuisse, ac simul aliquod mysterium sub illa latere suspicabar. Circumibam tandem, omnes Ecclesi忙 angulos, ut aliquam inscriptionem invenirem, quam DEO duce repperi marmore忙 Tabul忙 inscriptam hoc verborum tenore: Iste est locus conversionis S. Eustachii sacr., in quo Christus crucifixus inter cornua cervi S. Eustachio apparuit, in cujus memoriam Constantinus Magnus, Imperator, Ecclesiam hanc condidit, quam S. Sylvester Papa I. in Honorem Deipar忙 & S. Eustachii solemni Ritu consecravit. Non quievi hic, sed apud vicinos oppidorum Parochos potissimum Quadagnoii de hujus conditione loci me quam diligentissime informavi, qui ea, qu忙 in Ecclesia repereram, vera esse confirmarunt accessi deinde ad altare, ubi statuam B. V. antiquitatis insignem deprehendi, cumque ade貌 neglectam, & vili panno circumdatam aspicerem, ecce Illa mirabili quodam interiori animi instinctu me videbat quasi alloqui: ecce, quam in hoc horrido, ac deserto ab omnibus deserta commoror? nec ullus est, qui & mei, & Ecclesi忙 me忙 nec non hujus sancti loci curam habeat, qu忙 olim tanta hominum devotione hic florebam. Ego in intimis visceribus ex hac inspiratione commotus pr忙 nimia cordis teneritudine intra me dicebam: O dulcissima Mater! quia tu mihi inspirare videris, ut hujus instaurationis curam in me susciperem, sed quomodo id fiet? cum ego religiosus & pauper sim. Nec opes mihi, nec redditus, nec h忙reditas sit, quam in Tui honorem & gloriam expendam. Tuum igitur erit, Tibi devotorum Filiorum corda sollicitare, ut mihi subsidium ad id pr忙standum, quod Tu magna ac potens Dei Mater 脿 me requiris, subministrent: & ego non solum promptissimum Tuo Honori instaurando in hoc loco me exhibebo, sed & vitam meam pro Tui Nominis gloria & Filii Tui amore nostro cucifix, qui hoc in loco S. Eustachio apparuit, quam libentissime expendam, dummodo Tua Voluntas compleatur. Agedum B. Mater & Virgo, ecce, habes mecum hic tres Julios in viatici necessitatem assumptos, hos in perpetui in Te amoris, & benevolenti忙 me忙 pignus ad sacratissimos pedes Tuos depono, & accepto fructus Tuos, quibus in voluntate exequenda me sollicitasti. Oratione in hunc modum, quam ardentissime ante statuam peracta, incredibili animi interioris l忙titia perfusus domum reversus inveni sch忙dam Cambii 脿 serenissimo Augusto Duce Brunsuic. & Luneb. accclusam, qu芒 400. scutorum summa in studiorum meorum prosecutionem inscripta dignaque tanto Principe munificentia continebatur, quam benignissime concessa, Ego hanc abditam Divin忙 Matris manum videns, depositis aliis omnibus studiis, minim猫 otiosus c艙pi ss. hujus loci Historiam, cui Titulus est: Historia EustachioMariana, describere, impressamq; immo ad C忙sarem Munificentissimum M忙cenatem LEOPOLDUM transmisi, qui uti est devotione, & Religione erga Deiparam fervens, ita quoque tanti loci sanctitate, est instaurand忙 jam labefactat忙 Ecclesi忙 necessitate impulsus, statim per Cambium mihi transmitti curavit 1000. Imperiales, ut sine mora, quod Deus Ter. O. M. per suam Benedictam Matrem inspiraverat, in executionem deducerem. Hujus liberalitatem secuti serenissimus Dux Bavar忙 Elector 400. scuta Aurea, & Illustrissimus Joannes Fridericus Comes de Wallenstein ad 700. scutatos, ac denique Excellentissimus Dominus Petrus de Arragona, ProRex Neapolitanus, pro summa ejus in Divum Eustachium devotione centenos alios junxit. Hisce, dici vix potest, quam animatus fuerim pr忙sertim, quod & Principes Hetrodoxos ad pium hoc opus non exigua pecuniarum copia concurrere viderim. Atque ade貌 benignissimam Deipar忙 manum occult芒 & invisibili cooperatione mihi assistere luculenter notarem. Ne igitur ego in executione negligentiior viderer, quam Dei Mater in procurandis subsidiis cernebatur, instaurationem loci mox aggressus sum, & imm貌 Ecclesiam omni apparatus genere & picturis, ac tapetibus excolui. Altaria diruta, & paramentis & iis denique ornamentis, qu忙 ad Altare, sacerdotumque habitum, & ad Missas celebrandas necessaria forent, instauravi, & ut homines haberent, quo se reciperent, fabricam Ecclesi忙 junxi 15. Cameris, omnique commoditate conspicuam. Et quoniam altissima illa rupes, ubi veteri traditione Christus crucifixus intra cornua cerui S. Eustachio apparuerat, adiri non poterat, liberalitate Illustrissimi Comitis 脿 Wallenstein, modo Archiepiscopi Pragensis, ad apicem rupis scalam ereximus lapidibus grandibus, quorum quisque 10. palmorum erat longus, instructam, & supra rupem sacellum D. Eustachio consecratam 忙dificavimus, quod nobilissimis figuris vit忙 S. Eustachii excoluit devotus Dei servus Joannes Paulus schor, Oenipontanus, Pictor Pontificis, cujus exemplum secuta vicina oppida alia sacella picturis ornari curant, quia ver貌 frustra hoc omnia forent, si non essent, qui locum visitarent devotionis causa, hinc Missionem Apostolicam, sive communionem nostrorum Patrum ope institui, ad quem quotannis in Festo S. Micha毛lis Archangeli cum solemni indulgentiarum promulgatione ad multa millia hominum utriusque sexus ad participanda sacramenta confluunt; ubi pridie 脿 tertia hora post prandium initium ducit festiva dies, & durat usque ad primam vel secundam pomeridianam Postridiei, tota nocte Confessionibus, Pr忙dicatione, Hymnis & Canticis spiritualibus ab aurora, & S. synaxeos participatione incredibili hominum devotione & fructu insistitur & allaboratur. Porro successit in locum Innocentii X. P. M. Alexander VII. Apostolico solio dignissimus Pontifex, qui, ut jam olim in minimis adhuc constitutus, melit忙 adhuc inquisitionis, deinde Coloni忙 Apostolici Nuntii munere functus, deinde Rom忙 inter Purpuratos Patres adnumeratus, tandem in supremum Apostolici Culminis Apicem digno san猫 & haud dispari meritorum suorum cumulo exaltatus, c艙ptam domestic忙 & familiaris conversationis normam, quam, cum iis, quibus afficiebatur, tenuit, usque in finem constanter continuare non est dedignatus. sub hoc itaque summo Pontifice ingens non sol霉m studiorum meorum incrementum accessit, sed & pia erga B. Mariam Virginem, quam singulari cultu prosequebatursubsecut忙 beneficia, magnam exercend忙 devotionis Marian忙 occasionem pr忙buere, uti paul貌 dicemus. Cum Anno 1666. intra fabric忙 cujusdam auspicand忙 fundamenta, nescio cujus obelisci 脝gyptiaci vestigia deprehererentur, sua sanctitas ejus rei certior facta absque ulla procrastinatione mihi ad se accito rei examinand忙 curam dedit, jussitque, ut Priorem Monasterii PP. Dominicanorum suo nomine adirem, eique significarem, sanctitatis su忙 voluntatem esse, ut Obeliscus quantocius erutus luci public忙 pateret ad maturandam mysteriorum, qu忙 sub eo continebantur, interpretationem. Dictum factum: Urgebat eodem tempore vicina nostr忙 in monte Eustachiano Apostolic忙 Missionis solennitas, quam inclesia jam restaurata Festo S. Micha毛lis magno populorum concursu peragere solebamus. Itaq; necessitate urgente discessurus, curam delineandi Obelisci Josepho Petruccio, meo in studiis 脝gyptiac忙 antiquitatis Coadjutori dedi, quod & fideliter pr忙stitit; pr忙cepi quoque, ut sine mora Obelisci delineati schema Tybur (qua fueram) transmitteret. Verum cum tria tantum latera delineari curasset quarto latere ob revolvendi obelisci difficultatem relicto, ego san猫, Deo sit Laus! Honor & Gloria exacto, Obelisci scrutinio peracto, totam sub eo latentium mysteriorum seriem ita deprehendi, ut ne quidem me lateret illud, quod latebat, quartum latus, ac proinde 脿 delineatore omissum. Ita ne passim apud literatos de conjecturali meo circa hieroglyphicorum interpretationem studio diram incurrem, quarti lateris schema nondum detectum, audaciore fortassis confidentia, tametsi haud insicura, omni deposita ambiguitate propriis manibus delineatum, uti in originali debebat esse, Romam ad Petruccium misi, qui rei novitate perculsus, mox convocatis PP. Dominicanis, litteratisque Roman忙 Urbis peritioribus rem tanquam paradoxam, una cum litteris meis ad eum datis ostendit, qui quidem audaciam meam mirati, sed facti veritatem non nisi prototypo obelisci determinandam censu锚re. Mox itaque revoluto Obelisco schema quarti lateris a me cum omnibus ductibus, lineis, figurarum characterissimis cum delecti jam lateris figuris studiosissime combinantes, cum sincer猫 & sine ullo errore omnia, uti in prototypo continebantur, reperissent, tum enimver貌 stupefacti, qui prius mea interpretamenta tanquam meras & puras conjecturas passim cavillabantur, jam in diversas opiniones abeuntes, vari猫 interpretabantur, ac de me sentiebant, quibusdam hanc notitiam Divino Numine inspiratam dicentibus, nonnullis ver貌 ex illicito cum d忙mone pacto acquisitam asseverantibus, plerisque tamen hanc notitiam multorum annorum studio comparatam censentibus. Alexander VII ea de re certior factus me vocavit, pr忙cepitque, ut totius transacti negotii authenticam relationem fieri curarem, quam supra memoratus Josephus Petruccius ad Illustrissimum & Reverendiss. s忙verolum Pr忙latum super hac re datis pr忙stitit, quamque impressam, pr忙fixamque operi Obelisci Alexandrini poni sua sanctitas voluit, quin vel ipsa sua Beatitudo ne mysteriorum sub obelisco sui nominis contentorum expers videri posset, Ipsa se Operis censorem ad solidum, verum, & prudens judicium de doctrina 脝gyptiaca firmandum pr忙stare non dedignata. Unde congruo tempore, & 脿 gravioribus negotiis liberior, qu忙nam hujus hieroglyphic忙 sapienti忙 fundamenta essent, in quibus subsisterent, imm貌 脿 me privato studio instrui voluit, quod Dei gratia factum fuit eo cum profectu, ut sua sanctitas jam de omnibus edocta, non solum caperet modum & rationem, sed & eadem autumnalibus feriis in consessu Procerum peritorumque religiosorum corona in Albano agro rusticans, summa omnium admiratione nec sine me忙 in interpretandi sinceritatis, & fide defensione demonstravit. Quemadmodum igitur Urbano VIII. P. M. Obeliscum de nomine suo Barberinum in Oedipo impressum, & Innocentio X. de nomine Patrio Pamphilinum, integro tomo descriptum, & Rom忙 in foro agonali summa magnificentia erectum reliquit, ita par erat, ut & Alexandro VII. ob summa semper in me collata Beneficia in erectione Obelisci Alexandrini debito honore Pontificem sapientissimum prosequerer, quam & dorso Elephantis impositum in foro Minerv忙, & Urbi & Orbi conspicuum esse voluit. Opus ver貌 dicti Obelisci vix dum in publicam lucem emerserat; cum ecce sch忙da me accivit, de gratia mihi pro tantis laboribus rependenda acturus. Dixitque jam tempus esse dispensationis gratiarum, nonnullam itaque gratiam a sua sanctitate peterem. Respondi grati忙, quam sua Beatitudo extra institutum meum concedere posset, me esse prorsus incapacem, nec similem ullam me acceptare posse aut velle, utpote cui jam C忙sar sufficientissime providisset, adjunxi tamen, si sua sanctitas aliam quam mihi vellet pr忙stare, illam Beatissim忙 Virgini Eustachian忙, cujus Ecclesiam instaurandam assumpsissem, conferre vellet, ingens meritum apud Divinam Matrem obtenturam. Placere sibi propositum innuit, ut ne incertis mecum promissis agere videretur, non ita mult貌 post tempore venit ad me unus ex intimis cubiculariis, qui nomine su忙 sanctitatis Bursam 900. scutis confertam ex vacantibus beneficiis Ecclesiasticis collectam mihi in usum necessarium B. Virgini consignandum tradidit. secuti sunt post Alexandrum VII. duo Clementissimi Pontifices IX. & X. quorum hic pari pietate motus, cum de Eustachian忙 Virginis instauratione jam multa audivisset, eique eodem tempore novum editum librum, cui nomen: Latium Vetus & Novum, hujus glorioso Nomini inscriptum una cum recens edita historia Eustachio Mariana obtulissem, atque ille ob honorem sibi in librorum oblatione pr忙stitum, de gratia rependenda qu忙sisset, respondi, quantum ex mea parte, gratiam pro mea parte non desiderarem, si tamen ad annu忙 Missionis Apostolic忙 solennitatem in Monte Eustachiano fundandam nonnihil contribuere placeret, faceret utique & Deo, & Dei Matri gratissimam. Hoc proposit芒 grati芒, Pontifex Deipar忙 se pr忙stiturum pollicitus fuit. Memoriali itaque ea de re dato, non multis post diebus ad me venit unus 猫 pr忙cipuis Datari忙, ut vocant, ministris, qui Nomine su忙 Beatitudinis bursam 180. scutis in fabric忙 subsidium confertam mihi consignatam obtulit, qu忙 just芒 mensur芒 summ忙 ab Alexandro VII. mihi concess忙 juncta ad dictam Missionem fundandam sufficiebat. Atque hoc pacto ingens hujus S. loci redimitum incrementum accessit, qu忙 hoc loco sincer猫 & candid猫 sine ulla affectatione commemoranda duxi, ut unice laudetur Deus, & Benedicta Mater semper & ubique. Gratias itaque Tibi ago Mater Dei Admirabilis, omniumque Te diligentium & amantium robur & fortitudo, quae per Filium tuum amore nostro crucifixum dulcissimum Redemptorem nostrum, haec a me fieri voluisti, quaeque a me ab utero matris meae ab innumeris malis, & mentis & corporis periculis eripuisti, scientiam impetrasti, & totam vitam meam ad Divini Nominis, Divini Filii tui Honorem & Gloriam, Tuumque cultum promovendum impulisti: Tibi hoc meum in Te amoris & gratitudinis testimonium aeternum excitare volui. Fac, ut tandem haec mortalitatis membra exutus Te amabilem Matrem una cum benedicto Filio Tuo in unitate Patris & spiritus sancti laudare & glorificare merear. Fiat, Fiat, Fiat.

Haetenus Verba ipsius R.P. Athanasii.

Exemplum Professionis, quod proprio sanguine subscriptum ad B. Virgini dictae de Montorella simulacrum in amoris pignus & grati animi monumentum usque ad obitum suum suspensum voluit:

O Magna & Admirabilis Mater Dei! 么 Immaculata Virgo Mariae! ego indignissimus servus Tuus ante Te prostratus in faciem Tuam, beneficiorum ab ineunte aetate mihi praestitorum memor, me totum Tibi, dulcis Mater, offero, vitam, corpus, animam, omnes actiones & opera mea ex toto corde vota mea cordintime promo ante Altare Tuum, ubi primum hujus S. loci, Tibi, & S. Eustachio sacri instaurationem mihi mirabiliter inspirasti; Et ut mei posteri cognoscant, quia quidquid hucusque doctrinae acquisivi, quidquid boni scripsi, id non tam meo studio & Labore, pia Mater! quam singulari ex gratiae Tuae dono, nec non aeternae sapientiae luminis ductu misericorditer consecutum fuisse; Id hic sanguine meo, nec non calami mei suspensione, quem in gratiarum actionem Tibi dico, testatum relinquo, JEsus, Maria, Joseph, omne bonum meum.

Ego pauper & humilis, & indignus servus Tuus Athanasius Kircher, rogo, ut rata habeatis vota mea, JEsus Maria Amen.

Omnia ad majorem DEI gloriam.

CHAPTER VII.

On the Life Lived in Rome.

In the midst of these events, a significant persecution arose against me, as learned men, considering the unwelcome novelty of the difficult subject matter, and at the same time my youthful age鈥攕ince I was indeed thirty-two years old鈥攏ot only doubted my credibility but also heaped upon me all the calumnies they could, branding me with the names of a braggart and an impostor. Since by then I had already acquired some reputation in the study of Oriental languages, as well as in mathematical expertise and the penetration of the secrets of natural science, they sought by every means to tear it down.

Disturbed by these attacks and unwilling to bring any stain of deceit upon my religion, I placed my trust in divine goodness and published the Prodromus Coptus in my defense, with the support of Cardinal Barberini. In this work, I demonstrated that, with the divine grace of God inspiring me, I was able to fulfill what I had sincerely promised. Upon reading it and examining its samples, they recognized that what I had undertaken was not in vain. I recount these things so that the reader may perceive how much patience, resolute spirit, and unshaken perseverance are required in the execution of difficult tasks and in overcoming the contradictions of adversaries.

Following this came the Prodromus Dictionary of the Ancient Egyptian Language, which was made possible through the benefaction of Pietro della Valle, the famous traveler who had journeyed across all of Asia. He had brought me an Onomasticon (a lexicon) of Arabic-Egyptian from Egypt for me to interpret, to which I appended a supplement for matters left unfinished in the Prodromus. Since this was necessary for the restoration of hieroglyphic literature鈥攁nd because no one else had previously attempted it鈥攊t earned, through the grace and favor of God, its due recognition among men of profound learning.

However, as I was by then occupied in Rome with the Chair of Mathematics, I considered it worthwhile to present some contributions in my field, especially since my adversaries seemed to waver in their faith concerning my expertise. Accordingly, during my tenure in this profession, I composed three works: the first on the Art of Magnetism, the second on the Great Art of Light and Shadow, and the third, titled Musurgia. These, once published, received no small measure of applause鈥攖hanks be to God! But this very acclaim soon became another source of tribulation for me, as I was once again beset with new accusations. My detractors claimed that I had given myself entirely to the study of mathematics, as if I had abandoned all hope of my hieroglyphic work due to its impenetrable difficulty and had cast away my heart and spirit.

Yet Divine Providence, which never fails, arranged matters in such a way that I was able both to complete the work imposed upon me and, through a most opportune occasion, to thwart the schemes of my opponents. Pope Innocent X, in his desire to immortalize his name, resolved to erect an obelisk in the Piazza Navona鈥攕pecifically, the obelisk that Caracalla had once raised in the Hippodrome but which, through the ravages of time, had been broken into five pieces and cast down. Having heard that I was knowledgeable in hieroglyphic literature and having summoned me to Rome for this reason, he addressed me with these words:

"Father, we have determined to erect this obelisk鈥攁 mass of stone of no small weight. It will be your task to animate it with interpretation. We desire, therefore, that you apply yourself seriously to this work, to which we appoint you by the gift that God has granted you, so that those who marvel at this mass for the unusual appearance of its figures may, through your interpretation, also come to understand its hidden mysteries and inner meanings."

I accepted the commission given to me by the Vicar of Christ on earth with due humility and readiness. And since it was clear that such an endeavor could not be completed without assistance, the Pope immediately sent word to our Reverend Father Vincent Caraffa, the Superior General of our Society, instructing him to provide me with a companion and all other necessary support for the work imposed upon me by the Supreme Pontiff. This was done with the care and diligence befitting a man of sanctity, who was ever obedient and reverent toward the Apostolic See. Greatly pleased that the Pope had deigned to entrust such a work to a member of our Society, he appointed the necessary provisions.

Now, since the obelisk had suffered significant damage due to the erosion of its inscriptions and the loss of several figures, His Holiness wished for it to be restored to its original integrity and entrusted me with the task of filling in all its missing parts according to my knowledge. Here occurred a remarkable event, which, as it pertains to Divine Providence, I have deemed worthy of recounting. The antiquarians had gathered all the fragments of the obelisk that were missing from the main structure. When they heard that the Pope had commanded that all broken parts be completed with figures, they rose against me, declaring:

"Now we shall see whether he truly understands hieroglyphic doctrine and whether the figures he has added are genuine."

But by the light of divine grace, which had been granted to me most unworthy of all, and by the expertise I had acquired over many years, I adapted the figures to their proper places in such a manner that, when the obelisk was finally raised and the figures I had supplemented were compared with those remaining in the original fragments, the most scrupulous examiners found nothing at all out of place. Amazed beyond measure, they could not believe that I had done this without the singular favor of the Supreme Deity, and they confessed that I must have found the long-sought key to this knowledge.

I duly gave thanks to God for delivering me from so many contradictions. The fame of this achievement reached the ears of Cardinal Copronius, who was overseeing the erection of the obelisk. He ordered the record of this event to be preserved for posterity in Oedipus Aegyptiacus, to which I refer the reader. Thus, the obelisk came to be known as the Pamphilian Obelisk, in honor of Innocent X, and since it greatly pleased the Pope and won considerable acclaim among learned men, I did not attribute any of it to my own abilities or merits but rather to the Father of Lights, giving the most profound thanks in my customary humility for having bestowed such a great gift upon me, His lowest and most unworthy servant.

This was followed by another event no less worthy of note, which allowed me to perceive the chain of Divine Providence most clearly. The most august Emperor Ferdinand III, when he was presented with the Pamphilian Obelisk, wrote most gracious letters in his zeal for the advancement of the republic of letters, in which he generously offered to support me in the continuation of my Oedipus work, which had been suspended after the death of Pope Innocent X, as there was no one to cover the costs of its printing. To ensure that his generosity was not merely in words, he inquired about the expenses required for printing Oedipus, and when I informed him that the entire work, divided into four volumes, could not be printed for less than three thousand Roman scudi according to booksellers' estimates, he promptly approved the amount and ordered the work to be printed as soon as possible, ensuring the necessary funds were provided through banking transactions.

Thus, the work, begun under such favorable auspices, was completed within three years. Since it was necessary to obtain types for the Oriental languages鈥擧ebrew, Chaldean, Arabic, Coptic, and Samaritan鈥攗sed frequently to cite the authority of Eastern writers in confirmation of my research, the Emperor, with a generosity befitting his imperial magnanimity, ensured that these were produced in Rome at considerable expense, so that nothing would be lacking in the splendor of the work. Furthermore, he most graciously established an annual stipend of one hundred scudi for the promotion of my works, which continues to this day.

Thus, whatever of my works has been published, I wish that posterity attribute them to the most generous Emperor Ferdinand III, and, after his passing, to his son Emperor Leopold. In later years, the renowned bookseller Johannes Janssonius of Amsterdam undertook the publication of my works, and posterity will see how magnificently he has printed them.

I did not rest there, but made the most diligent inquiries with the parish priests of the neighboring towns, especially at Quadagnoii, about the condition of this place. They confirmed that what I had discovered in the church was true. I then approached the altar, where I found a most remarkable ancient statue of the Blessed Virgin. However, seeing it so neglected and wrapped in a cheap cloth, I was struck by a certain extraordinary interior inspiration, as if she were speaking to me:

"Behold, how I remain here in this desolate and abandoned wilderness, deserted by all! There is no one who takes care of me, my church, or this holy place, which once flourished with such great devotion of the people."

Deeply moved by this inspiration, with an overwhelming tenderness of heart, I said within myself:

"O sweetest Mother! Since You seem to inspire me to take on the care of this restoration, how shall it be done? For I am a religious man and poor. I have no wealth, no income, nor inheritance to spend in Your honor and glory. Therefore, it will be Your task to move the hearts of Your devoted children to provide me with the assistance necessary to accomplish what You, the great and powerful Mother of God, require of me. And I, not only with the greatest willingness, will dedicate myself to restoring this place in Your honor, but I will most gladly devote my life to the glory of Your Name and the love of Your Son, our Crucified Lord, who appeared here to Saint Eustace, provided that Your Will is fulfilled.**

"Come then, Blessed Mother and Virgin, behold, I have here with me three Julii (coins) taken for my travel needs. These I place at Your most sacred feet as a pledge of my eternal love and devotion to You, and I accept the fruits You have inspired in me to fulfill Your will."

After making this prayer most fervently before the statue, I was filled with incredible inner joy and, upon returning home, found a cambium letter enclosed from the Most Serene Duke of Brunswick and L眉neburg, granting a sum of 400 scudi for the continuation of my studies鈥攁n amount worthy of such a magnanimous prince. Seeing in this the hidden hand of the Divine Mother, I set aside all my other studies and, without delay, began writing the history of this holy place, entitled Historia Eustachio-Mariana. Once printed, I sent it to the Most Munificent Caesar, Emperor Leopold, who, being fervent in devotion and religion toward the Mother of God, was also deeply moved by the sanctity of this place and the urgent necessity of restoring its now-dilapidated church. He immediately ordered 1,000 imperial coins to be sent to me via cambium, so that, without delay, I might put into execution what God, the Most High, through His Blessed Mother, had inspired.

Following his generosity, the Most Serene Duke of Bavaria, the Elector, contributed 400 gold scudi, and the Most Illustrious Count Johann Friedrich of Wallenstein added 700 scudi. Finally, the Most Excellent Lord Pedro de Arag贸n, Viceroy of Naples, joined with another hundred in devotion to Saint Eustace. It is difficult to express how greatly encouraged I was, especially seeing that even heterodox princes contributed significant sums of money to this pious work. I could clearly perceive the most benevolent hand of the Blessed Virgin assisting me with hidden and invisible cooperation.

Therefore, lest I appear more negligent in execution than the Mother of God in providing for the necessary means, I immediately undertook the restoration of the place. I adorned the church with all manner of furnishings, paintings, and tapestries. I repaired the ruined altars and restored them with sacred vestments and all ornaments necessary for the altar, the vestments of the priests, and the celebration of the Mass. To accommodate those who would come, I added to the church a structure with fifteen rooms, fully equipped with every necessary convenience.

Since the highest rock, where according to ancient tradition Christ Crucified appeared within the horns of the stag to Saint Eustace, was inaccessible, the Most Illustrious Count of Wallenstein, now the Archbishop of Prague, generously funded the construction of a staircase leading to the summit of the rock. Made of large stone blocks, each ten palms long, it provided access to a chapel consecrated to Saint Eustace, which was adorned with noble paintings depicting scenes from his life by the devoted servant of God, Johann Paul Schor of Innsbruck, painter to the Pope. Following this example, neighboring towns also arranged for their chapels to be decorated with paintings.

However, since all these efforts would be in vain if there were no visitors coming to the place for devotion, I instituted an Apostolic Mission, or a religious retreat conducted with the help of our Fathers. Every year, on the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, with the solemn proclamation of indulgences, thousands of men and women gather to receive the sacraments. The festivities begin the day before at the third hour after midday and last until the first or second hour of the afternoon on the following day. Throughout the entire night, confessions, preaching, hymns, and spiritual songs continue from dawn until participation in the Holy Eucharist, with incredible devotion and spiritual fruit among the people.

After Pope Innocent X, the Supreme Pontiff Alexander VII ascended to the Apostolic See鈥攎ost worthy of this high office. From his earliest years, he served in the Maltese Inquisition, then as Apostolic Nuncio in Cologne, and later, after being counted among the Cardinals in Rome, he was ultimately elevated to the supreme pinnacle of the Apostolic Throne鈥攄eservedly and with an unparalleled record of merit. Even as Supreme Pontiff, he did not disdain to continue the intimate and familiar way of life he had maintained with those he esteemed.

Under his pontificate, my studies flourished immensely, and his pious devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom he venerated with singular reverence, provided a great occasion to practice Marian devotion, as I shall recount shortly.

In the year 1666, while the foundations of a certain building were being laid, the remains of an Egyptian obelisk of unknown origin were discovered. Upon being informed of this, His Holiness, without any delay, summoned me to examine the matter and entrusted me with the task. He commanded that I go to the Prior of the Dominican Monastery in his name and convey the Pope鈥檚 will: that the obelisk be excavated as soon as possible and brought to public view in order to facilitate the interpretation of the mysteries it contained beneath.

No sooner said than done. However, at the same time, the solemn Apostolic Mission was approaching on Mount Eustace, which we customarily celebrated with great crowds of people in the now-restored church on the Feast of Saint Michael. Since I had to leave, I entrusted the task of delineating the obelisk to Joseph Petrucci, my assistant in the study of Egyptian antiquities, who performed the task faithfully. I also instructed him to send the completed drawing to me in Tivoli without delay.

However, he was only able to delineate three of its sides, as the difficulty of rotating the obelisk prevented the fourth from being recorded. Yet, by the grace of God鈥攑raise, honor, and glory be to Him!鈥攁fter carefully examining the obelisk, I discerned the entire sequence of mysteries hidden beneath it, so that not even the side left undrawn escaped my understanding. To prevent scholars from suspecting that my study of hieroglyphic interpretation was merely conjectural, I boldly, yet not recklessly, delineated the fourth side myself, exactly as it should be in the original, and sent it to Rome to Petrucci.

Amazed by this, he immediately convened the Dominican Fathers and the most learned men of Rome and showed them the matter, which they deemed extraordinary. Those who had previously mocked my interpretations as mere guesses now found themselves divided in opinion. Some said this knowledge was divinely inspired; others suspected it had been acquired through illicit dealings with demons; yet most concluded that it was the result of long years of study.

When Pope Alexander VII learned of this, he summoned me and commanded that an authentic account of the entire matter be compiled, which the aforementioned Joseph Petrucci provided to the Most Illustrious and Most Reverend Prelate Saverolus. His Holiness ordered this account to be printed and included in the publication of the Obeliscus Alexandrinus, personally reviewing and approving it to ensure a sound and prudent judgment on Egyptian doctrine.

Furthermore, His Holiness, desiring not to be uninformed of the mysteries contained under the obelisk that bore his name, did not hesitate to act as the censor of the work himself, ensuring that the doctrine of Egyptian wisdom was examined thoroughly, correctly, and with prudence. Thus, at a fitting time, when free from more pressing matters, he wished to be privately instructed by me on the fundamental principles of this hieroglyphic wisdom and upon what foundations it rested. By God's grace, this was accomplished with such success that His Holiness, now fully informed, not only grasped the method and reasoning behind it but even, during the autumn retreat in the countryside of Albano, amazed all in the assembly of noble and learned religious men by demonstrating the validity of my interpretation, not without defending my sincerity and faithfulness in interpretation.

Just as Pope Urban VIII had the Barberini obelisk erected and described in Oedipus Aegyptiacus, and Innocent X had the Pamphilian obelisk erected in the Piazza Navona and documented in a complete volume, it was fitting that I also render due honor to Pope Alexander VII, who had always bestowed immense favors upon me, by dedicating to him the erection of the Obeliscus Alexandrinus. This obelisk, mounted upon the back of an elephant, was made conspicuous to the entire city and the world in the Piazza della Minerva.

Scarcely had the work on the obelisk been brought to public light when, behold, I was summoned and informed that a reward was to be given to me in recognition of my great labors. His Holiness stated that the time had come for the distribution of favors and asked what grace I wished to request from him. I replied that I was entirely incapable of receiving any grace that His Holiness might wish to grant me beyond my religious vocation, nor could I accept any such thing, as the Emperor had already provided for me most generously. However, I added that if His Holiness wished to bestow a favor, he might grant it to the Blessed Virgin of Eustachio, whose church I had undertaken to restore; in doing so, he would obtain great merit before the Divine Mother.

The Pope indicated his approval of this proposal, and, lest it be thought that he was merely making empty promises, not long afterward one of his closest chamberlains came to me, bearing, in the name of His Holiness, a purse containing 900 scudi, collected from vacant ecclesiastical benefices, to be designated for the necessary expenses of the Blessed Virgin.

After Alexander VII, two most clement Pontiffs, Clement IX and Clement X, succeeded him. The latter, moved by equal piety, having already heard much of the restoration of the Eustachian Virgin鈥檚 church, was further informed when I presented to him a newly published book, titled Latium Vetus & Novum, dedicated to this glorious name, along with the recently printed Historia Eustachio-Mariana. In recognition of this honor, he asked what favor he might grant me in return. I responded that, as far as I was concerned, I desired no favor, but if he wished to contribute something towards the annual Apostolic Mission at Mount Eustachio, it would be most pleasing both to God and the Mother of God.

Having proposed this favor, the Pope promised that he would provide assistance. Accordingly, after submitting a formal request on the matter, not many days later, a high-ranking official from the Papal Treasury came to me, bearing, in the name of His Holiness, a purse of 180 scudi to be used for the restoration of the church. This, when combined with the sum previously granted by Alexander VII, was sufficient to establish the annual Apostolic Mission.

Thus, this holy place received great restoration, which I have recounted here sincerely and truthfully, without any pretense, so that God alone and the Blessed Mother may be praised forever and everywhere.

I therefore give thanks to You, O Mother of God, Most Admirable, the strength and refuge of all who love and honor You! Through Your Son, our Crucified Redeemer, whom You have so sweetly willed to be loved, You have granted that these things be accomplished by me. From my mother鈥檚 womb, You have delivered me from innumerable dangers, both of mind and body; You have obtained knowledge for me and have directed my entire life to the honor and glory of the Divine Name, of Your Divine Son, and to the promotion of Your veneration. To You, therefore, I have wished to dedicate this eternal testimony of my love and gratitude.

Grant that, at last, when I am freed from the bonds of this mortal body, I may merit to praise and glorify You, O loving Mother, together with Your Blessed Son, in the unity of the Father and the Holy Spirit. Let it be so. Let it be so. Let it be so.

Thus spoke the words of Father Athanasius.

Example of a Profession of Faith, which he signed in his own blood and wished to be hung before the image of the Blessed Virgin of Montorella as a pledge of love and gratitude until his death:

"O Great and Admirable Mother of God! O Immaculate Virgin Mary! I, Your most unworthy servant, prostrate before You, mindful of the benefits bestowed upon me from my earliest years, offer myself entirely to You, sweet Mother鈥攎y life, my body, my soul, all my actions and works. With all my heart, I sincerely renew my vows before Your altar, where You first miraculously inspired me to restore this holy place dedicated to You and Saint Eustachio.

And so that my posterity may know that whatever knowledge I have acquired, whatever good I have written, is not so much due to my own study and labor, O pious Mother! but rather was mercifully granted by the singular gift of Your grace and the light of eternal wisdom鈥擨 leave this testimony written here in my own blood, and with the suspension of my pen, which I offer to You in thanksgiving.

Jesus, Mary, Joseph鈥攎y all."

I, a poor and humble, and unworthy servant of Yours, Athanasius Kircher, beseech You to accept my vows.

Jesus, Mary, Amen.

All for the greater glory of God.