Steganographia, hoc est: Ars per occultam scripturam

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STEGANOGRAPHIA: That is: The art, by hidden writing, of safely disclosing the will of one's mind to those who are absent; by the most reverend and most distinguished man, Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Spanheim and most perfect master of Natural Magic.

Prefixed to this work is its key, or true introduction, composed by the author himself; until now much desired by many, but seen by very few. Now, for the sake of students of the more secret philosophy, it has been made public.

With the privilege and consent of superiors.

Darmstadt. From the printing office of Balthasar Aulæandti, at the expense of Johann Berner, bookseller of Frankfurt. In the year 1621.

TO THE READER. You should be advised, candid reader, that of the letters R. and S., in this work sometimes added as numbers, sometimes as characters, sometimes as words written above on the page or added in the margin, the former denotes rubric, or red color, and the latter ink, or black color. You will also observe this: that the individual titles of the individual chapters are likewise to be painted and adorned in rubric. You may seek the significance of this matter from the Key prefixed to the work. Farewell.

HERE BEGINS THE FIRST BOOK OF THE STEGANOGRAPHY OF JOHANNES TRITHEMIUS, ABBOT OF SPANHEIM, OF THE ORDER OF SAINT BENEDICT, OF THE DIOCESE OF MAINZ, TO THE MOST SERENE PRINCE, LORD PHILIP, COUNT PALATINE OF THE RHINE, DUKE OF BAVARIA, AND PRINCE ELECTOR OF THE HOLY EMPIRE, ETC.

It is the opinion of the most learned that the most ancient sages, whom in Greek speech we call philosophers, if they had discovered any secrets either of nature or of art, concealed them by various methods and figures, lest they should come to the knowledge of wicked men. The more learned among the Jews confirm that Moses also, the most famous leader of the Israelite people, in his description of the creation of heaven and earth covered the secrets of ineffable mysteries with simple words. Saint Jerome too, one of the most learned among our own, affirms that almost as many mysteries lie hidden in the Apocalypse of John as there are words. I pass over the Greek sages, held in no small esteem among their own people, and our own most learned philosophers and poets, who, applying themselves to the writing of fables, by the ingenious invention of a single continuous narrative conveyed one thing to the unlearned and another to learned men. Although I cannot perfectly imitate these most devoted lovers of wisdom because of the slowness of my intellect, still I do not neglect to admire them and to read them with whatever diligence I can. For when I consider that they, by their own study, devised many things beyond other men,

PREFACE. I rub myself by a certain force, as it were, so that I may grow warm, and I drive myself toward some imitation, however slight, even with the last of those who have gone before. Nor, as I think, has this opinion wholly deceived me, since by the continual study of reading I have both learned many things that I had not known before, and by my own reflections have opened for myself, more than for others, an approach to investigating more secret and deeper mysteries.

For although my learning or industry is not so great that I would dare to profess that I have grasped in every respect that ancient method of concealing the mysteries of the sages, nevertheless I have found certain various methods, not wholly contemptible, as it seems to me, by which I can safely and without deception, suspicion, or detection by anyone disclose the most secret intention of my mind, as widely as I wish, to another who knows this art, through open messengers or open letters. And this most secret art, a new invention, at the request of the most serene prince, Lord Philip, Count Palatine of the Rhine, Duke of Bavaria, and ever unconquered Prince Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, the wisest of all philosophers and my Maecenas, than whom no one seemed to me more worthy for this great secret to be revealed to him, I have committed to writing and, not without very great labors, gathered into the present volume.

But lest this great secret come to the ears of common, unlearned, or wicked men, I considered it no small part of my duty, since it teaches mysteries, to wrap it in mysteries unintelligible to one who does not know how to understand, so that there will be no one from the number of the unlearned, no one unless most devoted to study, who can perfectly and fully penetrate the secret of this science by its power and according to our intention, except by receiving it from a teacher, which the Hebrews call Kabbalah, set forth in most hidden mysteries. Nor would the knowledge of this most secret art, made known among the wicked and reprobate, harm the commonwealth less than it would benefit the good. For just as good men and lovers of virtues use all aids for good and for the common utility, so evil and reprobate men seek out occasions for themselves, from evil things and also from good and most holy institutions, by which they may become worse. The same may happen to this most secret aid of ours, otherwise useful to the commonwealth and most honorable: just as it offers itself to good and most holy men as an instrument for the best purposes, so, perversely,

it offers its service to perverse and impious men for wicked deeds. For just as a good and honorable lover can, for private or common good, at any time and as often as he wishes, safely, secretly, and without any suspicion on the part of any mortal, perfectly, fully, and most completely make known the secret of his will to another who knows this art, by letters passing through everyone’s hands, whether open or closed, so that no one, however learned or curious, can suspect anything about the sender’s secret, nor, even if he does suspect it, detect it, and can disclose and express it at any distance of places; so too any perverse, wanton, or malicious man, even if previously wholly ignorant of the Latin tongue, as soon as he has acquired this art, which, with me as teacher, you will be able to acquire in two days at the longest, will thereafter write letters in Latin, with fitting composition, open in any narrative, elegant and sufficiently adorned, to me or to another skilled in this art. In these letters he will wrap the secret of his will, accessible to me alone, in such mysteries by cabalistic power that it cannot in any way be penetrated by anyone, however studious or experienced, without the spirits of this art, about which I am going to speak.

Thereafter the learned and the unlearned, man and woman, boy and old man, good and bad, chaste and wanton, in Latin or in any language known to him, would write throughout every region of the world Latin, Greek, or barbarian letters free from all suspicion, in which they would present one thing openly to those who do not know the art, and another thing secretly to those who do know it. Nor, once this knowledge had been made public among the reprobate, would the faith contracted by sacrament between married persons thereafter remain so great: for a wife, though hitherto ignorant of the Latin tongue, now sufficiently taught through chaste, honorable, and most holy words of any language or idiom, could understand most fully the evil and impure mind and intention of an adulterous or fornicating lover, even while her husband carried the letters and praised them as excellent; and in the same way, as broadly and fully as she wished, she could most safely answer her desire to him in the same or other letters, in a beautiful and quite highly adorned sequence.

Indeed, although this knowledge is in itself excellent and quite useful to the commonwealth, nevertheless, if it came to the knowledge of the depraved, which God forbid, the order of the whole commonwealth could in the course of time be disturbed in no small degree; public trust would be endangered, all letters, instruments, agreements, and finally the very [unclear] of men

PREFACE.

can be hidden, and before Jesus Christ his Son, who will judge the living and the dead, in truth I say, swear, and protest: all and each of the things that I have said in this work, or am going to say, and all the properties, modes, figures, operations, traditions, receptions, formations, inventions, institutions, mutations, alterations of this science or art, and everything that pertains to its speculation, invention, attainment, operation, and practice, either in part or in whole, and everything contained in this volume of ours, rest upon true Catholic and natural principles; and all and each are done with God, with a good conscience, without injury to the Christian faith, with the integrity of ecclesiastical tradition, without any superstition whatsoever, without idolatry, without any pact with malign spirits, explicit or implicit; without suffumigation, adoration, veneration, worship, sacrifice, or offering to demons; and without any fault or sin, venial or mortal. And all and each are done with truth, rectitude, sincerity, and purity, so that the knowledge of this invention, and its practice for good use, may not be unworthy of a wise man, a good and faithful Christian.

For I too am a Christian, voluntarily devoted to the monastic life; and I desire to live and conduct myself no otherwise than truly befits a Christian and a monk professed under the rule of the divine father Benedict. I received the Catholic faith itself from the cradle according to the tradition of the Holy Roman Church, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. This faith, together with that same universal Church of Christians, I hold and believe; and as long as I live, with God’s help, always firmly preserving it inviolate, I will hold it in heart, mouth, and deed, nor do I ever intend to depart from it on any occasion whatsoever. Far be it from me, therefore, either to learn or to teach anything that is contrary to the Christian faith and its purity, harmful to holy morals, or in any way opposed to the regular life I have undertaken. I fear God, and I have sworn myself to his worship; from him I shall be separated neither living nor, as I trust, dead. This

PREFACE.

This protestation of mine I have not set before the whole of this work of ours without cause, because I know that there will be many who, when they cannot understand the things we have written, will turn to abuse, and will attribute our good and holy studies to evil arts or superstitious inventions. To these, since they will exist, and to all whoever will read this synthesis of ours, we earnestly beg that, if they understand this secret tradition of ours, they keep it forever hidden, and not pour forth such wondrous mysteries into public view. But if they do not understand it, as we know will happen to many, let them learn before they criticize. For he shows himself a rash judge who gives sentence on a matter before he has learned the truth.

Learn this art first, and afterwards judge it. If you have been unable to understand it, do not reject the art itself, since it is good, but your own dull wits. For I know and am certain that no one of sound mind can criticize this work of ours unless he happens to be wholly ignorant of it. As for those to whom it is more familiar to despise wisdom than to have learned it, I neither hope nor would wish them to penetrate these mystical matters of ours.

CHAP.

I

CHAPTER I.

WHOSE KEY AND OPERATION IS HELD by the principal spirit Pamersyel, Anoyr Madriel, through the ministry of Ebrasothean, Abrulges i Trasbiel. And Nadres Ormennitules Rablion Hamorphiel. To these let the commission of all things be made, with an exorcism.

The operation of this first chapter is very difficult and full of dangers, because of the pride and rebellion of its spirits, who obey no one unless he is highly experienced in this art. For they not only refuse to obey novices and those less tested in the art, but, if they are pressed too hard, they often injure them and afflict them with various illusions. They are malicious and faithless above all aerial spirits, and they obey absolutely no one unless compelled by the greatest sacraments; and the secret entrusted to them they often faithlessly show to others. For as soon as they have been sent out with letters, they fly away, and, bursting in disorderly fashion toward the person to whom they are sent, like a people fleeing battle without a leader, they hurry furiously and, filling the air with their shouting, often reveal the sender’s secrets to everyone in the vicinity.

We therefore advise that no one intending to work in this art compel them, nor anxiously seek their services. For they are insolent and faithless, when he can find many among those whom we shall mention below who are quite well disposed, and who of their own accord offer themselves ready for obedience. But if anyone should absolutely wish to test their insolence and prove that what we have said is true, let him know that the following procedure must be observed. Let him prepare the paper on which he is going to write with an invocation of the divine name, in the name of the Father

STEGANOGRAPHY

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Then let him write on it whatever simple and open narrative he wishes, which all who read it may understand, in Latin, in his native language, or in any other language. But when he has sat down to write, facing the East, let him compel the spirits in this way:

Pamerfiel oshurmy delmuson Thaftoyn peano charustea melany. lyaminto colchan, paroys, madyn, moerlay, bulre atloor don melcoue peloin, ibutsyl meon mysbreath alini driaco person. Crisolnay, lemon asosle mydar, icoriel pean thalmon, asophiel il notreon banyel ocrimos esteuor naelma besro. nathaomor fronian beldodrayn bon otalmesgo mero fas el-nathyn bosramoth.

When he has said these things, and the spirits seem to him to be present to obey, let him continue the work he has begun. But if they have not yet appeared, let him repeat the words just given as often as necessary until they appear, or else let him entirely desist, lest, when compelled too much, they injure the operator. But when you have completed the letters you intend, send them by messenger to a friend tested in the art. When he has received them, let him say this conjuration:

Lamarton anoyr bulon madriel traschon ebrasothea panthenon nabrulges Camery itras-bier rubanthy nadres Calmosi ormenulan, ytules demyrabion hamorphyn.

When these words have been said, he will at once understand your mind perfectly, since the spirits will now of their own accord offer themselves with force and with shouting, so that very often other people present are able to perceive the sender’s secret. But observe that in all letters that you send written by this art you affix your own sign, so that the person to whom you write may know through which spirits you have operated. For if he himself were to operate through some spirits for understanding, but through others for sending, they would never in eternity obey him; rather, because of the improper operation, they would injure him and would by no means reveal your secret. For all the spirits whom we use in this art guard only the orders and offices entrusted to them, and in no way meddle with others. Consider carefully everything we have said in this chapter; you will be able more easily to understand what we are going to say in the following chapters. And so that

THE SECOND BOOK.

And so that we may prove by example the things we have said, let us set out our intention in the vernacular language, which we shall then make known to a friend in the manner stated before.

LET THIS BE THE SECRET INTENTION OF THE MIND of some prince, which he desires his absent vassal to know.

Roth.

Dear faithful one, we intend, for proper cause, to make war on those of Strasbourg and to fall upon them with our whole force on the next Wednesday after Vitus and Modestus. Therefore it is our earnest desire of you, since you are bound to us by oath and pledge and obligated to faithful service, that on that same day, well equipped according to your ability, you appear at four after midday near Strauffenburg in the forest. (Here the letters were placed thus.) You will find further instruction there; comply with it and do not fail to appear. We will acknowledge this graciously toward you, and keep this plan of ours with you in high secrecy, etc.

FOR MAKING THIS SECRET KNOWN

To the vassal, with the sender’s fuller intention, let it be written thus, or in another manner:

Roth.

Almighty, everlasting God, who created all things out of nothing, have mercy on us through the most bitter passion of your only-begotten Son as he died on the cross; he was conceived of the Holy Spirit without male intercourse and born of the most pure ever-Virgin Mary, and, handing himself over voluntarily to death for us, by his most holy blood, as he died, freed our souls from death. Hear us wretches, O most merciful Father, and through the outpouring of the most sacred blood of the same your sweetest Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive us our sins and pour your grace into our hearts, so that, loving you in all things and above all things with sincere fervor, we may always obey your commandments with devotion and, continually advancing in mutual love, henceforth love nothing earthly and seek nothing perishable. For you are the Lord our God, who from the beginning created us in your image and likeness when we did not exist; and through your beloved

son redeemed us when we had perished; him, dead and buried for our sins, you raised from the dead on the third day, and showed him alive to his rejoicing disciples for forty days, to their great consolation. We believe, with pure and most firm confession, that he, true God and man, reigns with you in your uncircumscribable majesty without end, and that at the end of the world he will come again to judge the living and the dead, and will render to each one of us according to his works. Through him we ask you, O most merciful Father: hear us and have mercy on us now and in that terrible hour in which we are to be judged by your Son. Look upon us, most merciful God, for we are frail and pitiable sinners, bare of good works, who by sinning have offended your most holy Majesty in many things. But, turned by your mercy to penitence and humbly pleading for our sins, we ask that you turn your indignation away from us, and mercifully forgive us the crimes of the past, leading us, when this present exile is ended, to the delight of the heavenly homeland. Johannes Trithemius wrote this.

A simple and open narrative of this kind, or any other you wish, which everyone may read and understand and which contains no secret, which we have said is suitable for public view, you should write on the aforesaid paper. When the one whom you wish to know the secret intention has read the words, facing toward the East, let him turn his face to the East and say the conjuration which we set out above: Lamarton, anoyr; and at once he will certainly understand your secret intention, which you entrusted to the spirits.

TO

BOOK ONE.

FOR KNOWING THE PLACES OF THE SPIRITS, Roth., their names and signs; note what is set below.

But since it is necessary for everyone working in this science to know the places and names of the principal spirits and their signs, lest through ignorance he summon from the North one who dwells in the South, which would not only impede the intended result but could also harm the operator, I shall next set before you, in a circle, the quarters in which the principal spirits dwell, together with their names and signs.

Rub.

In this figure, by fault of the engraver, Podiel and Cimuel are read instead of Camnel.

Behold, you now have all the quarters of the world. To know them is necessary in the operation of this art in the present book, first and before all else; without knowledge of them no effect will follow in the art.

Again, you must know the first deputies of each of the principal spirits: how many they are in number, to whom the secret mysteries are entrusted,

A 3

so that you may know

STEGANOGRAPHIA

their orders, how they are to be summoned, and how in turn they are to be sent back to their offices; how many illuminators they have by day, and how many light-fleeing spirits by night; which friends, and how many enemies, they are accustomed to fear. Concerning all these things I shall teach you in the present table, which is called the table of direction.

Schw. Roth. S. R. G. S. East. Pamerfiel. T 1000. 10000. 10. 0.0. Subsolanus. Padiel. ; 10000. 200000. 10. 0.0. Eurus. Camuel. ♈ 10. 10. 10. 10.0. Euroauster. Aseliel. ☉ 10. 20. 10. 0.10. South. Barmiel. ☞ 10. 20. 10. 20.0. Austricus. Gediel. ☯ 20. 20. 19.0. 30.0. Africus. Asyriel. ☐ ☝ 20. 20. .120. 10. Favonius. Maseriel. ☿ 30. 30. 10.0. 0.10. West. Malgaras. ☒ ☓ 30. 30. 0.30. 210. Chorus. Dorothiel. ☽ 40. 40. 0.40. 30.0. Subcircius. Usiel. ☾ ☾ 40. 40. 0.30. 0.0. Circius. Cabariel. ☶ ☸ 50. 50. 80.0. 80.0. North. Rayfiel. ♋ 50. 50. 80.0. 0.50. Aquilo. Symiel. ♌ ♍ 10. 1000. 19. 100. Boreas. Armadiel. ♎ ♏ 1000. 180. 810. 69. Vulturnus. Baruchas. ♐ ♑ 10. 180. 810. 00.

Here I wish you to understand by East not the place where the Sun rises on any given day, but the place in which it was created at the beginning, which we call the equinoctial place. For unless you observe this consideration most diligently, you will not be able to make progress in this art. But now I shall also teach you the sequence of that table, so that from one spirit you may understand all. Therefore let us take Malgaras as an example, through whom the operation of this art is performed in the ninth chapter of the present first book. He is western; his sign is thus: ☒ ☓. He has beneath him thirty who preside over the day and have authority to put to flight the spirits of darkness. Subject to these are another thirty, who preside over the night and always dwell in darkness, nor do they come to the light except by command of their princes, to whom they are subject at all times. And these in turn have under themselves, as it were,

BOOK ONE.

guardians and ministers, subject to them by full right, sometimes thirty, sometimes twenty, sometimes ten, and sometimes all; they go out all together, with all of them, at the command of their princes, in the following order: namely, as many of them as have been summoned by the operator, by the authority of the great Virtues, from the second or third order, so many servants and guardians also come with them to the principal spirit, who is Malgaras. Again, beneath these are others, as messengers and gatekeepers, without fixed number, who often assemble mingled with them. We do not possess the names of all these spirits. But those which it is necessary for the operator to know we shall set out in each chapter. And note that all these spirits, each with his principal emperor, are in the quarter of the world assigned to him, as is clear in the table.

CHAP. II.

WHOSE PRINCE IS CALLED PADIEL, Roth.

Subsolanus, having under himself 10,000 ministers of the day, 200,000 of the night, and many other subservient ones, whose number is uncertain.

As we said in the preceding chapter, since Pamerfiel with his spirits named there is implacable and faithless, and does not readily obey all who desire to work in this art, but scarcely even the most experienced in it, in this present chapter we wish to make the art safer and to demonstrate a method of working in it through better spirits, who are benevolent, ready, and cheerful in obeying the one who calls them, and who, when called in the proper manner and at the proper time, come without delay and faithfully carry out whatever has been entrusted to them, without any deceit. Now the first principal emperor and presiding spirit of this operation is called Padiel, by name Subsolanus, of the circular mansion, which is the first mansion after the east. He has beneath himself ten thousand who preside over the day and over all daytime operations of this art; they command and bring forth the nocturnal spirits lurking in darkness, who are two hundred thousand in number. They all flee the light and the day,

8 STEGANOGRAPHY

and day, except one who is the messenger to the presiding Spirits. All are good and well-disposed, and they do not harm the operator unless he is malicious or less skilled in the art. It is not necessary to summon all of them at once; a few suffice, and sometimes one can satisfy the operator, whether the operation is nocturnal or diurnal. For since they are well-disposed, quiet, and peaceful, they are more often solitary wanderers than tumultuous in a crowd. Therefore, when you wish to work through them and to communicate the secret of your mind through them to someone, however absent he may be, do this. Write on paper previously prepared in the proper manner, as you know, whatever narrative you wish and in whatever language, because it makes no difference, since he will perceive your mind not from the paper but from the Spirits. While writing, you shall turn yourself toward the subsolanus; when it is completed, say this conjuration:

Padiel aporsy mesarpon omeuas peludyn malpreaxo. Condusen, vlearo thersephi bayl merphon, paroys gebuly mailthomyon iltheartamarson acrimy lon peatha Casmy Chertiel, medony reabdo, lafontriaciel mal arti bulomeon abry pathulmon theoma pathormyn.

When you have completed these words, you will see two, or at least one, of the Spirits present most peacefully and ready to obey your will. To him you shall entrust your secret, and he will faithfully convey what you have commanded. But when the letters have come by messenger to the person to whom they are sent, if he is alone, well; if he is with others, let him withdraw apart if he can, or if he cannot, let him turn toward the subsolanus and say this conjuration in silence:

Padiel ariel vanerhon chio tarson phymatto merphon ampriscoledabarym, elfopihroy mesarpon amcorsy, paneryn atle pachungel thearan vtrul vt solubito beslontylas gomadyrn triamy mesarnothy.

When these words have been duly spoken, the Spirit sent will immediately appear, revealing to him perfectly, with no one else perceiving it, whatever you entrusted to be revealed to him, without deceit and without any danger. No one malicious and wicked will easily be able to work in this art; but the better and purer someone has been, the more willingly and with greater cheerfulness the Spirits obey him. And the more each person has kept this science hidden, the more easily he will operate. And note that this Padiel with his Spirits is appointed to announce secret notices for the correction, imprisonment, and punishment of wrongdoers, as we have shown in the example set below.

THE SECRET OF THE INTENTION, Roth; WHICH IS TO BE ENTRUSTED NOT TO LETTERS BUT TO THE SPIRITS OF THE SECOND DWELLING.

Someone has been denounced before a prince, and some crime of lese-majesty or any other offense is laid against him. The prince wishes him to be punished by his official, from whom he is far distant, but he does not wish to write this very thing to him, lest, if the letters are disclosed by any chance, the accused be warned and flee, or resist with the forces of friends joined to him, or attempt something sinister against the prince or the laws of the country. He writes this or any other narrative to his prefect, one which he would not fear to be read by everyone; but he entrusts the secret to the Spirit in the manner we have described above, who will faithfully tell his secret to the person to whom it is sent, provided that person has first been instructed in this art.

Sincere charity. I send you a prayer, composed rather beautifully and briefly for the devotion of penitents, which, in the fullness of my goodwill, I did not wish you alone to possess, and it is as follows. Free us, Jesus Christ, eternal savior of all good people, and forgive the offenses of the guilty; hear our groans, assuaging the storms of vices, and, renewing the oldness of conscience, lead us back to eternal paradise. Good Jesus, remit our sins to us who pray, since we have gravely offended and have often relapsed. Sweetest savior, heal our infirmities, we beseech you. Be kind to those who ask you, most pious Jesus, and hear us, your servants, as we supplicate. We are human beings, wrapped in constant miseries and plunged in the greatest storms. Deliver us, most victorious comforter of the afflicted, since our life, constantly buried in felicity, is corrupted. Have mercy at least, most merciful Jesus and savior; look upon the humility of those who love you, and do not allow us exiles to be submerged in the flood and foulness of vices, in the love of the world. Until now we have lain sluggish, and, bound by vices, we have slighted our salvation.

...we have esteemed our salvation little, and have scarcely remembered the examination to come. Most kindly Creator, be propitious to your servants, and save those weeping ones whom the most wretched vanity of the world has deceived. Alas, we have all neglected the way of Truth; but deliver us, fixed in the mud and exiles, for you are our Savior, Jesus, who despise no one. You are the unfailing joy and everlasting happiness of the saints, our hope, the glory of Christians, the light of angels, the rewarder of unconquered martyrs, the crown of virgins, the honor of widows. Good Jesus, hear us humble ones crying to you; deliver us from the present exile, granting us grace, that we may live without end. Give life, we ask, to us, your wretched servant-exiles, whom you have redeemed, that we may attain the true zeal of justice. Preserve us, almighty God, infinite majesty, boundless mercy, eternal salvation of noble souls. Amen. End of the prayer of Johannes Trithemius, abbot.

Another Prayer, Whose Conjuration Is: Padiel melion, parme, camiel busayr, ilnoma, venoga, pamelochyn.

Z Z ♦

Receive also this not unbecoming prayer. The lover of human salvation, the greatest creator of all things, imposed on us obedience to the commandments, which we are all bound to obey out of love; and to those who obey he promised the reward of possessing the tabernacle of eternal happiness. Let us look upon the obedience of Christ, which we should take care to imitate, so that we may deserve to enter into the eternal happiness promised to us, and to be joined to the everlasting mansions of the angels. Let us do penance while we can, spending precious time fruitfully. Let us beware lest death snatch us unprepared, since it refuses to grant delay to anyone. Therefore, brothers, do not delay doing penance. For death will come swiftly to you, and none of you can long escape it. Therefore behold your days passing by, beginning penance while you have time. The hour of departing from here is approaching. O death, most terrible of terrible things, how swiftly you consume us wretches, and make our very brief sojourn, full of many injuries, cruel for the miserable. Let us wake up, wretches, with Jesus our most pious Savior exhorting and bearing witness to us, so that we may accuse our shameful negligences, and with good works...

...carefully keep the ways of justice. Kindly redeemer of the human race, hear us, and grant us forgiveness of sins. O Father of mercy, be propitious to us in all our adversities. Heal, Lord, our infirm souls, since we are yours; grant to us afflicted little worms the rest of everlasting pleasantness, so that, always beholding you, we may praise you. Amen. Johannes Trithemius of Sponheim issued this, 1500.

Chapter III.

Whose prince is Camuel, having under him the spirits presiding over daytime operations, 10, and likewise over nighttime operations, 10, with the same number of sub-observers; their office is to announce the sender's arrival, way, and journey. Roth.

The first and highest of all the spirits of the third mansion toward the southeast is called Camuel. He is very benevolent and ready to send his substitutes to the person who operates in this science according to what is required. He has few ministers, to be sure, but all are good, willing, and faithful: namely ten who preside over the day, and the same number who preside over the night. They are always sent two by two to the operator from each order, since those who preside over the day do not flee darkness, nor do those who preside over the night flee light. Wherever necessity demands it, in every commission of the operator, one is assisted by the other; and when they appear visibly, then one is customarily seen standing by in a beautiful garment of mixed color, and the other in the form of a shining splendor. Often, however, they appear by effect alone, perceptible indeed, but they are not seen except when it has so pleased the operator. This Camuel, with his ministers and sub-observers, has the authority and power of announcing to an absent friend the state, will, condition, way, journeys, arrival, and departure of the sender, whenever the person who operates in this art wishes. Therefore, when you wish and operate according to your will through the angels of this mansion, you must first know who are the ten angels of Camuel who preside...

12 OF STEGANOGRAPHY preside over the day, and how many substitutes each one of them has, and likewise concerning the nocturnal ones. To know this perfectly, you will consider the present table.

Schw. Roth. S. R. R. R. X. R. R.

Rather, it seemed it should be read Noctar.

Orpeniel 10. Citgara 100. Daniel 10. Dobiel 100. Azimo 10. Camuel 100. Pariel 10. Omyel 10. Nodar 10. Tediel 0. Budiel 10. Cariel 10. Asiniel 100. Phaniel 10. Moriel 0. Elcar 10. Neriel 10. Calym 100. Meras 100. Tugaros 0.

Here in the table you have the ten angels of Camuel who preside over the day, with their substitutes in number, and as many who preside over the night, also with their own sub-servitors. The last, however, as you see, have no substitute, since 0, as you know, signifies absolutely nothing in number. Therefore, when you wish to operate through these angels, prepare your paper, as is customary; and, turned toward Eurus, write any narrative whatever, in whatever language you wish, which need not be hidden. When it is completed, read the following conjuration silently: Camuel aperoys, melym meuomanial, casmoyn eralki bufaco aeliumar photyfion theor besamys, aneal Cabelonyr thiamo vesonthy. When this conjuration has been completed in silence, make your commission to the spirits who are present, as you know; and send them forth, doing everything in silence and without disturbance, if possible. Afterwards give the letters, open as you wish, to whatever messenger you want to carry them, and let him go, because the spirits will not neglect their office, whether the messenger comes quickly or slowly. Of this let there be no doubt for you, since they are faithful. But you must know which spirit you wish to send from the aforesaid, so that in the conjuration you may express his name immediately after the principal one; and this is so in all operations in which the names of the angels to be sent are set down in the chapter itself. But now let us set forth an example of what we have said concerning those matters which pertain to the office of Camuel and of his subject spirits.

BOOK FIRST.

LET THIS BE THE MOST SECRET INTENTION OF MY MIND, which I wish to make known to someone absent through the aforesaid spirits.

[unclear] Roth. [unclear]

Suppose I am stationed at Rome, and I learn from the most secret council of the supreme pontiff that he himself wishes to transfer the Roman Empire to the Franks. I desire to notify the princes of Germany. I cannot do so by messengers, because I do not trust them; I cannot do so by letters, because in all the cities of Italy there are appointed men at the gates who inspect those passing through with the greatest care. Therefore I write one devout prayer, which I send open by a messenger, together with other closed familiar letters to those same princes. I summon the spirits of the third mansion and command them to follow the letters to be sent. And when they have been called by the recipient, they must not fail to reveal to him my secret intention, which I did not dare commit to letters. They come, they go, they obey.

We all die, because we have all contracted the hereditary guilt of original sin; and no one lives who will not die in a very short time. We contracted original fault in Adam and Eve. Moreover, all human beings die the death of the body because of the lamentable rashness of Mother Eve. But Jesus, the victor over death, drove away the death of the soul by freeing us. O crucified Jesus Christ, look upon our lowliness, for we are most wretched, unhappy, and afflicted by many tribulations. Therefore, most merciful King of the heavens, we ask: grant us contrition and forgiveness of all sins, because of your extraordinary humility by which you redeemed us from the sorrowful darkness of hell and from harmful sufferings. O our blessedness, most merciful Jesus, O sweetest lover of innocence, what shall I repay to you? You, holy and innocent, suffer for us. Where shall we flee when you come for the examination of our account? You will come with power to render reward to each person according to his conscience. And all things will be bare before you; nor will anything be hidden from you of which you do not have knowledge. Therefore, brothers, while you live, do penance, and forestall the strict examination of almighty God with works of mercy. Wipe away your crimes with tears, and by relieving the hardships of the poor, make God favorable to you. For he is kind to those who call upon him. Therefore, while there is time, seek his mercy. Always give thanks to him who redeemed you: Jesus Christ, crucified for the salvation of human beings who fear the Lord.

STEGANOGRAPHY

Roth.

LET THIS BE ANOTHER FORM OF SECRETS, WHICH IS ENTRUSTED TO THE SPIRITS.

A secret remains stored in my mind, concerning my coming soon in secret to a male friend or female friend. I do not dare write this very thing, lest it become public, which a weighty cause forbids; nor do I dare entrust it through a messenger, since there is the same danger. I summon a spirit, entrust the matter to it; it comes, goes, and carries the secret most secretly. I myself am safe in the form of the letters that I send; let it be as familiar as one likes, so that no occasion may be lacking.

Greetings in the Lord. The bearer of the present letter, brother Arnoldus Bostius, has composed many admirable volumes on various subjects, as, among many other things, you will find written at the end, where mention is made of the living, in our book sent to you some time ago, which is entitled On Ecclesiastical Writers. I commend so great a man, notable for religion and for the grace of the arts, to your sincerity, dearest patron, and I ask most earnestly that you receive him with that familiarity with which you have been accustomed to receive all those joined to us in friendship. He will disclose to you many secrets of nature, and, if you wish, will be able to delight you with the sweetest conversation. As for the codex on magical experiments which you have from me, I ask that you take care to send it back to me as quickly as possible. I shall soon send you the volume of Synesius on the power of spirits, when you have sent my experiments back to me. Take care of yourself, so that you may be well. And write back to me often. Given at Spanheim, on the sixth day before the Ides of March, in the year of the Lord’s incarnation 1501. Johannes Trithemius, abbot.

But the recipient of the letter, the one to whom you sent the spirit, should do what he knows must be done in this art; and, once the circular sign has been recognized, let him turn toward Eurus, and in silence say this imprecation:

Camuel Busarcha, menaton enatiel, meran sayr abatremon, naculi pesum nadru lasmon enotichamabet vsear lesponty a brulmy pen sayr thubarym, gonayr asmon friachar ynon otry hamerson, buccurmy pedauellon.

When these words have been said, let him take the letters again into his hand, looking toward Eurus, as you know. But it must be noted that all these spirits, together with their prince, are toward Eurus, and therefore everyone who works through them must turn himself in that direction; or, if he cannot, at least when he has received the letters he should set them down facing that direction. Observe and understand what we have said to you.

CHAP.

[unclear]

These sixteen princes, however, with their subjects, are sufficient to announce everything to you, and you do not need either to know or to summon more. When you wish to work in Steganography through Aseliel, after the customary preliminaries in the art, observe the place of his mansion, which is in the east-south, and summon one of the spirits named above according to his time, whichever you wish. This is the conjuration:

Afelic aproysy, melyn, thulnear casinoyn, mauear burson, charny demorphanon, Theomaasmeryn diuel, casponi vearly basanys, crnoti chaua lorson.

When the conjurations have been completed in the customary way, add the remaining things that are customarily to be done in the art, and the effect of your operation will follow most certainly. Let us set down an example.

Let us imagine the secret of your mind. You have a beloved woman, in whose love you are held, and she no less; but you cannot approach or speak to her because of the watch kept by her people. At last you have found a plan by which you may possess her, but it is necessary to inform her beforehand. You cannot do it yourself; you do not dare by letters, lest they come into the hands of others; you do not judge that the matter should be entrusted to messengers or old women, lest afterward they make you known. Therefore hide by the art, for a time, a matter which you are confident cannot be done openly. You summon the invisible ministers of the art, write letters that are in no way suspicious, and send them to your beloved even through the guards themselves. They praise the writing and give it to the beloved woman to read. Recognizing the sign, she calls the hidden messenger, hears the plan, sends back her consent; you approach, enter, and possess her.

The death of Jesus Christ gave life to the human race; his life, afflicted innocently, freed us from every calamity. Therefore let us honor his humility in ourselves by resisting the temptations of vices, and by pressing on in all good works. Christ Jesus has saved our souls. Let us give eternal thanks to our most pious redeemer, since he has brought all back to safe spoils. Let us praise his name with fervor at all times, anticipating the face of his most holy majesty with our prayers. Let us live virtuously in the love of righteousness, casting off the tumult of worldly affairs; let us follow the standard of justice, resist harmful vices most devoutly, and wash away our negligences with tears

in the greatest solicitude, mindful of the future judgment, whose inestimable horror is in no way less than the punishments of hell. In the year of the Lord’s nativity 1506, on the ides of March.

When the person to whom they are sent has received these or similar letters, being skilled in the art, let him do what he knows must be done according to the instructions given in it, and let him turn himself toward the aspect of the east-south. This is its sign: ? And let him read the attestation of the spirits, which is as follows:

Asiel murnea casmodym bularcha vadusyn aty belron diuel arsephonti si pa normys orleuo cadon Venoti basramyn.

When these have been attested, let him continue the operation of the art, and he will hear the sender’s secret.

CHAPTER V.

Whose supreme prince, by name Barmiel, dwells in the south, having under him ten princes who preside over the day, and twenty who preside over the night, with their servants; and they are over the announcing of secrets that pertain to the surrender of fortresses.

The prince of the fifth mansion, in the south toward midday, is called great Barmiel. He has under his dominion ten principal leaders who preside over the day with their subservants, and twenty in number who preside over nighttime operations with their servants. These are greater in number than the daytime spirits because the operation of this mansion is carried out more often by night than by day. For their office is to announce the secret surrenders of fortresses and cities, especially at night.

When you wish to work in this art through Barmiel, summon one of his princes, whichever you wish; he will come to you at once with twenty servants, because no prince of this mansion is accustomed to go about alone or with fewer. Entrust your secret not to the servants, since they are proud and malicious, but to the prince, because he is good, calm, faithful, and very benevolent. But now I shall name for you eight of the daytime princes and likewise eight of the nighttime princes, who are better and readier to obey; we need no more.

Black. Red. R. B. G. R. R. B. Sochas 20. Aclerar 20. Barbis 20. Marcaiz 0. Red. Black. B. R. R. G. B. R. Tigara 20. Barbil 20. Marquus 20. Baabab 0.

Schw. R. S. G. R. S. Chansi 20. Carpiel 20. Caniel 20. Gabir 0. Roth. Schw. S. R. S. Ri Keriel 20. Mansi 20. Acreba 20. Astib 0.

You have sixteen spirits, of whom twelve each have twenty ministers, with whom they are accustomed to appear to one who calls them. The remaining four, beneath whom 0 has been placed, which signifies nothing, have no sub-servant, but always come alone, and in their ministry are most faithful and tireless in all things whatsoever you command them. Therefore, wishing to operate through one of them, after first performing those things that must first be performed in the art, say this conjuration toward the South: Barmiel buras melo charnotel malapos veno masphian albryon, chasmia peluo morophon apluer charmya noty Mesron alraco caspiel hoalno chorben ouear aserea cralnoty carephon elcsor bumely nesitan a̾rmy tu faron. After you have completed the command, entrust the secret to the appearing spirit whom you called; send the letters, however, through whomever you wish, and of whatever kind you wish. But let us use an example.

Let Us Suppose a Secret of a King, Which Is Not To Be Entrusted To Anyone In Any Way.

Roth.

If any prince is unable by arms to obtain a city or fortification that he desires, he attempts the matter by art; he corrupts the guards with payment. They entrust the plan to no one, not even to letters, lest, if that man is detected, he fail to achieve his purpose and they lose the payment together with their life. The prince turns himself to the mansion of Barmiel; he calls the messenger-spirit; he entrusts the hidden matter. That spirit comes and carries the message; it is captured by night, no one knows how. For these things, if it pleases, let us invent letters, in no way at all fearing the reader.

By living justly one will attain happiness; for the humble alone are to be exalted, the rash alone to be condemned. If you seek happiness, hold fast to eternal justice, and you will attain the highest glory. Be a most fervent zealot for truth, and do not love falsehood, which corrupts honor and dissolves the temperance of the mind. Flee the vanity of the world, since it is very brief. Be a lover of Justice and supplant no one unjustly. Cultivate virtues; flee vices; guard freedom with justice; beware all insolence; always be humble. Love the Savior of our souls: whoever loves him will by no means die unhappily. Contemn glory that suddenly passes away; love the blessedness of the saints, which is not to be corrupted eternally,

flee carefully the snares of our ancient enemy, whom the unfailing humility of devotion will conquer. Be watchful so that you are not overcome by the ardor of the flesh; defend the paths of justice manfully, and remember that zeal for uprightness must be held with fearless perseverance. Always flee empty glory like poison; always contemplate the loveliness of the Paradise of God, which remains forever. The joys of the world quickly pass away; today a man is glad, tomorrow stripped of all things he dies. Flee the vicious zeal of bitterness; flee the swelling of pride, since one does not fail to know that the guilt of each is liable to everlasting evils. Every proud man is hateful to God; dying without ceasing, he will be tormented and will never be consoled. What, then, will the proud await except lamentation? Therefore, woe to you, you exalted ones, worthy of eternal punishment and reserved for everlasting darkness and horrors. O vanity of the vanities of the world, destroyer of the light of souls, deceiver of exiles, most pernicious unlocker of hell. Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, wrote this on the sixth day before the Ides of March, 1500.

When the recipient of the letters has recognized Barmiel, let him at once turn himself to the South, or as soon as he can. For no danger can arise from delay with regard to the obedience of the spirit, even if much time has intervened. For when they call, he is accustomed always to come, whether they call soon or late, even after many days. This is his conjuration, after first performing the things that the art requires to be done:

Barmiel any casleon archoi bulefan eris, Cafray molaer pessaro duys anale goerno mesrue greal cusere drelnoz, parle cufureti bafriel aflymaraphe naslo, carnoserneo, damerafenotis anycarpodyn.

When he has said this conjuration, as is proper, facing the South, he will hear and understand your meaning, which you entrusted not to letters but to the spirit; if he turns himself to another region, he will never understand.

Chapter VI.

Whose supreme prince, Gediel, dwelling in the South-southwest, has under him twenty by day, and as many by night, with their servants; their office is to announce those things that have dangers to be guarded against.

The great prince Gediel presides over the sixth mansion, which is in the South-southwest. He has under his dominion twenty other principal dukes by day, and as many by night, with their many servants. Their office is to announce all things that pertain to warning a friend about any impending

concerning any imminent future danger, and especially to princes for the defense of country, castles, and cities; and to announce all things that are advantageous for friends, and for those whom we favor, toward safety, and also, conversely, against enemies and adversaries of every kind. For all these things it is not necessary to summon the twenty princes, but two suffice with their servants. So that you may know them by name, I shall consequently enumerate some of them, namely eight for the day and eight for the night.

Schw. Roth. G. R. G. R. G. R. Coliel Sariel 20 Reciel 20 Aroan 20 Naras Rantiel Sadiel Circas Roth Schw. R. G. R. G. R. G. Sabas Mashel Agra Aglas 20 20 20 20 Assiba Bariel Anael Uriel

First, before we proceed to the operation, you should know that at least two spirits must always be called, together with their twenty attendants, without whom they proceed nowhere, although they do not always all appear visibly. But this need not be a concern, provided that through their invisible ministry you obtain what you intend. Therefore, when you wish to perform anything in Steganography through their ministry, turn yourself to the south-southwest, since all of them dwell there at all times with their prince Gediel; and do what you know must be done according to the proper order. This is the conjuration:

Gediel asiel modebar mopiel, casmoyn, rochamurenu proys nasaron atido casmear vearsy maludym velachain demosar otiel masdurym sodiuiel mestray seor amarlum, laueur pealo netus fabelron.

When these things have been completed, the two named princes who have been called will be present, good, kindly, and secure. You must not fear them, but confidently entrust to them whatever you wish, and they will faithfully fulfill your command. This sign will be red.

HAVE IN YOUR MIND SUCH A SECRET as you do not dare to commit to letters.

I am bound to my prince because of many benefits promised to me. I have secretly learned of his adversaries’ plan, by treachery and betrayal, to seize the castle this night. I wish to warn my prince; I cannot do so by letters, since a search of travelers is being made by enemies on the road; I cannot do so by messengers, because I know that my danger is not to be entrusted to anyone at all. I shall call a spirit, entrust the secret, and send whatever letters I wish merely for form’s sake, so that the prince may know who is to be called; and from the number of the spirit, because otherwise without letters he would not know that a spirit had been sent by me, that one goes and announces it. The prince forestalls the seizure of the castle.

LET THE FORM OF THE LETTERS BE THIS, OR Roth. another, which, when he has read it, should forbid him to go.

The highest nobility of the human race and the highest virtue is to love God purely, to seek his glory, and to adore him with rectitude of mind. For the humility of a pure heart will reign in the heavens; patience will exalt it. The mind alone of a naked man who fears and loves God will be established in true nobility. Love God, despise the world, flee the age of iniquities; love religion, brotherly charity, the bond of peace, and the unity of those who live uprightly. Christ admonishes in the Gospel that we ought not to be anxious over superfluous human cares. “Having only the necessities,” says the holy Apostle, “let us be content.”

Therefore let us have the love of God and zeal for justice, since purity of mind, simplicity of heart, disregard for earthly honor, cleansing of comeliness, and instruction in holy morals are truly solid riches. Let us be intent upon good works, lest vices overwhelm us. Let us live innocently in all uprightness, as though about to die tomorrow. Let us love God with the purest heart, carefully keeping his commandments; with humility let us mourn for our sins at all times, beseeching the most pious Savior to forgive us our vices. To defend the honor of his love and of the heart, to rebuke the vices of the wicked, to persist in prayers, to despise the glory of the world, and to devote oneself to readings are the treasures of Christians. For the vain glory of the world is soon to collapse; riches too are false, which, when we soon expire, we leave behind unwillingly. Justice alone is our happiness; in our humility consists our glorying and the possession of riches that will remain with us forever: remembrance of death, fear of judgment, and recollection of our sins.

When these letters, or any others containing no secret, [unclear]

BOOK ONE.

I have secretly learned of a plan, through treachery and betrayal, to seize the castle tonight. I wish to warn my prince; I cannot do so by letters, since a search of travelers is being carried out by the enemies on the road; I cannot do so by messengers, because I know that my danger is to be entrusted to absolutely no one. I shall call a spirit, entrust the secret to him, and send whatever letters I wish merely for form's sake, so that the prince may know who is to be called; and from the number of the spirit, since otherwise without letters he would not know that the spirit had been sent by me, he goes, announces it, and the prince forestalls and occupies the castle.

LET THE FORM OF THE LETTERS BE THIS, OR Roth. another; when he has read it, let him forbid him to go.

The highest nobility of the human race and the highest virtue is to love God purely, to seek his glory, and to adore him with uprightness of mind. For the humility of a pure heart shall reign in heaven; patience shall exalt it; only the mind of a man stripped bare, fearing and loving God, shall be established in true nobility. Love God, despise the world, flee the age of iniquities; love religion, brotherly charity, the bond of peace, and the unity of those who live rightly. Christ warns in the Gospel that we ought not to be anxious about superfluous human cares. “Having,” says the holy Apostle, “only what is necessary, let us be content.” Therefore let us have the love of God and zeal for justice, since truly solid riches are purity of soul, simplicity of heart, disregard of earthly honor, cleansing from vanity, and the formation of holy morals. Let us be intent on good works, lest vices overwhelm us; let us live innocent in every uprightness, as though we were to die tomorrow. Let us love God with a most pure heart, carefully keeping his commandments; with humility let us grieve for our sins, at all times beseeching the most loving Savior that he remit our vices and pour into us love of himself and humility of heart. Let us abandon the desires of this world and its vain and false honors, earnestly contemplating our death. To live virtuously, to love one’s neighbor, to do injury to no one, to fear God, to give alms to the elect, to feed the hungry, to defend the good, to rebuke the vices of the wicked, to persist in prayers, to despise the glory of the world, and to devote oneself to reading are the treasures of Christians. For the vain glory of the world is about to pass away suddenly; riches too are false, which, when we shortly expire, we leave unwillingly behind. Justice alone is our happiness; in our humility are our boasting and the possession of riches that will remain with us for all time: the memory of death, fear of judgment, and recollection of our sins.

When my prince has received these or any other letters containing no secret, by the sign of Gediel he knows where it is to be turned, and which spirit is to be called.

Conjuration.

Gediel aprois camorety moschoyn diuial palorfan, fermel, asparlon Crisphe Lamedon ediur cabosyn arsythamerosyn.

When these words have been said, as is proper, and when certain other things necessary in the art have been added, with the spirit revealing not the letter but the secret of my mind, he will know the hidden matter and forestall the enemy.

CHAPTER VII.

WHOSE SUPREME PRINCE IS ASIRIEL, whose dwelling is toward the southwest, having under his dominion 20 dukes who preside over the day, and as many who preside over the night; their office is to announce the plans of princes to their friends.

The first and supreme prince of the seventh mansion is called Asiriel, and he dwells in that region of the world which we call toward the southwest, having under him 20 princes who preside over the day, and as many who preside over the night; all of them have many servants under them. If two dukes from the diurnal ones are called by the operator to the ministry of the art, they always have 10 servants serving them; similarly it is so with the nocturnal ones. Therefore, if you call only one from the princes, especially the nocturnal ones, he is proved to have not 20 but only 10 servants. You shall not call the diurnal ones unless at least two, because they are not accustomed to come alone; from the nocturnal ones you will be able to summon one or two, as you please. If you call two, you should know that 20 servants are to be added in the conjuration according to custom; if one, 10. And so that you may know who are to be called alone and who with a companion, consider the table.

Roth S. R. S. X. G.

Astor Buniel Arcisat Cusiel

Carga Rabas Adriel Malqueel

Schw.

20——20——20——20——20

S. Schw.

20——20——20——20——20

G.

34 OF THE STEGANOGRAPHIA

Jesus Christ, unfailing light, eternal blessedness of all the saints, creator and ruler of the universe, have mercy on us. We, weak, groaning, and weeping, beg your mercy. Grant us the power to overcome the temptations of the devil, so that, when the present evils have been conquered, we may obtain rest. O sweetest Savior Jesus, forgive the sins of us who pray. For we are yours, most merciful Father, humble creatures: look upon us, your wretched and useless servants, since we desire to serve you with all our strength. Make us possess the fervor of your love, always adorned in us with good works. Give us true works of the virtues, observance of justice, and inseparable love of uprightness; make us truly humble and vigorous despisers of worldly things, so that, always burning with your love, we may love nothing earthly and esteem nothing temporal as pleasant to us. O teacher of humility, Jesus Christ, teach us to imitate your doctrine. We are, alas, entangled in many vices, naked of good works. Save us, Jesus Christ, lest we perish. O highest Truth, give us life, most refreshing refuge of souls: be for us a tower of strength. For you are our giver of life; you are the salvation of souls and the sweetest renewer of the mind. You are the ineffable joy of the angels and the most healthful rest of faithful souls. You are the blessedness of the saints who love you. You are the inextinguishable light of the citizens above. You, giver of life to the dead, look upon our frailty. Sweetest Jesus Christ, help us, your frail servants, so that, walking without offense along the way of truth, we may obtain eternal rest. O most loving Lord Jesus, soften the labors of our exile. And when the end of this life begins to draw near, then may you deign mercifully to come to our aid, so that before the face of your power the adversary may fall terrified, and all demons, provokers of all evils, princes of eternal death, and our most savage persecutors, may flee far away. We ask through the power of your most noble death, sweetest Jesus: do not despise us, your useless servants, on the day of our departure, whom you willed to redeem with your blood. Wash away our transgressions, so that, while the angels await us, we may deserve to enter the joys of the heavenly homeland. Amen.

I, Johannes Trithemius, abbot, wrote this on the fifth day before the Ides of March, 1500.

For this reason we send letters to the person to whom the spirit also is to be sent, because none of the princes or servants from those spirits comes unless he is summoned, neither to the sender nor to the one to whom he is to be sent.

BOOK ONE.

Therefore, so that you may know from which quarter of the mansion, and which spirit, he ought to call, the letters are sent sealed with the prince’s sign and written in such a way that they delight the Spirit and make him desire to be refreshed by their encouragement. But we shall speak of these things in the last chapter.

THIS IS THE CONJURATION OF THE SPIRITS FOR THE RECIPIENT.

A SIRIEL onear Laueuiel gamerfothin ianoz alnay bulumer palorson, irgiel lamedon, ludiel Caparosyn nauyasparlon nadicl bulephorianos pesonty tresloty Camon elyr, mearsu nosythamerosyn. When these words have been spoken most secretly while facing Africus, and when the other things required by the art have been added, the Spirit will appear to him with his servants, visible, with none of the others seeing or hearing him; and he will reveal the sender’s secret into his ear.

CHAPTER VIII.

WHOSE SUPREME PRINCE, MASIEREL, DWELLS TOWARD THAT QUARTER WHICH WE CALL FAVONIUS, HAVING UNDER HIM SIXTY PRINCIPAL DUKES, WITH MANY SERVANTS OF THEIRS.

The eighth mansion is toward the West, in that place from which the wind is called Favonius; and there dwells the great prince who is called Masriel, with an infinite multitude of dukes, princes, and attendants. Of these, for this art, thirty princes have been appointed who preside over operations by day, and just as many who preside by night, with many servants. All these have been established to announce and report the secrets of human arts, of philosophy, magic, necromancy, and all wondrous and most secret operations, which are known to very few people. In these matters they are ready and very faithful, nor do they return unless they have completed everything that had been entrusted to them. They are quiet and come without noise, just as they are commanded: by themselves, with many, with few, or even without servants, at least visibly. They frighten no one except the person who, not instructed in the art, has presumed to call them by the true principles of the art, to which no one easily attains by instruction. But so that you may have ready at hand those whom you should call for the operation of the spirit:

spirit: know that not all of them are necessary for you, but only some; and therefore twelve will be sufficient for you for the actions that take place by day, and as many for those that take place by night, with their servants.

Roth. Schw. R. S. R. S. R. S. Mabue 30 Israel 30 Azimel 30 Alsuel 30 Roth. Schw. R. S. R. S. R. S. Rouiel 30 Athiel 30 Chasor 30 Aliel 30 Roth. Schw. R. S. R. S. R. S. Fariel 20 Vessur 30 Potiel 30 Espoel 38 Roth. Schw. R. S. R. S. R. S. Arach 30 Sarmiel 30 Baros 30 Kabel 30 Maras 30 Amoyr 30 Eliel 30 Atriel 30 Noquiel 30 Badiel 30 Paras 30 Saluar 30

You have, then, from the thirty principal spirits of Masteriel twenty-four, with seven hundred and twenty servants. The first twelve of these preside over daytime operations, and the remaining twelve over nighttime ones. Therefore, when you wish to perform some operation in Steganography through them, turn yourself toward Favonius, and, after first doing the necessary things required by the art, call whichever one you wish from those named above, as is proper, and he will come without delay. The conjuration: Maseriel bulan lamodyn charnoty Carmephin iabru caresathroyn asulroy beuesy Cadumyn turiel bulan Seuear; almos lycadufel ernoty panier iethar care pheory bulan thorty paron Venio Fabelronthusy. When the spirit whom you have called appears, entrust your secret to him to be carried safely, hesitating in nothing at all, speaking silently to him, if you are in the midst of others, as you know.

Rothi

Let the secret of your mind be such.

You have secrets in the hidden sciences: philosophy, the magic of the stars, Cabala, arithmetic, or any arts whatsoever, which you desire a friend, absent near or far, to know; but they are such things as it is not safe to entrust either to letters or to messengers. Or certainly, if he is to send secrets to you, this must be pressed; or even to commend someone philosophizing, yet so that the others do not know. Call one or two of the spirits mentioned above; set out the secret. He undertakes the burden, will carry it to the friend, and will report back to you what was entrusted by him.

Write whatever prayer you wish, or any letters containing no secret.

[unclear]

Kostli

Almighty, everlasting God, most just rewarder of the good, who wished your son to become a participant in our race, so that he might redeem us most wretched ones from diabolical envy; who by kindness alone, taking on the overflowing form of our nature incorrupt from the flower of the virginal womb, when the holy archangel Gabriel announced that the Virgin would conceive by your most blessed spirit, remained a perpetual Virgin, immaculate, more excellent than men and angelic spirits. The most holy and most reverend Virgin Mary, wholly without knowledge of male companionship, gave birth to the almighty king, God and man, bearing without pain, receiving without sorrow the crying God and man, always remaining immaculate, most chaste, most innocent, higher than men by the virtue of humility, full of charity, most worthy of every praise and to be venerated by all: the most blessed and always to be praised empress of the angels, most resplendent, noble, renowned, and truly most splendid. Your son admits her, with most holy favor, in all things whatsoever she has asked, and venerates her reverently as his mother, more excellent than all creatures. He is accustomed never to deny her anything she requests, but reverently consents to your most holy will, granting all things for her honor. She will stand for us on the last day, helping us who venerate the dear merits of the gracious Virgin. God, light of truth, we most devoutly pray: pour into us, O God, grace and mercy for all who call upon you and humbly ask forgiveness of their faults; and do not despise us wretched ones, but mercifully receive us, trusting in your goodness, for love of the Virgin Mary, who rejoices in God, and of all your elect. Amen. I, Johannes Trithemius, abbot of Sponheim, wrote this in the year of the Lord’s incarnation or nativity 1500, on the fourth day before the Ides of March.

When the one to whom the letters are sent receives them, once the sign of Materiel is recognized, let him turn himself toward Favonius, and, after first doing in secret the things required for the art, let him call the very spirit who was sent, adding the conjuration.

Conjuration.

Maseriel oneat Camersin, Cohodor lyrno balnaon greal, lamedon odiel, pedarnoy nador ianozauy chamyrin. When the conjuration has been completed as is proper, the spirit who was sent will appear clouded. And when the mystic word has been spoken, he will speak the truth into the ear, and will faithfully make known all things that had been entrusted to him. Nevertheless no one [unclear]

no one sitting nearby will perceive anything, provided that you remain steadfast and unafraid, as is proper.

CHAPTER IX.

WHOSE PRINCE IS CALLED MALGARAS, who dwells in the west, having under him 30 dukes for daytime operations and just as many for nighttime ones; their office is to announce the private secrets of friends.

Malgaras, the greatest prince of the west, is the inhabitant of the ninth mansion, which is in the equinoctial west. He has under him 30 dukes who preside over the day, and 30 others who preside over the night, together with their servants. The office of all these is to announce to friends the secrets and hidden matters of familiar friends. The dukes are good and most ready to obey the one who calls them, especially the daytime dukes, since they are more accustomed to converse among human beings. For the nighttime dukes, although they are good, nevertheless do not willingly converse with human beings, but avoid and detest the light exceedingly, wishing to lie hidden in darkness; and for this reason they often appear to the one who calls them through conjurations like bats. From all these we shall place twenty-four by their names in the table; twelve of them in the day, and just as many at night, are sufficient.

Roth. G. R. G. R. G. R. G. R. G. Carmiel 30 Agor 30 Cabiel 30 Asifiel 20 Aroiz 10

Schw. R. G. R. G. R. G. R. Meliel 30 Casiel 30 Udiel 30 Barfas 20

Roth. G. R. G. R. G. Borass 30 Rabiel 20 Oriel 30 G. {30.20.10.}

Roth. G. R. G. R. G. Aroc 30 Libiel 30 Caron 30

G. R. G. R. G. R. Dobiel 30 Raboc 30 Zamor 30 Aspor 20

R. G. R. G. R. G. R. G. Cubi 30 Aspiel 30 Amiel 30 Delias 20 Basiel 10

You now have, from the Malgaretic princes, twelve for daytime operations and just as many for nighttime ones, with their 640 servants. And note that Aroiz and Basiel are always solitary wanderers; Miniel, Basas, Aspor, and Delias can be called two by two, but the rest three by three. When you wish to have three, or two, or one, take care that you do not err in their names. Do as the table teaches you, without alteration, lest you fall into danger.

Song of the Conjuration.

MALGARAS ador chamteso buluetiny mareso bodyr Cadumir auiel casmyo tedy pleoryn viordi eare viorba, chameron vesy thuriel vl nauy, beuesy meuo chasmiron ty naor ernyso, chorny barmo caleuodyn batso thubra fol.

When the conjuration has been spoken, be a strong and steadfast man: those whom you have called will immediately appear to you visibly. But if those called from among the nighttime spirits do not come at once, do not on that account interrupt your work, but press them with the conjuration repeated until they obey. For they are somewhat slow and do not willingly come among human beings, as we said above.

Let it be a secret of the mind, which one does not wish to entrust either to a person or to letters.

Roth:

If, in matters that pertain to family business, money, a deposit, trust, or any affairs of human intercourse, you have a secret which you desire a friend far away to know, but it is of such a kind that it would undergo public examination with the greatest danger or loss to each of you, and for that reason it must be entrusted neither to letters nor to people: then, so that you may be secure and fear no one’s knowledge, turn yourself toward the west, call the duke, and entrust the hidden matter to him. He goes and faithfully carries everything through; if anything has been entrusted to him for you, he reports it.

Write any sort of letters you wish, in which you fear no one’s inspection.

V. 13.

Greetings and affection, my dearest and most singular friend. The bearer of the present letter, born at Roermond, is very beneficent toward our friends, an honorable man; I ask that you receive him humanely. He will explain his need to you. Since he has always been joined to me by an old connection, I would judge it most sweet, according to my powers, to relieve him and heap benefits upon him. And would that I could

Steganographia

...I could offer consolation for his misfortunes. But since I have been drained by heavy losses, as is clearer to you than daylight, I cannot satisfy my zeal as I would wish. But you, who are a kinsman and abound in worldly goods, should show yourself generous to a friend, and, as you have been accustomed, show yourself a humane patron of the necessities of friends. Therefore I ask you to lend him two hundred florins for a fixed term, because he is placed in the greatest necessity, as he will explain to you. I trust that he will restore everything in full when the term appointed for him has come. If you do this, I shall give thanks that will never die, and I shall stand by you in weightier matters. Act so that we may prove our sincere love in actual effect. I wish you to know that what you do for him is done for me; and no less will you bind him most gratefully to yourself, believe this firmly, and when the term has elapsed he will restore everything most completely. For he has been accustomed to keep his promises inviolate and to show himself steadfast toward all men.

Moreover, since you delight to hear new reports, I should like to write something. I have trained a puppy, if that is what it is rightly called by the Greek word, flourishing with such learning, discipline, and memory of all things that to some it seems to have cast off the beast and put on the human being. It understands Greek and Latin words and knows how to beg pardon for its faults. Whatever I command, it does; and when I nod by gestures, it reveals human secrets. You would see it imbued with such discipline of manners that you would judge it more learned than many men. When ordered to open a window, it opens it; and, surpassing nature by intelligence, when forbidden it puts the food back. It carries a burden placed upon it to be shown. It loves itself as the zealous defender of me, plays excellently, and does wondrous things altogether incredible to those unaccustomed to them. Farewell. Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of St. Martin in Sponheim, wrote this on 3 Ides of March, in the year 1500.

When the friend to whom these or any other letters are sent has received them, he understands the sign to belong to the prince of the west. Therefore, after first performing the preliminaries that are customary, he turns himself toward the west and calls the spirit, adjuring the invisible messenger that he become visible and tell no one.

Song of the Spirit

MALGARADAS apro chameron asoty methroes Zamedo sogreal paredon adre Caphoron onatyr tirno beofy. Cha meron phorty mellon tedrumarsy dumaso duise Casmiel elthurn- peson alproys fabelronty Sturno panalmonador.

When the song has been completed, the spirit himself who was called will be present in his customary manner, faithfully revealing to you what he has received in his commission. Through him you will be able to send back to your friend whatever secret thing you wish him to know.

Chap.

Book One

Chapter X

Whose supreme prince is called Dorothiel, dwelling in the tenth mansion, which is called Chorus from the wind; and he has under him many dukes and servants.

The tenth mansion is called Chorus from the wind. In it dwells the great prince Dorothiel, who has under his power and dominion forty dukes who preside over diurnal operations, and as many who preside over nocturnal operations, together with servants and attendants almost infinite in number. Their office is to announce all secret matters that pertain to spiritual business, to ecclesiastical gifts, benefices, prelacies, dignities, and the like. In the operation of Steganography, however, there is no need to bring forward the names of all Dorothiel’s dukes; rather, a few from each order are sufficient. We shall set out the names of the rest in their place with the others. And consider the table concerning these.

Roth. Mugael o. Choriel o. Artinc o. Efiel o.

P S.R. F S.R. P S.R. F S.R.

Behold, you have here concerning the princes of Dorothiel from each order, namely the diurnal...

12. STEGANOGRAPHY

and the nighttime, twenty-four dukes, with ten thousand one hundred and sixty servants in number. And note that the operation through these is very different from the others, as we shall say at length concerning the lord. For in this mansion one must operate according to the twelve hours of the day and night, and four princes always preside over two hours, both by day and by night, so that it is not permitted for you to summon any other except from the order to which the hour belongs. Thus, if the operation takes place in the first or second hour of the day, call whichever you wish from the first four who preside over the day; if in the third or fourth, know that a duke must be called from the second four. And so, accordingly, it must be done through all the orders and the twenty-four hours, both by day and by night. But when you wish to operate in Steganography through the spirits of Dorothiel himself, after first performing the general preliminaries customarily set forth in the art, write whatever letters you wish, and, turning yourself toward that quarter of the world which from the wind we commonly call Chorus, call one or more of the four who preside over the hour in which you are operating. Dorothiel cusi feor madylon busar pamersy chearianothym baony Camersy vlymeor peatha adial cadumyr reneat thubra Cohagier maslon Lodierno sabeltrusyn. When these words have been spoken, you will see the appearing spirit whom you have called, ready and cheerful to obey; to him you may entrust your secret securely and faithfully. Look at the preceding table.

Roth.

Let us suppose any secret of the mind that is to be entrusted to letters.

You have business with a prince in any spiritual matter, very difficult and secret, which you think should be entrusted to no mortal, nor even to letters. Do you wish the prince to know it? You compose letters to him, supplicatory ones on behalf of a poor cleric, or any others at all; you call the spirit and entrust the secret to him; he faithfully carries everything out.

You will give whatever letters you wish, in which you need fear nothing.

I make known to Your Grace, most illustrious Prince, that Conrad Hummel, beneficed at the altar of Saint John the Evangelist, died last night. But lest Your Grace, without deliberation, grant the said altar to one of the unlearned or unworthy, of whom I think a great number will be present, as usually happens, waiting for the said altar, rather than reserve it for a more useful man, I pray, although I am far too unworthy for my prayers to seem to obtain any favor in the sight of the greatest and most noble prince, that Your Grace may deign to grant the aforesaid altar, with the less worthy rejected, to the bearer of these presents, whom I have known to be worthy of the best benefices, since he is adorned with beauty of morals, learned in every way in knowledge and letters, modest,

[unclear]

34 Steganographia

if the operator is such that he knows how to call them properly, or even to compel them if they have wished to appear more slowly.

Roth. Schw. R. G. R. G. R. G.

R. Schw. R. G. R. G. R. G.

From the forty princes of Usiel who preside over daytime operations, you have fourteen, with their servants numbering 400; and fourteen who preside over nighttime operations, with their 440 attendants. With these, placed opposite for each order, you see two signs, for testing and for precaution concerning treasure, as you know, so that it cannot be found by thieves. We use them for guarding treasure that has been found, while the spirit is being sent to a friend. Therefore, when you wish to operate in this business through spirits, if the matter is very great or pertains to a prince, call whichever dukes you wish from the order of the groups of four; if it is your own matter, from the groups of three; if private and small, from the groups of two; if mean and very minor, then let it be done at night in the order of the solitary ones only.

Usiel parnothiel chameron brio sy sthrubal brione ar Caron sotron thi egyptia odiei Chelorsym ear Chadusy notiel ornych turbelsi paneras thorthay pean adresmo bema arnotiel Chelnodyn druslar loy sodiuiel Carson, eltrae myre notiel mesraym Venea dublearsy mauear melusyron chartulneas fabelmerusyn.

When these have been said facing Subcircius, in silence, as time and place permit, do the other things that the art itself requires, and entrust to the spirit, now appearing, the secret together with the seal of the profound mystery, doubting nothing; for all those dukes are good and faithful.

Let us suppose that you have such a secret of the mind, to be entrusted to absolutely no one.

You have found a very great treasure in the coffers of the dead, or in some other place in the earth, or you know for certain that it is secretly hidden. Alone you are not able to carry it away, and yet you trust no one among those dwelling nearby. You have a faithful friend, but he is far away, to whom you desire to reveal the mystery, but you trust neither letters nor messenger, lest by some mishap you fall into public exposure and danger, and lose the profit. Therefore you call the spirit. The spirit comes; he carries the message; he calls the friend. The friend comes, helps, and takes part.

Write the letter as you wish; there should be absolutely nothing in it to fear.

I am sending you the speech which I composed at the wedding of a certain female friend of mine. God, creator of all things and redeemer of the human race, and savior of all, lest the human race perish, also established the sacrament of marriage. For we read that he joined Eve as wife to the first man and said: Increase and multiply, establishing the law by which humanity was to be preserved. Afterward God, having become incarnate, deigned to sanctify weddings by a miracle. Those who serve the established order deserve well of God; but those who undertake chaste marriage out of zeal for offspring confer still more upon human beings. Therefore you who undertake honorable marriage I have rightly praised by the example of our Savior. For he, by miracles, and I, by words, shall duly praise the established and necessary sacrament of marriage. Although I am not married, I shall nevertheless rightly praise marriage. Indeed, if marriage were removed, the whole human race would fail and collapse. For by the use of marriages the human race exists, though ruinous, weak, and corruptible; yet without marriages it would not endure. But do this: let the fruitfulness of your marriage be adorned with morals and holy conduct, and put a stumbling block before no one. First of all, love God; continually devote yourselves to works of mercy together with justice; flee impiety; cultivate righteousness; love the good; always speak praises to God; assist the poor with alms; obey God’s commandments. Do not abandon truth; honor God’s ministers in the churches; pay tithes; show hospitality to pilgrims; free the innocent; feed the hungry; obey your elders...

Love God above all; continually devote yourselves to works of mercy with justice; flee impiety; cultivate righteousness; love the good; always speak praises to God; assist the poor with alms; obey the commandments of God. Do not abandon truth; honor the ministers of God in the churches; pay tithes; lodge travelers; free the innocent; feed the hungry; obey your superiors; love your neighbors honorably, doing injury to no one at all; cultivate the Christian religion most devoutly; abhor the vain, harmful, and superstitious customs of the gentiles. Keep the evangelical teachings and live according to the commandments of God. Flee the pleasures of the flesh, and show yourselves honorable and good; do not stain the purity of mind which you carefully guard. Remember, I beseech you, what Christ our Lord cried out in the holy Gospel: Blessed are the clean of heart, that is, those who preserve purity of soul in a muddy body for God’s sake. But let cleanness of heart not be lacking in continual and most humble prayers, since prayer purifies the mind, cools those who burn, and drives far away the temptations of the devil. Hence the holy Apostle Paul teaches you to persist in diligent and devout prayers, so that you may be able to overcome harmful temptations. We join you in marriage so that your family may be propagated and established by decree of the law, not so that you should overflow with harmful pleasures. For the pleasures of the flesh kill the soul and corrupt the most noble dignity of human substance, which belongs to things to come. Therefore, mindful of these things, know that you are wayfarers, destined to return to the homeland to which you have been called. The present life is very short, and the delight of the age comes most swiftly to an end. Therefore live in marriage in such a way that after death, when you are exalted, you may come to the kingdom of heaven. Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, of the order of the divine father Benedict, published this on the day before the Ides of March, in the year of the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ 1500.

When the person to whom these or any other letters are sent has received them, once he has recognized the sign of the great Usiel, let him do secretly what he knows from the art must be done. Then let him turn himself toward Subcircius and say the charm: Usiel afoyr paremon cruato madusyn sauepy mauayr realdo chameron ilco paneras thurmo peã elsoty fabelrusyn iltras charson frymasto chelmodyn. When this charm has been said, the spirit will show himself visibly and will disclose the things entrusted to him; and if anything has been entrusted to him by that man, he will report it to the sender.

CHAPTER XII.

THE SPIRIT WHOSE SUPREME COMMANDER, Cabariel, dwells toward that quarter of the world which is called Circius from the wind, and he has seventy subordinate princes by day, and as many by night.

The great commander Cabariel inhabits the twelfth mansion of the described world, which is toward that quarter from which the wind Circius blows, together with infinite spirits. Among them, fifty are appointed for the work of steganography by day, and as many by night at all times; they command many very powerful servants. The office of these spirits is to inform friends of secrets, reveal plots, and warn an absent person of those against whom he must especially be on guard. From all these we shall name a few.

Schw. R. S. R. G. R. Si R.

You now have, out of the hundred princes of the great Cabariel, twenty, and they are sufficient for you at present. The first ten of them are appointed for operations by day, with 500 servants; and the other ten likewise for operations by night, with their 500 servants. And know that the spirits presiding over daytime operations are far more benevolent and readier to obey, so that it is often necessary to compel the nocturnal spirits themselves with a certain force, and more often to repeat the conjuration. They bring their servants with them when commanded; if they have not been commanded, they hide them. When you wish to operate through the ministry of these spirits, turn yourself toward that quarter which we have named, and, after first setting forth the things which customarily must be set forth, say the following mixed with a conjuration:

Cabariel onear chameron fruani parnaton so fiel bryosi nagreal fabelrontyn adiel thortay nosruau pena asesiel chusy.

When the charm has been completed, if it is during the day, the spirit called will be present at once, without delay. But if it is at night and the spirit whom you have called delays in coming, press him as often as needed by repeating the charm until he comes, for they are accustomed to hold it in great reverence.

Let us suppose, as an example, a certain secret to be entrusted to absolutely no one.

Steganography

You have a faithful friend, whom you favor as yourself, but he is absent far away; and you know that, when he is about to return, ambushes are to be set for him on the road by someone more powerful, or in some other place or manner. You wish to warn him, since he knows nothing; but great danger would threaten you, the warner, if it became public. Therefore it must neither be entrusted to letters, lest they be read by someone, nor confided to any man, lest it happen to be revealed. Therefore, so that you may remain safe and your friend be warned, you call the spirit and entrust the secret: it is done.

You send familiar letters to your friend, or a devout prayer, such as may bear being seen.

I had lent you my codex on the deeds of the Lombards and Bede’s volume On Times, which I ask you to send back. For it befits a wise man, and especially a Christian, to keep everywhere the faith he has promised. To forget benefits, according to divine and our human ordinances, is held to be a very great crime. Do not incur so sinful a guilt. I sent you my volumes so that you might restore them at some time. But I gave you the Greek books freely; in consideration of them, you ought rightly to show yourself grateful to us and more faithful in conduct. Farewell, from Spanheim, on the Ides of March, in the year of the Lord 1500.

When your friend has received these letters, or any others sent by you, and has recognized the sign of Cabariel, let him turn himself toward that quarter of the world from which the Circius wind comes forth; and, after first performing the customary preliminaries, let him read this prayer in silence.

Song of Conjuration.

Cabariel afiar paremon chiltan amedyn sayr pemadon chulty mouayr sauepor peatha mal frimaston dayr pean cothuruo fabelrusyn elsoty chelmodyn. When this song has been said toward the Circius, the angel will at once appear visibly, disclosing to him the secret entrusted; and he will report to you if that man has entrusted anything.

Chapter XIII.

Whose prince is called Raysiel, dwelling directly to the north, under whom there are 50 princes who preside over our daytime operations, and the same number over the nighttime ones; their office is to announce betrayals.

Book One.

The thirteenth dwelling is in the north; its spirit and supreme emperor is Raysiel, who has under his dominion 50 dukes who preside over the daytime operations, with many servants, and the same number who preside over the nighttime operations with their attendants. Their office, in those causes and betrayals that pertain to death, is to warn the operator’s friends and announce the secret. The dukes who preside over daytime operations readily obey the one who calls them, and they come cheerful, pleasant, and most ready for service; but those who preside over nighttime operations are somewhat insolent, because they greatly hate and detest the light, nor do they easily obey, especially novices less proven in the art, whom they frequently laugh at to their face, unless they are so constrained by the operator’s conjurations that they cannot prevail in resisting. For they fear the conjuration greatly, and, as though in one respect, they allow themselves to be conjured more than the daytime spirits; and yet they obey unwillingly. But now, from the number of all these, let us set down the names of a few and the number of servants, as many as are sufficient for us for the customary operation.

S. ♀ R. ♂ S. ♀ R. ♀

Roth. S. R. S. R. S.

You now have, excellent reader, from the 50 daytime princes, sixteen with their 670 servants, and from the 50 nighttime princes, fourteen with 420 servants in number, who will suffice for you for all operations, both by night and by day. But when you wish to operate through them according to the intended hours, choose in order from the arrangement whichever one you wish, and call him from the north, since they all dwell there, by means of this song.

Song

40 STEGANOGRAPHIA.

Charm of Conjuration.

Raysiel afruano chameron sofiel Vemabi parnothon fruano Caspiel susre bedatym buliscor pean Curmaby Layr Vaymeor pesarym adorcus odiel Vernabi pcatha darsum lasphe- no deuior Camedonton phorsylasbenay to charmon druson ol- nays, Venouym luleson, peorso sabelrontos thurno. Calophoy Vem, nabelron bural thorasyn charnoty Capelron.

When the charm has been duly completed, and in silence, the spirit called will be present. Safely entrust the secret; he will carry out and report back what is to be entrusted. But if you see that those who preside over nocturnal operations are delaying, as they often do, compel them manfully by repeating the charm, fearing nothing; for they will be forced to reverence you as their master.

I have a secret of this sort, which I trust no one to carry.

I put the case. I have a certain noble and learned friend, whom I know is to be killed secretly by certain hired assassins. I do not dare warn him openly, because it is dangerous for me. In a familiar and more secret matter, I fear that letters may come into others’ hands. I do not presume to trust a man to speak it by mouth, because he who is with me today may perhaps stand against me tomorrow. And so I flee to the customary art, in which, whatever I entrust to it, I do not fear that it will become public, even if it should happen to be attempted by an enemy.

I send familiar letters to my friend, in which I fear no danger.

The ancients define the greatest ornament of nobility as justice and philosophy, and disgrace as impiety and ignorance. For what is more beautiful than to adorn with letters and virtues a noble lineage that bears arms? We find that very many most noble men, and many others serving as soldiers, have labored at this day and night, so that they might conquer barbarians with arms and instruct their own people in uprightness and letters. Following their example, most learned Bumavy, you do not cease to unfold humane letters and the good arts, adorned with arms and letters; and once the wisest ancient princes were accustomed not to shut up their wealth in their treasuries, but rather to apply it to literary use, judging the study of wisdom to be a most honorable support for those tending toward happiness, by which the blessedness of eternal reward is acquired. Indeed, knowledge of the scriptures makes princes venerable to all and especially to be feared; ignorance of the scriptures, called the burial of a living man, is accustomed to bring shame and dreadful calamity upon princes and nobles.

BOOK ONE.

41

A man without letters is a two-footed ass, to be buried alive, indeed buried more than once. Especially nobles and those governing the commonwealth ought to be wise and notable for knowledge of letters, ignorance of which brings in tyranny. Love of letters also commends to perpetuity the illustrious deeds of princes and nobles. For we see that the ancient philosophers obtained remembrance and achieved immortality of name among all people forever more by letters than by arms. For letters, more than arms, made our ancients and princes glorious, excellent, and wise, and granted the titles of praise to their memory with immortality. Add that for Christians literary study provides the highest and most honorable help for flying up to heaven. For from the scriptures we begin to contemplate the flashing and honorable majesty of divine illuminations, otherwise inaccessible to us. Therefore, Henry, most learned knight, favor letters in such a way that, adorned with uprightness, you may always live. Farewell, from Spanheim, on the day of March, in the year 1500.

After the friend skilled in the art has received these or any other letters, and has recognized the sign of Raysiel, after the customary preliminaries have been performed, let him turn toward the North, and let him use this charm for the spirit.

Charm of Conjuration.

Raysiel myltran, fruano fiar chasmy clymarso peanS pultho chulthusamedon veplusandly tusan axeyr asslon

When these things have been said, the spirit sent will immediately appear visibly, and will disclose each and every thing that I have given as a command to his ear. And I wish you to know also that some spirits who preside over nocturnal operations do not come gladly to the operation at night, unless they are compelled by the greatest solemn oaths and conjurations; yet after they have come and have been sent to the friend, they are accustomed to appear quickly and to obey the one who calls, unless perhaps he himself, deceived on some occasion, has neglected something prescribed in the art.

CHAPTER XIV.

WHOSE SUPREME PRINCE IS CALLED SYMIEL, WHO DWELLS TOWARD THE NORTH, HAVING UNDER HIM PRINCES WHO PRESIDE OVER DIURNAL OPERATIONS, WITH MANY SERVANTS; THEIR OFFICE IS TO CARRY A FAMILIAR SECRET.

The fourteenth

Steganographia

The fourteenth dwelling is toward the North, distant from the beginning of the North by 21 degrees and a little more. Its supreme emperor is Symiel, who has under him ten dukes, who preside over daytime operations, with their many servants. Many dukes preside over nighttime operations, whose definite number I could not discover; they too have many servants under them. The office of these is to announce among friends the most secret hidden matters, which are to be disclosed to no human being forever. But so that, if necessary, you may be able to operate through them, I shall explain to you ten from the daytime spirits and the same number from the nighttime ones; they will suffice for the present.

Schw. Roth. S. R. S. R. S. Asmyel 60; Larael 60; Mafrus 70; Marianu 100 Chrihas 100; Achot 60; Apiel 30; Narzael 20r Vastos 40; Banier 90; Curiel 40; Murahe 30 Malgron 20; Dagiel 100; Molael 10; Richel 120 Romiel 80; Musor 110; Arafos 50; Nalael 130

You now have ten princes named for daytime actions, with many subservient attendants, and ten also for nighttime operations, with many substitutes; through them you will be able to operate securely and without danger, provided that you are well instructed in Steganography. For whoever, not well instructed in the operation of this art, presumes to approach its precepts will either accomplish nothing or will scarcely escape danger. For the princes do not obey everyone. But when you wish to operate with this very knowledge, after the things that must duly be done beforehand have first been done, turn yourself toward the North, and, in the manner I have handed down to you, conjure the duke so that he may come by this charm.

Charm to the Spirits.

Symiel myrno chamery theor pastron adiueal fanerosthi sofear Carmedon Charnothiel peasor sositrans fabelrusy thyrno pamerosy trelno chabelron chymo churmabon, asiel, peasor carmes nabeyros toys Camalthonty. When these have been spoken in the manner necessary, the spirit called by you will be present to obey in all your commands, if the operation is to be carried out through nighttime spirits; and if they do not appear quickly,

Book One

do not stop on that account, but press them by repeating the charm, and, once compelled, they will obey.

Let us set down as an example any secret whatever, to be entrusted to absolutely no one.

You have some very secret business for a friend, concerning both you and him, whose disclosure would bring either lasting harm or disgrace upon you and him. Certainly it is not safely entrusted to letters, lest they be read by someone, nor committed to a messenger, who would divulge it to many. You will use our art; thus you too will be safe, and your friend will know the secret. For this purpose let us compose whatever little letter seems suitable, in no respect at all suspicious.

Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, of the Order of Saint Benedict, to the excellent young man Jacobus Trithemius, his dearest brother: greetings.

Devoting yourself to letters, preserve humility of heart. Good morals adorn young men and make them more distinguished than nobles. Knowledge of letters adorns a young man who loves holiness; without the morals of justice, knowledge will lack honor. A youth immersed in vanities and vices, a despiser of wisdom, does not love true wisdom, which you should remember must be sought through virtues. The instruction of youths to be educated is adorned by morals, since honor is conferred upon the heavenly arts, and unfruitful knowledge will be tortured with eternal torments. He advances in the knowledge of virtues and letters; both fail when stained by vice. Spurn pleasures, so that by experience you may understand the truth of wisdom. Farewell.

The person receiving these letters, being skilled in the art of Steganography, as soon as he sees the character of the prince Symiel, understands by comprehension what he must do; and, after the things that must first be done have been done, turning toward the North, he says the conjuration:

Conjuration.

Symiel marlos chameron pyrcohi pean fruary fabelronti gaelto siargoti melastor hialbra penor olesy Aiulbrani ordu Casmeron omer vemabon. Once the charm has been completed, the spirit sent appears and faithfully performs the office entrusted to him.

Chapter XV

Whose supreme emperor is Armadiel, who dwells in that part of the world from which the north wind is accustomed to blow, having many princes under him.

F 2

44 Of the Steganography

The fifteenth mansion toward the northern region is inhabited by Armadiel, a great emperor, who has under his command many dukes and princes with their servants. From these, one hundred have been appointed over daytime and nighttime operations indifferently, so that all alike preside over our nighttime and daytime actions in Steganography, according to the will of the operator. Their office is to announce the most secret hidden matters of the operator to princes and great men, with the greatest fidelity and mystery. From these we shall name some of the more important ones, who will suffice for our intention.

R. R. S. R. S. R. S. Massar 50 Orariel Pandiel 10 10 60 60 50 Parabiel 40 Oryn Carasiba 20 20 70 70 40 Laiel 30 Samiel Asbibiel 30 30 80 80 30 Caluarnya 20 Asmael Mafayr 40 40 70 70 20 Alferiel 10 Iaziel Oeniel 50 50 60 60 10

You now have from the spirits of Armadiel fifteen in number, with their 1,260 subordinate servants, who, according to the division of the twenty-four hours into six parts, are accustomed to come with their dukes, when called, to the operator, if he wishes it, preserving their order in coming. Therefore, when you wish to perform something in Steganography through them, you must most diligently observe the division of time according to this art, without which you will make no progress at all. When this has been understood as it ought, turn yourself toward the North, doing what the art requires.

Conjuration.

Armadiel marbeuo pelrusan neor chamyn aldron pemarson Cathornaor pean lyburmy Caueron tharty abesmeron veat larso charnoty theor Caueos myat drupas Cameortys lypa ruffes ernoty mesoryn elthichaor atiel, lamesayn rouemu fabel rusin, friatochasalon pheorthamorny mesardiel peluly madiel baseroty sarreon prolsoyr asenosy cameltruson. When you have completed this conjuration in the manner required, the spirit will soon be present, ready for your command.

Let us form,

Of the Steganography 45

for the sake of example, such a secret as must be entrusted to no one.

I have a certain secret for my prince which must be communicated to absolutely no one. I do not dare commit it to letters, lest through negligence or forgetfulness they be scattered and read; much less do I wish to announce it through a man, lest it happen in some way to be revealed through him to others also. Therefore it pleases me to test the mystery of this art, through which my secret will remain hidden at all times.

Let us write letters, of whatever sort we please, which need fear no one’s sight.

To the Most Serene Prince, Lord Philip, Count Palatine of the Rhine, Duke of Bavaria, Arch-Steward of the Holy Roman Empire, Prince Elector, Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, with prayers, offers his service.

Most illustrious prince, with humble submission I offer my service. The kindness of your renowned dukedom commanded me to commit to writing certain very hidden matters which had been set forth in words. I would rejoice, not without devout exultation, if powers equal to the will were present: to distribute the most honorable benefit shown, and a more suitable place, and to offer the service owed by grace. The novelty of the work, which must be undertaken without the path of a predecessor, restrains the weakness of my heart; I know myself to be far unequal to it. For it will have an immense and great labor, and it casts a very great dullness upon my efforts. Yet I shall test my powers, in obedience to Your Grace, without doubt approaching a most kindly judge, if the possibility suited to completion has not attended my good will. There, with most abundant humanity, I perceive that a glorious and most munificent prince, lover and defender of letters, speaks; under his most humane protection the University of Heidelberg, adorned with many most learned and most erudite men, most fresh in talent, surpasses all the schools throughout Germany. And so, most renowned and most humane Prince, if I have or am anything, I know it all to be bound to your kindness; and I shall always take care to offer it with humble submission most readily. And although there are others wiser, who could render this work better or more usefully and more ornately, not in mediocre fashion

46 STEGANOGRAPHY

nevertheless I wished to show and test, as far as I could, my most devoted, upright, and open mind toward your Grace concerning new and great discoveries, which I believe no one else has discovered. Given on the sixteenth day before the Kalends of April, in the year of the Lord 1500.

M.

The person receiving these letters, or any others, to whom they are sent and who is skilled in the art, should insert the character of Armadiel; when it is recognized, the truth will be known, by which the art commands what is to be conveyed, and he should recite the song.

Conjuration.

ARMADIEL. afran meson Cafayr pelodyn, Cauoti cinameron therforuy marbeuon pheor Cafoyn myruofy lyburmy deon fabelronton Chubis archamatfon.

When this conjuration has been duly completed in the proper manner, the spirit sent will appear openly, and will faithfully reveal to him the secrets entrusted by the sender, adding nothing and taking nothing away. And if anything has then been entrusted to him by that person to report back to the operator by whom he was sent, let what is prescribed by the art be done, and he will obey.

CHAPTER XVI.

That Prince Baruchas dwells in that region from which the wind that is called Vulturnus is accustomed to blow, having under him many princes and servants, who are messengers over the hidden commissions of lords.

Over the seventeenth mansion, situated toward the Vulturnus wind, presides the great emperor Baruchas, who has under his rule many princes, dukes, and other spirits, whose entire office is to announce the hidden and most secret commissions of princes, nobles, and lords to their subjects or friends. Of these I shall name for you fifteen, who will suffice for every operator in Steganography; and they do not have divisions or orders among themselves for day and night as the others do, but all have a commission over all things in general, so that whoever is summoned by the operator at any hour is compelled to come.

Roth. Schw. R. G. R. G. R. G. R. Quita Cartael Monael 100 10 600 60 500 50. Sarael Ianiel Chubor 200 20 700 70 400 40. Mellen

FIRST BOOK. 47

Melenhen Phayol Lamacl 300 30 500 80 300 30. Conayr Baonas Dorael 400 40 700 70 200 20. Aboc Geriel Decaniel 500 50 600 60 100 10.

48 STEGANOGRAPHY

Since I know, dearest brother, that you are a lover of the good arts, it greatly delights me to exhort you to persevere in searching out and continually turning over the secrets of books, which show us the road to happiness and the open path back into the homeland that we lost by sinning. To that homeland the burning love of our most gentle and clement Savior, hidden for us in the holy Scriptures, will lead us back, if we adorn the mind with virtues and exercise ourselves in holy study; this will without doubt be granted. For what could be more wholesome or sweeter for those wandering in miserable exile than to devote themselves diligently to letters? Through their study our eyes are lifted up to seek truth, and our mind is raised to the desire for future blessedness. Without them, the soul, submerged in temporal and worldly affairs, is compared to beasts and will never arrive at the knowledge of God. Therefore despise the pleasures and commotions of the world, and devote yourself to letters day and night; for religion is adorned by virtues, and virtues in turn by the commerce of letters. Thus one cannot value letters without the ornament of noble virtues, nor good virtues without knowledge of the Scriptures. Therefore I exhort you always to devote yourself to the study of letters. Farewell from Spanheim, 16 Kal. Apr., in the year of the Lord M.D.

After the one to whom the letters are sent has received them, once the sign of Baruch has been recognized and the necessary preliminaries have first been performed, let him turn to the quarter of Vulturnus, which is nearest before the eastern quarter, and let him say this conjuration in silence.

Conjuration of the Spirit.

Baruchas Mularchas chameron notiel pedarfy phroys lamafay myar chalemon phorfy fabelrontho theras capean Vearalmonym lierno medusan therfiel peatha thumar nerosyn cral nothiel peson segalry madon scoha bulayr. Once the conjuration has been said according to the precept of the art, the spirit will appear, and will bring forth into the ear, without deception, the secret entrusted to him.

CHAPTER XVII.

WHOSE PRINCE AND SUPREME SPIRIT is called Carnesiel, and he dwells in the East, having under him many dukes and princes with their servants, whose office is to announce everything that is sent toward the East.

SINCE the affairs of men are so many, and more may arise, for communicating which to friends far away no prince or spirit has been specially assigned in the aforesaid mansions, lest any difficulty should occur to those working in this art of Steganography in bringing their work to completion: after we have made mention of certain special spirits who preside over special secrets, we also wish to set forth certain general princes of spirits for general announcements. Thus, if anything to be announced should perhaps occur to someone, concerning which no commission is found in the foregoing, it may be referred to these, who in their own way have commission over all matters; yet so that the general does not derogate from the special, nor the special, if not expressed clearly enough, refuse the office of the general.

There are therefore four great princes who, with their dukes and subordinate servants, preside over all secrets to be announced that have not been expressed above. The first of them, Carnesiel, presides over everything that we wish to announce toward the East; Caspiel toward the South; Amenadiel toward the West; and Demoriel over those things that are sent generally toward the North. Therefore, when you wish to announce some secret through a spirit to a friend far away toward the East, call one or more, as many as you wish, from the princes of Carnesiel, turning yourself throughout the whole operation toward the eastern quarter, as you know according to the art. I shall describe for you the names of the princes, with the number of servants, as many as suffice for the present business; and take care not to err in anything.

R.S.R.S. Myrefyn Benoham Armany 600000000000 R. S. R. Ornich Arisiel Capriel 10 30 100 300 Zabriel Cumeriel Bedarys 10 30 100 300 Bucafaes Vadriel Laphor 10 30 100 300

You have twelve from the princes of Carnesiel, with a very great multitude of servants; here note that the large number 600000000000 belongs to other dukes and princes, who generally preside over all diurnal matters. From them a fixed number is called, as the operator wishes, with the duke.

with the named duke. The others, however, are servants of the twelve princes in a fourfold order, and they always come with them in their own orders. Therefore, when you wish to operate through these, after first doing what must first be done, this is the conjuration.

Song.

CAMESIEL aphroys chemeryn mear aposyn. Layr pean noema ouear ma fere calty caleuo thorteam chametonianoar pe lyn Layr, baduson iesy melios ionatiel delassar rodiu al meron fauean fabelion clumarsy preos throen benarys sauean demosyon laer-noty chamedonton. When these things have been duly completed, the general messenger of secrets whom you have called will be present, ready, faithful, and wholly secret. :-:

If I wish to warn a friend secretly about a bad man.

There is a certain man, under the appearance of honesty, a wicked babbler. Knowing that I have influence with a friend, he asks from me letters of recommendation to him. I cannot refuse, yet I do not wish my friend to be deceitfully deceived by him. I write the letters; I praise the vagabond in astonishing fashion. He reads them, exults, and promises himself that an open way of laying traps has been offered to him. I give him the letters; he goes away glad. I call the spirit and send him to my friend, so that he may warn him and disclose my secret.

I send letters of recommendation pleasing to the man who is being recommended.

Johannes Tritth, Abbot of Sponheim, to Johann Vigilius, lord Wackor, most distinguished doctor of both laws, sends greetings.

I send the bearer of the present letters to you, most beloved Vigilius, a man indeed adorned with every virtue, most learned in all writings, highly esteemed, and crowned with such elegance of manners that I scarcely remember ever having seen his equal with these eyes: an excellent mathematician, a most acute philosopher, to be compared with the most learned men, surpassing all the most practiced Teutons in wisdom and study. Therefore he has deservedly seemed to us worthy to be received with the praises of men of letters and of all good men, since he is noble and most learned, and can be useful to all in handing down various teachings about wondrous things. Farewell. From Sponheim, 15 Kalends of April, in the year 1500. +

When a friend approved in the art of Steganography has received these or any similar letters, once he has recognized the sign of Cernefiel, let him turn to the East, and, after first doing what must first be done, let him say this conjuration.

Conjuration.

Carnefiel aproysi chamero to pemalroyn phroys Cadur mearmol benadron Vioniel saviron army pean arnotiel fabelronthusyn throe chabelron sauenar medaloys vear olmenadab eralty sayr. When the song has been spoken, the spirit that was sent will now appear visibly and will reveal faithfully the secret entrusted to him.

North R Demoriel [unclear] East [unclear] Carnefiel [unclear] Greater dukes +00 Subdukes 600 Numbers 300 Generals [unclear] Greater dukes 800 Subdukes 500 Of the servants who are [unclear] of the West [unclear] R. [unclear] Cassiel [unclear]

You have in this circle the four principal emperors and the site of each dwelling, of the subdukes and servants [unclear]

In the concavity of the second circle, over the number 400 set down twice, and also over the number 1000, the letter R is missing. And in the concavity of the sixth circle, instead of “generalis,” one must read “generales.”

[unclear] <Illegible

52 OF STEGANOGRAPHY

CHAPTER XVIII.

WHOSE SUPREME PRINCE IS CALLED CASPIEL, whose mansion is toward the South, and who has under him many princes, dukes, and innumerable servants.

Toward the South dwells the great prince Caspiel, who has under his dominion 200 principal princes or dukes, and 400 counts or subdukes, with a vast multitude of servants, whose office is to announce generally all and individual things not contained above, toward the south. But since it is necessary in this art to know certain dukes by name, and since they are many, we shall take care to state from among the many the names of a few who will suffice us for everything.

R. S. R. S. R. R. Ursiel Budirym Geriol 200 40 2000 450 20 Chariel Camory Ambri 200 40 2000 400 20 Maras Larmol Camer 200 40 2000 400 20 Femol Aridiel Otiel 200 40 2000 400 20

You now have twelve of Caspiel’s more principal dukes, with counts, subdukes, and servants, 100,640 in number, through whom every general operation of announcing toward the south is carried out. But when you wish to announce some hidden matter to a friend dwelling toward the South, do what is required according to the art, and say the conjuration.

Conjuration of the Spirit.

Caspiel aloyr chameron noeres padyr diuiel prolsyn vear maduson cralnoti fruon phorsy latsonthon thiano pematson theor. Caueos adeueos friato briosi panyeldrubon madiel sayr fabeltrusyn gonear pean noty nabusran.

When the conjuration has been completed in the proper manner, you will see the one whom you have summoned present and ready to obey your commands in all things. All the dukes of this Caspiel are very benevolent and willing, but their subdukes are somewhat harsher; nevertheless they yield to conjurations, if the operator has been steadfast and undaunted, speaking to him sternly, as though with the greatest authority.

BOOK ONE. 53

For none of them is so harsh that he does not become gentle when compelled and adjured by the force of authoritative power.

Let us posit any sort of secret which is to be entrusted to no one.

I have a matter with a friend which, if it should become public, would certainly give rise to great danger for both of us. All messengers are watched, so that letters may be read by those lying in wait for us. Therefore, so that we may be secure and our matter remain secret, I write letters that need fear no one’s inspection, and I send them to the aforementioned friend accompanied by an invisible spirit.

It does not matter what sort the letters are, provided they have been entrusted to a spirit.

Behold, mortals, the brevity and misery of the present life, and practice saving repentance while you have time. Woe to you, most senseless lovers of worldly glory, who rashly despise almighty God and eternal gladness. Why do you not love those heavenly banquets that have been promised to those who humbly seek God? For you, having cast aside humility, seek the very brief joys of the world; you do not love the excellence of eternal blessedness. You live in contentious zeal; you stain honor with wicked actions and do not know the praises of the Most High God. Day and night you devote yourselves to worldly actions and temporal gains; always intent on hunting after novelties, you sharpen your memory, but neglect to hear readings. You do not care for the time of grace granted to you, nor for the expectation of eternal blessedness. Behold, the Judge, terrible to all criminals, approaches. Behold, the stern Almighty Majesty hastens. Behold, the Last Judgment is established. Behold, eternal lamentations are set forth; everlasting goods will be withdrawn from us.

In the year 1515, April 6.

When the person to whom these letters are sent has received them, let him first perform those things that must be performed beforehand according to the art; and, turning himself toward the south, let him say the song:

Caspiel asbyr Chameronty churto freueon dayr fabelron Cathurmymereſyn elso peano tailtran Caspio fuar Medon clibarsy Caberosyn vlty'pean Vearches pemasy natolbyr meldary noe Cardenopen

denopen men for diuiel adro.

When the song has been said, and the other customary additions have been joined to it, an invisible messenger will appear, faithfully and secretly reporting into the friend’s ear everything that I have commanded.

CHAPTER XIX.

WHOSE SUPREME PRINCE IS CALLED AMENADIEL, dwelling in the West, who has under him 300 dukes, but 500 counts and almost innumerable servants.

Amenadiel, emperor and supreme spirit of the West, has under his dominion 300 more powerful princes or dukes, no fewer than five hundred subdukes or counts, and servants, subservants, and attendants from among the innumerable, whose names I have found to be fewer than 30,000, besides other innumerable ones whose names I have not yet found. For these suffice for announcing all secrets to friends toward the West. But I shall state the names of the dukes who suffice.

Roth. Schw. R. S. R. S. G. X. R. S. Vadros Rapsiel Almesiel 30 50 300 500 3000 Camiel Lamael Codriel 30 50 300 500 3000 Luziel Zoeniel Balsur 30 50 300 500 3000 Musiriel Curifas Nadroc 30 50 200 100 200

Through these twelve dukes and princes, whatever must be done in Steganography toward the West from the command of Amenadiel, you will be able to accomplish completely. But observe carefully, so that you may know some one of the dukes, and know how many counts, servants, and attendants he has under him according to the twenty-four hours of day and night, which these 1,550, by an equal division, keep as assigned to themselves in their order. If you err in these matters, you will accomplish nothing, and perhaps you would fall into some danger. For one who wishes to work in Steganography must not only be skilled in our art, but also most diligent in all things, because through a very small negligence in the operation [unclear] toward the West; and, after the things to be performed beforehand have been performed, say this conjuration:

Conju-

THE FIRST BOOK.

Conjuration.

Amenadiel aprolsy chametonta nostoy throen mestro salayr chemaros noe pean larsy freueon ionatiel peltroyn rathtroy Caser malusan pedon Cranochyrn daboy seor marchofyn lauo pedar venoti gestoy phernotiel Cabron.

When the conjuration has been duly completed, the spirit whom you have called will be present, ready and eager for everything that you have commanded him to perform.

A Secret Very Hidden and Necessary for Me to Send to a Friend.

I have a certain secret for a friend, which I do not trust to be conveyed either by a man or by letters, since if it came into public view it would create great danger and harm for me. I cannot endure delay; therefore I call a spirit, and write letters that are not at all suspicious, and which he himself is not thought even to understand, since he is ignorant of the Latin language. I send the spirit; he reveals the secret.

I Send Letters of Whatever Sort, Which an Invisible Spirit May Accompany.

Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, to the noble and vigorous knight Alberto Goeler of Ravensburg, prefect of Kreuznach, greetings.

We believe that our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, is to come for judgment, who will render to each one according to his works. We believe this, and yet, wretched as we are, we neglect ourselves. Therefore let us strive to anticipate his face with continual tears, amending the negligences we have committed, lest that terrible coming of our Redeemer overtake us unprepared; all of us must necessarily meet him, to receive the reward of our deserts. Why, then, do we now make little of the opportune time of salvation granted to us, which the Almighty has conceded to us as so useful and so acceptable? Why do we not emulate men distinguished in morals, who seek out for us examples of justice, honorable conduct, humility, chastity, and all the virtues? Let us do penance, emulating their name, since the end of our life is near. Horrible death will come, which does not know how to spare, but will devour young men and maidens, and old men together with the young. Let us live in mourning, washing away our excesses with continual tears, lest unexpected death seize us and subject us to a horrible judgment. Let us amend our past life, praying God that after

the briefness of the present sojourn he may grant us eternal blessedness. Amen. Farewell. Given at Sponheim, 14 Kalends of April, in the year 1500.

When you have received these letters, or any others committed by me to a spirit, the friend to whom they are sent, being tested in the art, after the sign of the prince of this region has been recognized and after the preliminaries have first been performed, should say the conjuration:

Conjuration.

Amenadiel bulurym chameroy eriscoha pedarmon flusto pean truarbiel fabelron greos malgoty nabarym stilco melros suar pelatyso chitron amanacason.

When this conjuration has been completed according to what is required, the spirit, otherwise invisible, will appear visibly and reveal the secret.

CHAPTER XX.

Whose Prince Demoriel Dwells toward the North, Having under his dominion 400 greater dukes, and subdukes or counts with many subordinate servants and attendants, whose number is uncertain.

Toward the North dwells the great prince Demoriel, having under his dominion 400 chief princes and dukes, whom he sends into the ministry of this art according to their orders, together with subdukes and counts, whose number is not less than 600, for announcing all secrets that we wish to send toward the North to friends skilled in this art. From all those mentioned above, let us set down only as many names as are necessary for us at present, with the number of their counts and servants according to their orders in the hours.

R. S. R. S. R. S. Arnibiel Doriel Medar 40 600 400 60 40 Cabarym Mador Churibal 40 600 100 60 100 Menador Carnel Dabrynos 40 600 [unclear] 60 40 Burisiel Dubilon Chomiel 40 600 400 60 40

Now you have twelve named from the 400 dukes of Demoriel, and 4,560 from the subdukes, counts, and servants in number; together with these dukes, according to the order assigned in the twenty-four hours of day and night, which you must know before all else, they perform their duties. Therefore, when you wish through

BOOK ONE. 57

...to operate in Steganography through any one of these dukes, turn yourself toward the North, as is customary, and, after the things required for the art have first been done, say the conjuration.

Conjuration Song.

Demoriel onear daburfoy Cohyne chamerson ymeor pean o- layr chelrusys noeles schemlaryn venodru patron myselro chadarbon veuaon maferos ratigiel personay lodiol camedon na- fiel fabelmerusin fosiel chamarchoysyn.

When the song has been completed, the spirit, ready for all things, obedient, and fully prepared, will appear visibly to you. To him you may safely entrust the secret to be carried.

Suppose I have such a secret, or any other whatever, to communicate.

I have a close friend, at this time far away, to whom I have a very secret matter, which cannot safely be entrusted to anyone at all, not even to letters. Therefore, so that the secret may remain hidden, I always like to call some spirit from the art who is familiar to me. I entrust the secret: he comes, goes, acts faithfully, and carries to my friend what I have entrusted; we are both safe. He himself also brings back to me from my friend a secret reply, which he tells to no other mortal. But so that the friend himself may understand that the spirit has been sent to him, it is necessary that letters of any sort, fearing nothing, be devised, in which he may recognize the sign of the spirit sent. For the spirit does not appear unless compelled.

Let us first send whatever letters we please, such as need fear the sight of no one.

Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, to Jakob Wimpfeling of Sélestat, theologian, poet, and most eloquent orator, greetings.

I should very much like, Jakob Wimpfeling, for you at last, even if late, to satisfy your promise and my expectation of you. You know what you promised, and you are not ignorant of what I expect. I do not wish you to become a monk, but to live with monks. Hasten; let us live together. Behold, the hour of our passing is at hand, greatly to be feared. Why then do we delay? Why, unhappy men, do we neglect the brief and wretched condition of our sojourn

58. STEGANOGRAPHIA

here? Why do we refuse, in this saving time, to do penance for the offenses of our transgressions? Let us prepare ourselves for death, since it hastens terribly enough, calls all the reprobate, spares no one, reveres no one; it denies a hearing to those who pray; it despises the tears of the [unclear]; it scorns the threats of princes and destroys their kingdoms, names, and glory; it brings to nothing the hateful pride of tyrants before all. Therefore, brother, diligently considering the benefits bestowed by the Redeemer, very useful to us, recompensed by many things, correcting what is ours, shining continually with good morals, so that by penance and tears we may be able to appease the strict examination of the judge hastening to the seat of judgment, who will show himself terrible to the [unclear] and joyful to the elect. Farewell, from Sponheim, the fifteenth day before the Kalends of April, in the year of the Lord 1500.

When he to whom they are sent, being skilled in the art, has received the letters, let him first do what the art itself requires; then, turned toward the North, as is customary, let him utter the conjuration.

Conjuration Song.

Demoriel ofayr chameron chulty lusin dayr pean cathurmo fomarson ersoty lamedon iothar bufraym fuar, menadroy chilarfofabelmerusyn.

When the song has been completed, as is prescribed in the art, the spirit sent will be present and will appear visibly to you alone, and to absolutely no other; and he will speak the secret into your ear.

CHAPTER XXI.

Whose supreme emperor and prince is called Geradiel, dwelling in no quarter of the world, but wandering and accustomed to be present everywhere.

Besides those emperors, princes, and dukes of spirits whom we have named in the preceding chapters, who remain in fixed places throughout the visible world, there are also many others assigned: wandering, unstable, and remaining nowhere fixed. The ancient wise men and magi called these aerial, that is, unstable, because they fly in the air like flies, without order, without dwelling, and without restraint. Of these, some are not useless to us for Steganography, because they do not require the observance of places, but can be summoned by conjuration in every place. The first

FIRST BOOK.

The first of these is called Geradiel. He has no duke or prince under him, but only many and almost innumerable servants, whom he takes with him for service according to the ranks that they have among themselves, and according to the 24 hours of day and night. Their general office is to announce all secrets, whatever they may be and to whatever region you wish.

Hours of day and night.

R. G. G. R. G. G. R. G. 2 2 200 100 40 30 50 60 2 2 80 70 100 90 120 110 R. 2 140 G. R. 150 180 170 2 2 R. 130 160 2 2 200 1000 400 300 60 500 2 2 800 700 10000 900 1200 110

In this table you have, numbered according to the hours and set out in their own order, 15,150 ministers and servants of Geradiel, the great prince. You should know that their arrangement and reckoning are altogether necessary for your operation, so that you may know at any given hour with how many servants they are accustomed to come, or when he himself is not accustomed to come, but only the servants assigned to the hour. I advise you, moreover, to take care in your operations to observe the hour in which the prince himself comes in person with the servants of that same hour, since otherwise, when their commander is absent, they are not always willing to obey the operator in all things. Therefore, when you wish to operate through this prince, after first doing the things that must be done beforehand, say the conjuration.

Charm of Conjuration.

Geradiel onayr bulesar modran pedarbon sazeuo nabor vielis proyn therdial masre reneal Chemarton cuhadian almona salty penoyr satodial chramiel nadiati thorays Vayr pean efriediel cubal draony myar dearyf coiludaryf menador atotiel Cumalym drafnodiar parmy sosiel almenarys satiel chulty dealny peson duaryf cuber fruony maroy stutiel, fabel merusi venodran pralso lusior lamedo syuaro larboys theory malrosyn.

When the charm has been completed, the spirit will be present, either the chief one whom you serve, with his servants, or the servants from the number of the hour without the prince, just as you wish according to the hours, as we said above.

The secret, whatever it may please you to entrust, will always be hidden.

Let there be any secret of mine, however secret, which is to be communicated through spirits to one or more friends perfectly instructed in the art of Steganography. I call the aforesaid prince at an hour suitable to me; I entrust the mystery; he receives it, goes, and conveys it altogether faithfully. I send letters merely for form’s sake, so that people may be deceived; and the one to whom I send them should know from the sign written below which spirit he ought to call, since they are not compelled.

I send any letters whatever, not secret.

Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, sends work to all learned and curious men reading in this art without a teacher.

Amend your life from the root. The strict examination of judgment will suddenly seize everyone, no one being safe, and in its bitterness and eternal griefs will fill the vicious; it will not dare to sadden the saints. With wailing, deplore your sins, most wretched and most foolish people. See, without good exercises you reject the name of religion. Do you not know that an examination is coming upon the guilty? The final hour approaches; we shall not live long, but all of us will be compelled horribly and unexpectedly to pass away. Therefore do not neglect the time; honor the grace granted to you by works. From Sponheim, on the 13th day before the Kalends of April, in the year 1500. X.

When these letters have been received, or any others that have been marked with the character of Geradiel, there will be no need to turn anywhere; but after the customary preliminaries in the art, the charm of conjuration must be said.

Charm of Conjuration.

Geradiel osayl chamerusin chault pemarsoniel dayr chaturmo les bornatyn ersoty camylor sayr fabelmerodan cosry damerson maltey nabelmerusyn.

When this conjuration has been completed, the spirits sent will appear visibly to you, and, speaking secretly in your ear, will make all things known to you.

BOOK ONE.

CHAPTER XXII.

Whose prince is Buriel, nocturnal, a fleer from light, and dwelling in lakes and in the holes of the earth; and no operation is performed through him except at night.

After Geradiel follows Buriel, indeed a great prince, but perverse and wicked, who hates, persecutes, and detests all other spirits, especially princes; but he is no less hated by them. He fears and flees the light with all his leaders and servants, nor is he ever accustomed to come except at night, and this often with great horror and fear for the operator, especially if he is not perfected in the art, steadfast, and strong in spirit. And he often appears in the form of a serpent, having a maiden’s head, but a tail and whole body like a serpent, hissing terribly. When adjured in the proper way, he speaks in human words. He has under him leaders and princes, whom he is accustomed to send into service with their attendants and servants, whose multitude is almost innumerable. From these let us set down the names of some who may suffice for our operation.

Roth S. R. S. R. S. R. Merosiel Casbriel Drusiel 100 10 10 100. Almadiel Nedriel Carniel 100 10 10 100. Cupriel Busiel Drubiel 100 10 10 100. Sarniel Futiel Nastros 100 10 10 100.

In this description of the table we have twelve of Buriel’s princes, with 880 servants, who proceed with their individual leaders in their own order according to the twelve unequal hours of the night, which we call planetary hours, when they have been called by the operator in the proper way. The leader is accustomed to appear in the form that we have described; the servants, however, are often accustomed to appear like mimics or jesters, playing and leaping from on high to the earth with a wondrous illusion. When you undertake your operation through these princes, because they do not obey except at night, there is no need to observe the quarter of the world; but looking at the ground under your feet, say this conjuration:

Conjuration.

BOOK ONE. 61

CHAPTER XXII.

Whose prince is Byriel, nocturnal, a shunner of light, dwelling in lairs and openings of the earth; and no operation is performed through him except at night.

After Geradiel follows Buriel, a great prince indeed, but perverse and wicked, who hates, persecutes, and detests all the other spirits, especially the princes; but he is no less hated by them. He fears and flees the light with all his dukes and attendants, and is never accustomed to come except at night, and this often with great horror and fear for the operator, especially if he is not perfect in the art, steadfast, and strong in spirit. And he often appears in the form of a serpent, having a maiden’s head, but a serpent’s tail and whole body, hissing terribly. When adjured in the proper manner, he speaks with human words. He has under him dukes and princes, whom he is accustomed to send into service with their attendants and servants, whose multitude is almost innumerable. Of these we shall set down the names of some who may suffice for our operation.

Rothi R. G. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R.

18 STEGANOGRAPHIAE

Conjuration.

Buriel mastfoyt chamerusyn, noel pean Ionachym mardusan philarsij, pedarym estis carmoyboyscharonti phroys fabelronti, mear Laphany vearchas, clareson, notiel, pador aslotiel, marsno reneas, Capedon, thifinasion melro, lauair carpentor, thurneam camelrosyn.

When you have spoken this verse in silence, always looking at the ground, the spirits called will be present. But take care not to be afraid, because they will not be able to harm you if you are brave and steadfast in spirit. And note that these princes or spirits, although they are generally appointed to announce all nocturnal secrets in the night, are nevertheless especially suited and willing to carry a message to prisons and lakes, to captives, and likewise in matters that pertain to carnal love and the hidden practices of lovers, and for everything that happens in the night, whether good or evil, because they hate the light.

Let us suppose a secret which is by no means to be entrusted to anyone, as follows:

I have a secret for a friend established in this city, which I can make known to him neither by letters nor by a messenger, lest it become public. Several things prevent me from going to my friend myself. I call one of the aforesaid spirits; I entrust the mystery to him; he goes and faithfully announces what I have committed to him. I am safe.

I shall compose letters of whatever sort I wish, which should make no one suspicious, namely, such as these.

Our Savior Jesus Christ, who, dying on the Cross, redeemed the human race by his blood, is to be praised by us earnestly and without interruption. He promised that he would drive away death and give eternal life to us who fear and love him. Now therefore, dearest brothers, let us rise up from our sins, preparing our lamps with good works, so that we may meet our Redeemer joyfully in the hour of the fearful passage, when death will snatch away our souls. We now have abundant time for completing penance and adorning our lamps; but at the final hour of death, further space for repentance will be wholly denied to us. Let us consider the very brief glory of the world, since it is empty: it passes most swiftly;

BOOK ONE. 63

nor are we corrupted with it at every hour. Therefore let us humble our hearts at all times, never failing. In the year 1513, April 8.

When the one to whom these letters, or any such letters, are sent has received them, if he is skilled in the art, once he has recognized the sign of Buriel and sent ahead the things that must be sent ahead, let him look at the ground and say the conjuration.

Conjuration.

Buriel, Threfoy chamerontis, hayr plassu, nadiel, marso, neany, pean, fayr, fabelron, chaturmo, melros, ersoty caduberosyn.

When this verse has been spoken, the spirit, invisible to everyone but visible to you, will appear and will faithfully tell you the secret entrusted to him.

CHAPTER XXIII.

WHOSE SPIRIT AND SUPREME PRINCE IS CALLED HYDRIEL, AND DWELLS IN THE WATERS; HE HAS UNDER HIM 100 DUKES, 200 COUNTS, AND ALMOST INNUMERABLE SERVANTS.

There is another prince among the principal spirits, who is called Hydriel, and he dwells in waters, ponds, lakes, marshes, and the sea, and around springs, cisterns, and rivers. He has under his dominion at least 100 dukes, his princes, and 200 counts, his sub-dukes, and many servants. Their office in general is to announce all things both by water and by land, whether by day or by night. And know that the princes are sufficiently benevolent and willing in all things, but when they come after being conjured, they do not appear so. For they frequently appear in the form of a serpent, sometimes large, sometimes small, having the very beautiful head of a maiden, with hair spread out. None of them goes alone, but each prince brings with him at least two counts and 80 servants. So that you may not fall into error in the operation, I shall give you the names of some of the dukes.

R. R. R. G. R. Mortaniel Lameniel Camiel 10 20 100 200 Chamoriel Brachiel Arbiel 10 20 100 200 Pesariel Samiel Lusiel 10 20 100 200 Musuriel Dusiriel Chariel 10 20 100 200

64 STEGANOGRAPHIAE

Behold, you have twelve of the princes and dukes of Hydriel, and 1,320 of the counts and servants, who will suffice for your operations in steganography according to the order of the twenty-four hours, so that each duke has two hours, and 110 counts and servants in their orders, which you must know completely. When you wish to do something in steganography through these princes of spirits, do what you know must be done according to the art, and say the conjuration.

Book One.

what is generally to be set forth beforehand in the art, say the following in the customary way.

Conjuration.

Hydriel omar, penadon epyrma narsoy greol fabelrusin adiel pedrusij nozeui melrays vremy pean larfoy naes chemerotyn.

When this conjuration has been said in the proper manner, according to the instruction of the art, the spirit sent will appear to you visibly, revealing in your ear the secret committed to him.

Chapter 24.

Whose prince is called Pyrichiel, having under him many dukes, princes, counts, and servants, whose number is uncertain.

Pyrichiel, a certain supreme prince of spirits, does not seem to us to be altogether rejected from our art, because he is said to be quite benevolent.

He does not have under him dukes or princes in the manner of the others, but only counts and subordinate servants, whose number is uncertain. There are some who say that he has dukes and princes under him; but they seem to us not to understand his property and custom sufficiently, since they have imagined counts and servants to be dukes. The name Pyrichiel derives its word from fire, because he is accustomed often to be around fire.

R.

Damarfiel Menariel 200 200 100 80 80 Cardiel Demediel .100 600 60 50 50 Almasor Hursiel Nemariel Cuprisiel 400 30 30 10 10

You now have eight of Pyrichiel’s counts, with servants assigned for service according to the order of the hours. Therefore, when you wish to work through these spirits just named, call one of them, whichever you wish; and when you work again another time, then you will call the next one immediately following. Remember that the same manner is to be observed with the rest. Therefore, after first doing what is usually to be done beforehand in the art generally, say this conjuration.

Steganography

Conjuration.

[unclear]

Pyrichiel marfoys chameron, nael peanos pury lames iameno famerusyn mearlo canorson theory torsa, nealthis dilumeris maphroy carfulameot thubra phorsotiel chrebonos aray pemalon layr toysi vadiniel nemor rofeuarsy cabti phroys amenada machyr fabelronthis, poyl carepon vemj naslotyn.

When these things have been completed, you will see the spirits whom you have called present; and the principal one is always accustomed to appear in the form of a serpent, having a beautiful head like that of a maiden, with hair spread out. There follows:

Let us posit any secret whatever.

I have a secret for a friend absent far away, which I cannot safely send by letters, lest they be read if intercepted, or else seized on the road. I have less confidence in entrusting it to a man to carry, since I know that loyalty among men changes with fortune. Therefore, so that everything may be safe, I call upon a spirit, a friend of secrecy. He comes at once when the song has been heard; he faithfully carries what has been entrusted to him.

Let us compose letters as one pleases.

Johannes Trithemius, abbot of Spanheim, to Jakob Draconius, canon of the Premonstratensian order, greetings and charity.

There is with us a distinguished mathematician and an excellent rhetorician, continually zealous in the pursuit of a most tranquil life. He has with him almost countless books and an inspectable treasury of various copies: a pleasant and benevolent teacher of upright and good life and of honorable fellowship, most expert in resolving doubts. Great matters are being expounded; his name is Orophanius, burgrave of the kingdom of Bosnia. Farewell, the 12th day before the Kalends of April.

When the person to whom they are sent has received these or any similar letters, signed with Pyrichiel’s character, being skilled in the art of Steganography, let him do, as he knows, what must be done according to the art; then, from the consolation, let him say this conjuration.

Conjuration.

[unclear]

Pyrichiel osayr Chamerosy culty melano dayr fabelron cathuro pean ersoty meor iathor cabon Frilastro melrusy. When the song has been said;

Book One.

67

Chapter XXV.

Whose emperor and prince is called Emoniel, having 100 subordinate leaders and princes, and many counts and sub-servitors, who have a general office over all things.

The prince of this chapter, Emoniel, with his leaders and princes, is wandering and unstable, and frequently dwells in forests. He does not flee the light; he is benevolent and ready for all things whatsoever you command him, and, called upon, comes gladly by day as well as by night. He has under his dominion 100 princes and leaders, not fewer than 20 counts or subordinate leaders, and attendants and servants without any fixed number. From these we shall name some who will suffice for us in working, reserving the rest, together with others, to be named in their own place if there is need.

X. X. X. X.

Ermoniel Dramiel Cruhiel 10 20 100 20. Edriel Pandiel Armesiel 10 20 100 20. Carnodiel Vaseniel Caspaniel 10 20 100 20. Phanuel Nasiniel Musiniel 10 20 100 20.

You now have 12 from the leaders of Emoniel, together with their subordinate leaders and servants, 1320 in number, who, according to the order of the hours, suffice for every operation of our intention, whether the operation is nocturnal or diurnal. And know that prince Emoniel, with his leaders, is accustomed to appear with a maiden’s head and body, but with a serpentine tail. Therefore, when you wish to perform something in Steganography through the spirits of Emoniel, do those things that you know must generally be done according to the art; and afterward read this conjuration, silently and under silence naming the spirit to be called.

Song of Conjuration.

Emoniel aproisi chamerufyn thulnear peanos meuear, pandroy cralnotiel narboy mauy fabelrontos, ariel chemorsyn nety pransobyr diuiel malros ruelty person roab chrumelrufyn. When this conjuration has been spoken in the manner that the art itself requires, the spirit whom you have called will appear, ready to obey in all things whatsoever you command him, because he is benevolent and faithful.

68.

Steganography

A Secret, Whatever Kind You Wish.

I have a friend who trusts everyone indiscriminately; in place of friends he cherishes enemies, from whom he often receives bad reputation and loss. He is credulous toward the flatteries of sycophants, and especially of one who clings to his side, whom he does not know to be opposed to him in secret, because he sees him flattering openly. I wish to accuse him, yet in such a way that the advice becomes known to my friend alone; to the rest it will be hidden.

Let the tenor of the letters be formed at pleasure.

Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Spanheim, to the Reverend Father and Lord Nicolaus, Bishop of Irburga, vicar of the Archbishop of Pantomora, greeting and due service.

When I call to mind your intellect and the honesty of your life, I am strongly compelled to declare you, most Reverend and excellent Father, the most worthy of all bishops. For truly, if I should speak of the innocence of your life, I would call you most just, most learned in all letters, and venerable for your most holy morals. You adorn your conduct with works of righteousness, and you always show yourself an excellent shepherd of souls; and in letters you continually exercise yourself by study, so that you may confer benefit on yourself and on others in both respects. Farewell. Given from Spanheim, on the eleventh day before the Kalends of April, in the year of the Lord’s Nativity 1500.

After the person to whom the letters are sent, perfectly instructed in the art of Steganography, has received them, let him do, as he knows, what must be done according to the art. When these preliminaries have been completed, let him add the conjuration.

Song of Conjuration.

Emoniel lebos chamerothy meor pemorsy dyor medulorsyn fray pean, Crymarsy melrosyne vari chabaryn dayr. Aschre cathurmo fabelron ersotus marduse. When the song has been duly completed, the spirit called will be present in the form customary to him, and will reveal to you, faithfully, all and each of the secret things that had been entrusted to him.

Chapter [unclear].

BOOK ONE.

CHAP. XXVI.

Whose supreme emperor is called Icosiel, having under him 100 leaders or princes, 300 counts or subjects; the number of his servants is not yet certain to me.

Icosiel, among aerial spirits, is one of the more powerful, a great and mighty emperor in the secrets of Steganography, having under him 100 princes of ducal rank, and 300 counts. I have not yet found the fixed number of his servants. He is called Icosiel because he readily dwells in houses among human beings. For after you have once duly conjured any one of his leaders and called him to you with his counts, if you wish him to remain with you all the days of your life, appoint for him one secret and hidden place in your house, and firmly command him, under conjuration, to remain there; and he will obey you cheerfully, and will always be ready at your command.

R. R. R. R. Machariel Larphiel Athesiel 10 300 100 30 Psichiel Amediel Urbaniel 10 300 100 30 Thanatiel Cambriel Cumariel 10 300 100 30 Zosiel Zachriel Heresiel 10 300 100 30 Agapiel Nathriel Munefiel 10 300 100 30

Here, out of the 100 leaders of Icosiel, we have 15 named, and 50 sub-leaders, and 2,150 servants, who, with their leaders, according to the order appointed for them in the 24 hours of day and night, are accustomed to come when called by the operator into the service of Steganography. They are fit and willing for everything you may wish, provided you are perfectly instructed in the art, steadfast, and fearless in the operation; for they come in the form and likeness of serpents, having maiden heads. Therefore, when you wish to operate through any one of them, do the things that are to be done according to the art, and add this conjuration:

Conjuration.

Icosiel aphorsi chamersyn thulneas ianotiel menear peanos erasnotiel medursan matory fabelron ersonial cathurnos laernoty

noty besraym alphayr lamedonti nael cabelron. When the conjuration has been duly completed, the spirits called will be present without delay, to whom you will be able safely to entrust your secret for your friend.

Make the letters to be sent as you please. Let the secret be whatever you wish.

I have a friend far away, skilled in the art of Steganography, to whom I have a great secret and mystery which must not be entrusted to anyone, even by letters, nor disclosed. Therefore, so that all things may remain secret, I send as messenger a spirit who will reveal the secret to my friend and keep my business secret.

Let us amend our life, humbling ourselves before the supreme ruler of the universe. Humility gains heaven, destroys the harmful temptations of demons, breaks down the pernicious swelling of the mind, and powerfully drives out all fires of vices. The path of humility deserves to receive a crown and to possess a noble kingdom. I have set the path for you: innocence, uprightness of conduct. By guarding it continually, you will not sin. This alone is the way for us to heap up the merit of blessedness: that, giving thanks to God, we may fear him with a most upright heart, fleeing the tumult of the world; that we may never grow weary of the practice of humility, while seeking the life above. Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Spanheim, wrote this on 10 Kalends of April, 1500.

When the one to whom they are sent, being skilled in the art, has received the letters, once he has recognized the sign of the prince, let him do what he knows must be done; then let him say the conjuration.

Conjuration.

Icosiel osayr penarizo chulti meradym phrael melchusy dayr pean cathurmo fabelron erfoti chamerus an iltham pedaly fuer melrossn crymarsy phroylon. When this conjuration has been completed, the spirit will be present to the one calling, revealing the secret.

CHAP.

Book One.

73

Chapter XXVII.

Whose supreme spirit and prince is called Soleuiel, having under his dominion 200 principal dukes, 200 subdukes and counts, and innumerable servants.

Among those spirits who gladly associate with men skilled in the art of Steganography and possessed of practiced habits, there is one named Soleuiel, not the least among the princes of this art. He has under him 200 principal dukes, and likewise 200 subdukes or counts. Among themselves they unfailingly observe this order: those who are dukes this year are counts the following year, and by alternating turns counts are made from dukes, and likewise dukes from counts. As for the servants, I have not yet found a fixed number; they too keep their ranks among themselves according to the arrangement of the hours.

R. R. R.

Inachiel Nadrusiel Axosiel 20 20 20 280 200 Praxeel Cobusiel Charoel 20 20 26 200 200 Morucha Amriel Mursiel 20 29 20 200 209 Almodar Prasiel Penador 20 20 30 200 260

Here you have twelve of Soleuiel’s princes, of whom the first six are dukes this year, and the remaining six counts. The following year these will be dukes and those counts, and so thereafter, always in alternating turns. I have gathered the number of sub-servants as 1840, although there are more whom I have not yet been able to count. But when you wish to work through these spirits, be constant and brave in spirit, and do not be terrified by their appearance when you see them appear in the form of serpents with a maiden’s head. Then do what must be done according to the art; after these preliminaries, add this conjuration.

Song of Conjuration.

Soleuel marfoy chamensyn oniel dabry pean veat, lasmyn cialmoty pedaros drumes, pean veat chameton loes madur noty basray erxo nadrus peliel thabren thyso ianothin veat petasyloes pean nothyr fabelton bauesy deameron est hiran pumelon meor dabrion crimorsiel peny veat nameroy lyernoti praisoner. When the song has duly been completed, the spirits called will be present in their accustomed form; entrust the secret to them.

Let the secret be set down at will.

A friend far away, previously skilled in the art of Steganography,

72 Steganographia

I judge should be warned about certain imminent dangers. But I fear public disclosure, since from another’s danger I would make my own. So that I may avoid this, I entrust the secret neither to letters nor to men, but to a spirit whom I know will be most faithful in all things.

Let us compose the letter at will.

Johannes Trithemius, abbot of Spanheim of the Order of Saint Benedict, sends greetings to the Reverend Father Lord Rutgerus Sycambro, archbishop of Narvia.

Nicolaus, the most reverend and most studious bishop of Irbursen, will explain to you that the general governor of your ecclesiastical affairs has handled the matter badly: he subjected the vicar of our lord King Desiderius, a kindly man, to chains, and killed him, tortured by hunger. We daily expect King Desiderius, the enemy, to break into the diocese. But we entreat you: come quickly to our aid, so that you may not fall into the enemy’s hands. Farewell. 9 Kalends of April, M.D. 3.

When the person to whom these letters are sent has received them, provided that he has previously been imbued with the general art, let him do what must be done, adding this conjuration with steadfast spirit and fearing nothing.

Conjuration.

Soleiel curtiel chamereyn faty pemalros dayr ianothy cathurmo parmoy iotran laudon frascu penoy ilthon fabelmerusyn. When the song has been spoken, the spirit sent by the operator will appear visibly, faithfully revealing everything entrusted to him; and if he wishes to send anything back to the operator, let him entrust it to the same spirit.

Chapter XXVIII,

Whose supreme spirit and emperor is Menachiel, who has under him 20 princes or dukes, 100 counts, and servants of uncertain number, who obey their own dukes.

Although the things we have said seem to us abundantly sufficient for every operation of Steganography, nevertheless, lest we hand over to oblivion those things which we have experienced, it has pleased us still to add some things which, by the revelation of the aforesaid spirits,

Book One.

...we have learned by the revelation of the aforesaid spirits, and have tested quite fully. Thus among the other spirits who favor this art there is one who has received the name Menadiel by reason of his office. He has under him 20 princes and dukes, 100 counts, and many servants, whose number is uncertain to me. All of them are faithful in commissions and excellent messengers in the great affairs of kings and princes; through them we shall work marvels.

R. R. R.

Larmol, Benodiel: 20, 10, 100; Barchiel, Nedriel

Draffiel, Charsiel: 20, 10, 100; Amasiel, Curafyn

Clamor, Samyel: 20, 10, 100; Barucho, Tharfon

We now have six of the dukes named, and the same number of the counts, and also 390 of the servants assigned to them by their turns and orders. They have this order among themselves: on the first turn two dukes and one count are called; on the second turn that count is called again, and now comes into the order of the dukes. On the third turn the one who had been the first duke of the first order becomes count, and so on in succession. Therefore, when you wish to perform something through the spirits of Menadiel, consider carefully which duke and which count must be called by you according to the time and hours; and, once the things to be set forth beforehand have been set forth, say the conjuration.

Conjuration.

Menadiel marfoy peanos onael chamerusyn theor ianothy ofayr melros tudayr penotfyn fachul tarno roseuas peatham asiel morfoy maplear casmyron storeal marpenu nosayr pelno dan layr thubra elnodion carsephydrumos fabelmerusyn andu pean, purays calbyn nachirloes philuemy calaner.

When this conjuration has been duly completed, the called spirit will be present, namely first one count, two dukes, together with servants.

Let whatever occurs be a secret.

Whatever may occur according to the time or the variety of circumstances, let it be your secret for a male or female friend, something you do not wish to become common to anyone else. Call the spirit, entrust the business to him, and fear nothing; he is the most faithful of all, and will carry out well what has been entrusted to him.

You will be able to compose letters on these matters, of whatever sort you wish, at your pleasure.

Great and eternal are the future benefits of those who preserve innocence: that men rejoicing should be present amid angelic praises; that they should behold that exalted light, the splendor of eternal blessedness, and see the face of majesty in its own proper light. Attend, all of you, and wipe away with tears your exacted negligences; put off useless cares and harmful ones, and the deceptions of unstable things. O muddy men, shudder; at last seek the gain of souls. Be honorable in good morals and virtues; despise vanities; humbly call upon God; do not covet the world, which pours in bitterness. In the year 1509, on the Kalends of April. S.

When he to whom these letters are sent has received them, being already skilled in the art, let him, once he has recognized the character and sign of the supreme prince Menadiel, and after those things that are customarily to be set forth beforehand have been set forth, say the conjuration.

Conjuration.

Menadyel murty chamero le dayr pean cathurmo phameron etsoti pray saruepo, fabel merij rean, charonietlas Meduse fayrlamerosyn alty merchahon.

When the charm has been spoken, the spirit sent will appear visibly to the one who calls him, and will faithfully and secretly report into his ear everything that he has among his commissions.

Chapter XXIX.

Whose supreme prince is called Macariel, having under his command several dukes, princes, counts, and servants appointed to various ministries.

Macariel also, one of the supreme spirits who preside over the operations of Steganography, is not to be omitted by us, along with his princes and servants, because he is quite useful, prompt, and faithful for whatever we may wish. He has 40 princes, of whom no fewer than four are ever sent into ministry, namely three dukes and one count, together with not a few servants. They observe this order among themselves: by their turns one of the dukes always holds the office of count, according to the four parts of the year. And concerning all these things it is necessary for the operator to have full knowledge. But now from those princes...

The First Book. 75

let us name some from the princes, who will suffice abundantly for us for the operation of our Steganography.

R. R. R. R.

Claniel Asmadiel Gremiel 40 30 20 10 Drusiel Romyel Thuriel 40 30 20 10 Andros Nasiuel Brufiel 40 30 20 10 Charoel Varpiel Lemodac 40 30 20 10

We now have named 12 from the princes of Macariel, with 400 servants counted according to their turns and orders. Therefore, when you wish to work through them in Steganography, take care that you call no fewer than at least four from those named above. After the customary preliminaries have been performed, say this Conjuration.

Song.

Macariel myrno chamerosy purmy marefyn amos peanam olradu, chaber ianoes fabelron deatfy chadon vlyfes Almos; rutiel pedaron deabry madero neas lamer o deatfy, thubra dorpilto melrofyne draor chalmea near, parmon deatfy charon alnodiel parfaradean, maroy reneas charfo gnole, melrofin te dranso casmar ebrolet. Landtys masfayr therafonte noel amalan.

When this song has been said, the spirits called will be present, appearing in diverse form, and frequently indeed with a maidenly head, while their body and tail end in the form of a dragon, winding and unwinding themselves in a fourfold order.

Let there be a secret for a prince.

The prefect of a king or prince, appointed in a land or province, has learned by a most secret report that the enemy shortly intends to break into the province. He wishes to inform the prince, but cannot do so by messengers, because they are to be tortured by the adversaries on the way so that they may betray the secret; nor by letters, since all will be opened by them. Therefore he calls the spirit, entrusts the secret, and composes other letters.

Let us compose letters conveying nothing useful.

We ask, sweetest of friends, that, in view of our old friendship, you would quickly send us your copy of Tertullian, that most noble and most wise man, to be returned after copying,

76 Of Steganography

and also Bernard's letter to the Templars. We all know that the glorious name of Catholic sanctity was given to Tertullian of old among our people, and we know that he, a noble light of sacred faith, did not remain the least. He was outstanding in his actions, a glorious teacher of divine law, a most devoted defender of our liberty. Although he is censured in some matters, he nevertheless wrote honorable volumes in expounding our faith. He had a wife zealous for our religion and a lover of it, noble in humility and innocence, glorious in chastity. Some praiseworthy writings of his correct instruction survive, sweet and overflowing with much doctrine; brief letters, not useless, honorably and graciously exhorting us to the pursuit of eternal glory. 8 Kalends of April. In the year 1500. Johannes Trithemius wrote this.

When the person to whom these or any other letters are sent has received them, being already skilled in the art of Steganography, and has recognized the sign of Macariel, let him do what is customarily to be done, adding the Song.

Song of Conjuration.

Macariel osayr chamerose chulti pesano dayr fameron cathurmo pean ersoty lamedon souapor casrea mafyr. Ianos thatfia, peathan non acri pean etion matramy.

When the song has duly been completed, the spirit sent will appear visible to him alone.

Chapter XXX.

Whose supreme emperor is called Uriel, having under his dominion 10 dukes, and 100 counts or subdukes; the number of servants is uncertain.

Nor is it fitting for us to omit Uriel, a great prince, whom we know, with experience teaching us, to hold a place not the least in usefulness among the patrons of this art. Under his dominion and command he has 10 dukes and princes appointed for this art of Steganography; counts or subdukes, who always accompany those dukes, each in his own order, 100; many servants, of whom I still do not know the certain number.

R. R. R. a. c.

Chabri 10 Dragon 10 a 20 Drabor

Book One.

Here we have the named dukes with their counts and sub-servants, whose service is sufficient for us for the completion of this art of ours for the present. And note that the first in order are dukes and princes. The second are counts; and they have between them two orders, which you must know above all else. Those who are in the first order, both dukes and counts, whenever they are called, always appear monstrous, namely with a maiden’s head, and with body and tail in the form of a serpent. Those who are in the second order are accustomed to appear in a likeness familiar and usual to us. Nor are fewer accustomed to come than one duke and one count following him in each order. When, however, you wish to operate through these spirits, first do what you know must be done according to the art; afterward add this conjuration.

Conjuration.

Vriel marfoys lamedonti noes, chameron, anducharpean phusciel arsmony tuerchoy iam ersyn nairiel penos raseon loes vear fabelruso cralty layr parlis meraij mea; thubra aslotiel dubyr reanu nauosti masliel pedonyto chemarphin.

When the conjuration has been completed, the spirits called will be present, each in his own order, ready and cheerful to obey in all things. :Q

Let the secret be very great.

Let there be for me some secret concerning a prince or a friend, the disclosure of which would bring danger to me and no small loss to him. Therefore, so that everything may remain secret between me and him, I entrust the secret not to a person, nor to letters, but to a spirit.

Let the letters be at pleasure, fearing nothing.

Begin, most beloved brothers, to amend your negligences, constantly wiping away past sins with tears, and asking the Savior of all the living for the remaining time. Hear, O Lord, the groans of those who constantly weep; grant pardon for vices, lover of the innocent.

O renowned vine-dresser, you will not despise exulting human beings. Have great mercy on the wretched, O best creator of humankind, Christ Jesus, our most noble Savior; free the weak souls of exiles, most benign Jesus; save the wretched and grant us pardon. Hear us, humble and most weak; in the dreadful hour of death grant a joyful light, consoler of all and norm of the humble. ☞ In the year 1500, 7 Kalends of April. I, Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Spanheim, wrote this. Q̃

After he to whom the letters are sent has received these or any other letters, marked at the end with the sign of the prince Vriel, let him, being skilled in the art, first do what he knows must be done according to the art; and let him say the conjuration.

Conjuration.

Vriel Aflan pemason cosayr chameron, cathurm omerosyn ersoti chalmon sauepo Meduse reanalermosyn.

When the song has been spoken, the invisible spirit who has been sent will appear in the form customary to him, and will faithfully and most secretly reveal everything entrusted to him by the operator or sender, so that none of those sitting around can perceive or hear anything; and the secret will always remain hidden.

Chap. XXI.

Whose supreme prince is called Bydiel, having under his dominion 20 dukes, and 200 counts; the number of servants is uncertain: they are very many.

There still remains one of the supreme spirits appointed to us for the operation of steganography: last indeed in order, but among the first in dignity. By reason of his office he is called Bydiel, having under his command 20 dukes, 200 counts or subdukes, and very many attendants and servants. These dukes with their counts have a fixed order among themselves; and whenever they have been called by the operator, two dukes come with 20 counts, and they appear in human form, peaceful and ready for all things.

BOOK ONE. 79

for all things. They change places with one another by turns, so that when the dukes have been called in the first year, and the counts afterward, in the second year the counts are called in place of the dukes.

R. R. R. R. Mudriel 20 20 200 20 Charobiel 20 Cruchan 20 20 200 20 Andrucha 20 Bramfiel 20 20 200 20 Merafiel 20 Armoniel 20 20 200 20 Parsifiel 20 Lameniel 20 20 200 20 Chremas 20

Here we now have ten of the princes and counts of Bydiel, marked by their names, who are sufficient for us at present for every operation of ours in the art of Steganography, together with many servants who know how to observe their order according to the command of the dukes and princes. But when you wish to operate in this art through them, after first doing what must be done beforehand, say the conjuration.

Song of Conjuration.

BYdiel marchan chamerosi philtres maduse veat casmyron cralnoti: pean deuoon fabeltros eltida camean veor. Oniel veat thyrso liernory: ianos prolsato chanos elasty peanon elsathas melros notiel pen soes probys chyras lesbroy mauear iothan liernotj chrymarson.

When the song has been spoken as it should be, the spirits summoned will at once appear visibly, walking beautifully, and, like friends, leading one another in a mutual embrace; and they will be willing and obedient to you in all things.

Let the secret for me be whatever it may be.

There is a secret for me, which I wish my friend, far absent, to know in the greatest secrecy. It concerns a hidden matter which must necessarily be lost if the mystery should happen in any way to become public. Therefore I entrust it to be carried not to a man, not to letters, but to spirits alone, whom I know to be both secure and faithful.

Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, sends greetings to Rutgerus Sicamber. And he dedicates the present little prayer of great Basil.

The glory of ineffable eternal blessedness is acquired by good exercises and humble ones. Now, with diligent tears, wipe away your errors, mortals; love God,

80 STEGANOGRAPHIA

love and adore his holy name. Learn humbly to imitate the path of humble, crucified Jesus Christ, always rendering honor to him, sweetly burning with love for our most gracious savior. Glorify and exalt his praiseworthy goodness; bless his holy name, zealously pursuing the fire of goodness. Despise vain honors; learn to offer praises in adversities; love the exercise of devotion; cultivate most noble humility; exalt Jesus, who rescues and saves us from death. Farewell, 7 days before the Kalends of April, in the year of the Lord's Nativity 1500.

But when the friend, already skilled in the art of Steganography, receives the letter, and has recognized the character of Bidiel, after first doing those things which customarily must be done beforehand, let him say the conjuration in general.

Song.

BYdel maslo chameron theory madias near fabelron thiamy marfoy vear pean liernoty calmea drules: Thubra pleory malresa teorty melchoy vemo chosray.

When the song has been spoken, the spirit will stand visibly by, but only for the one who called him; he will report to you what was entrusted to him, completely and faithfully.

CHAPTER XXXII.

IN WHICH A CERTAIN NECESSARY RECAPITULATION OF THE FOREGOING IS MADE. Some cautions are inserted which must be observed by those wishing to practice the art of Steganography.

After we have described, not without immense and continuous labor, the offices of the supreme spirits who favor our Steganography above the others, praise be to the most high and super-blessed God, lest those wishing to operate through them should happen to err in order, names, characters, dukes, or counts, we have thought it necessary to arrange a general table for memory in this chapter. The table follows on this and the next page.

R. R. R. K. 1 Pamerfiel 7 1000 10000 100 10 2 Pachiel 3 1000 200000 10 10 3 Camuel 8-16 10 9 100 Aschel

BOOK ONE.

R. R. R. R.

1 Pamerfiel T 1000 10000 100 10 K 2 Pachiel h 1000 200000 100 10 K 3 Camuel :~: 10 10 0 100 K 4 Aseliel w 10 20 0 200 K 5 Barmiel e 10 20 10 200 K 6 Gediel p 20 20 10 100 K 7 Asyriel ~ — 20 20 00 300 K 8 Maseriel +i~ 30 30 00 300 K 9 Malgaras ::e 30 30 10 200 K 10 Dorothiel z 40 40 0 400 K 11 Usiel d 40 40 30 300 K 12 Cabariel :-b 50 50 50 500 K 13 Rayfiel W 50 50 40 400 K 14 Symiel mW 10 1000 0 4 K 15 Armadiel N 1000 180 10 800 K 16 Baruchas ow 10 180 0 100 K 17 Carnesiel I✓ 1000 300 1000 300 1000 18 Caspiel b 200 400 200 400 200 19 Amenadiel ~ 300 500 300 500 300 20 Demoriel w~ 400 600 400 600 400 21 Geradiel + 200 100 40 30 60 22 Buriel M 100 10 10 100 0 23 Hydriel l— 10 20 100 200 0 24 Pyrichiel :~: 40 30 200 10 0 25 Emoniel J 10 300 10 30 0 26 Icosiel f̄ 20 20 20 200 0 27 Soleuiel j̃ 100 20 30 10 Or 28 Menadiel J 40 30 40 10 OS 29 Macariel z 20 10 40 30 θx 30 Uriel dz 30 40 20 nß 31 Bidiel dz 30 40 00 20 K

In this table we have set down thirty-one principal spirits, who preside, each in his own office and order, over all the operations of our Steganography, about which we have spoken in this first book of ours. We have assigned to each the character appropriate to him, and have also added the number and order of princes, dukes, counts, servants, and subservient spirits in their proper ranks, so that no one who desires to study this art may fall into error because of the diversity of the operations.

The great mysteries of this art can be penetrated only by the most studious men: namely, those whom love of secrets and nature urge on to investigation, and who, in their desire to obtain knowledge, refuse no honest and possible labor. But as for men who are lazy and dull in intelligence, whom neither love inflames toward the study of the secrets of wisdom nor nature assists, when they have been unable to understand this most secret art of our invention, understand that this should not be imputed to us, but rather ascribed to their own sluggishness, idleness, and malice. For either, having their intellect immersed in the pleasures of the flesh and worldly cares, they cannot devote themselves diligently to examining these matters, or, already considering themselves wise or very learned, they despise our compositions as unworthy of their reading.

There will also be some who are so accustomed to stand by old traditions and those of others that whatever they have not learned in them they think either impossible or superstitious. Nothing is more unfit than these people for the knowledge of this profound art, since they either do not wish or are not able to contemplate its highest matters. But those who are both capable and willing to study this art, if any such shall exist, we have resolved to admonish briefly at the end of this book, so that they may be able to make progress.

First of all, they must be warned always to keep the art itself hidden, lest it penetrate into the hands and knowledge of the wicked, who would commit many execrable crimes through it. For although the art itself is truly good in itself, nevertheless its practice would conduce no less to evil through the impious than to good through the good. Therefore let that remain secret among the good which, if made public among the wicked, would do harm. Yet the good should not therefore despise this knowledge because it serves the wicked for evil, just as one does not despise the sword because it lays a man low.

Next, students of this art must be warned not to presume to proceed to operate in it unless they have first [unclear].

Steganography.

...of our Steganography, about which we have spoken in this first book of ours, assigning to each one the character proper to him, and also adding below the number and order of the princes, dukes, counts, servants, and subordinate attendants in their proper ranks, so that no one who wishes to study this art may fall into error because of the diversity of the operations.

The great mysteries of this art can indeed be penetrated only by the most studious men: namely, those whom love of secrets and nature itself move to perseverance, and who, in their desire to attain knowledge, refuse no honorable and possible labor. But men who are sluggish and dull in intellect, and whom neither love kindles toward the study of the secrets of wisdom nor nature assists, when they have been unable to understand this most secret art of our invention, should understand that this is not to be imputed to us, but rather ascribed to their own dullness, laziness, and malice. For either, having their understanding immersed in the pleasures of the flesh and worldly cares, they cannot devote themselves diligently to examining these things, or, already considering themselves wise or most learned, they despise our compositions as unworthy of their reading. There will also be some so accustomed to rely on old and other men's traditions that whatever they do not find in them they judge either impossible or superstitious. Nothing is more unfit for knowledge of this profound art than such men, who either will not or cannot contemplate its highest matters.

But those who are both apt and willing to study this art, if any such there are to be, we have resolved to admonish briefly at the end of this book, so that they may be able to make progress. First, they must be admonished always to keep the art itself hidden, lest it come into the hands and knowledge of the wicked, who would commit many detestable crimes by means of it. For even if the art itself is truly good in itself, nevertheless its practice would conduce no less to evil through the impious than to good through the good. Let that therefore remain a secret among the good which, if made public among the bad, would do harm. Yet good men should not on that account despise this knowledge because it serves bad men for evil, just as one does not despise the sword because it strikes down a man.

Next, students of this art must be admonished not to presume to proceed to operate in it unless they have first been perfectly instructed in everything that is required for practical knowledge.

Book One.

For I am not unaware to what great dangers they expose the matter who, being insufficiently skilled in it, have ever attempted to perform anything.

Likewise, whoever is well instructed in this knowledge and wishes to operate through it should remember diligently to observe, according to what we have said both in the circle and in the individual tables and chapters, the distinction, places, names, orders, and offices of the supreme spirits, and also their dukes, how many counts there are in number, what order they observe, and how many they set over the substitutes, so that he may know how to express these things in the conjuration. For unless the operator of the art has carefully kept all these things, he will not be able to make progress or to reach the effect of his intention.

Again, let him attend carefully when each spirit is to be called, and for what offices or secrets to be announced, and to what region of the world he belongs, lest he err either in the places or in all the matters concerning the individuals, or any of those whom he wishes to call.

Likewise, let everyone who is advised and is about to operate in this knowledge attend most diligently to pronounce the words of the conjurations properly, in which the great force of our operation consists; for when an error is committed in the conjurations, the spirits called and to be called not only do not obey, but even resist altogether. Consequently, let him also be forewarned not to call one for another, but each one in his own order, time, and office, just as has been sufficiently stated by us in almost all the chapters of this book. For if, either from error or from any other negligence, he calls one for another, he will make no progress in his operation, but will rather bring danger upon himself.

Likewise, in the conjurations let him name the spirit who is called together with his substitutes, and let the cause of the calling be settled beforehand in the intention; nor should the act of operation be performed in trivial and profane matters, which one person could otherwise safely communicate to another without danger, either by letters or by messengers. For this art is to be used only for announcing great and difficult matters which, if made public, would bring loss or danger to the operator. Likewise, it is necessary for everyone operating in this art to know the natures of the spirits: which are good, which evil, which prompt and benevolent toward obedience, which hard and rebellious. Again, [unclear]

Book Two

85

...the services may abundantly suffice for every operator. Yet, lest we seem to omit anything that can contribute to the perfection of this art, we have resolved to join a second book to the first.

Since, according to the tradition of certain wise men, individual spirits are assigned to each hour of day and night for various operations and diverse, wondrous effects, it has pleased us to imitate only their order, not their superstition: so that we may take from it, without injury to the Christian name, what conduces to our purpose, while we pass over the rest with contempt, as full of magical arts and contrary to our faith. Therefore, taking up the principal spirits assigned to the several hours, both of day and of night, according to the secret teaching of Solomon, surnamed Hermes, in his volume On Magic, as supreme emperors of the art, together with the other officers necessary to us for the proposed operation, we shall proceed. And we shall give both method and instruction to all students of this art, by which they may at any hour, with safer counsel, make known to friends the secret and hidden conception of their minds.

For each prince presides over his spirits, dukes, counts, and servants as a watcher. At his command, when called by us with the lawful song, they come; they carry the secrets entrusted to them, and show themselves obedient to us and ready in all things. But since I am again going to make mention of spirits, I think I must once more say beforehand: nothing frivolous is contained in this our art; nothing contrary to evangelical tradition or the Catholic faith; nothing at all superstitious is taught. For all the things that we have said in the preceding volume, or shall say in the following ones, rest upon natural, lawful, and honorable principles. Only the mystery veiled by foreign usages, and the words wrapped in the names of spirits, require an educated reader. For we use the service of a spirit to veil a secret which, if made public, would harm the wicked. And lest anyone fail through error in reckoning the hours, let him know that we have taken the hours of the planets both in the day and in the night.

Chapter I

Samael, the supreme emperor of the first hour, presides over the first hour of the day. He has under his command several dukes, counts, and servants, whom he sends, when called in this hour only, to an operator experienced in Steganography.

The spirit and emperor of the first hour of the day, which takes its beginning at sunrise, is called Samael. He has under his command very many dukes, counts, and sub-servants, who, when called by an operator in Steganography, come in this hour alone. They carry the secret that is entrusted to them, but they utterly refuse to come outside the hour. And note that the dukes and first princes of Samael are rarely sent by him for the service of this science, since their office is to stir up magical and nocturnal illusions among human beings.

16 Steganographia

The counts, however, together with their servants, have been specially appointed to the ministry of this art. They are also more often sent to it without the presence of the dukes. Since they are from the highest order among spirits, they are accustomed to show themselves somewhat proud and rebellious toward those who call them, nor do they easily obey anyone, unless he is most skilled in the art of Steganography, without labor and danger. For they are insolent and very ready for illusions and mockeries of men, and they deride and jeer especially at those whom they have found to be less skilled in the art of Steganography. But those whom they judge to be bold, steadfast, and experienced in this art itself, they revere and fear, and they always obey their commands most promptly, with trembling and reverence. Therefore we shall now report the names of those of their counts who are necessary to us in operations of Steganography at this hour.

R. R. R.

Ameniel Brumiel 10 100 1000 p q Charpon Nestoriel 10 100 a b Darosiel Chremas 10 100 c d Monasiel Meresyn 10 100 20 10

We now have four of the dukes of great Samael, and the same number of counts, and 4,440 servants from the threefold order. Their ministry is abundantly sufficient for us for every operation of the art of Steganography as regards the first hour of the day.

Therefore, when you wish to work in the art in the first hour of the day, first write on a small sheet the character of the ascendant lord, then that of the moon; afterward those of all the remaining planets according to the customary order, and at the end the character of the sign ascending at that same hour. And when you have completed this, write this conjuration on the back of the same sheet in silence, saying nothing.

Conjuration.

Samael affuar onayr myico layt madiel cuhiel naniel nabruys satiel atharbiel nadian naslon, ranyalcoha pe marson.

When this conjuration has been written on the sheet, as stated above, clearly and distinctly, you will prepare the letters to be sent to the one whom you wish to know the secret, in whatever form pleases you,

Book Two.

87

because it makes no difference in what form the letters to be sent have been composed, provided they contain no secret in themselves. Then, when the letters too have been written, call one or two of the counts according to the order, if you are working many times in this same first hour of the day, and say the conjuration prescribed from the same sheet, with the strongest intention, fearing nothing. When it has been duly completed, the spirits called will at once appear to you visibly, in a familiar form and one customary to them, calm, benevolent, and most ready for every service that arises. When they have appeared, entrust your secret to the principal one among them, saying: Ameniel, by the hidden power of this conjuration I command you to go as quickly as possible to Albertus Goelet of Ravensburg, prefect in Kreuznach, and to tell him in my name thus and thus. Having said these things, add the secret word, which must not be written; and immediately the spirit will fly away. Send the letters, sealed with the character of Samael, as is customary, by a messenger; they should contain no secret and should fear no one’s inspection.

Let the secret be whatever occurs:

Let it be a great secret, and an arduous one, whatever occurs for the occasion, and of such a kind that it ought to be communicated to no one: it must not be entrusted either to letters or to couriers. For in this art, especially through the spirits of this second volume, one must not work for small and trivial causes that can otherwise be announced by letters.

You will compose the letters concerning these matters as you please.

The majesty of the Catholic faith, to be firmly preserved by all men, has promised the happiness of eternal life to those who serve Christ. Hold the Catholic Christian faith; glorify the Almighty, fleeing the turmoil of vanity. No one of wicked deeds will have the blessed life. Let the faithful man follow Christ on the path of virtues. Integrity is adorned by good works, and the Catholic name is preserved by Christian faithfulness. For a wicked man clouds over the faith. Christ hates the rash, and loves Christians who practice Catholic works and revere tranquility. Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, published this on the Kalends of April, in the year of the Lord 1500. When you have received the letters, let the one to whom they are sent first perform in the art:

88 Steganography

let him first perform those things which, according to the general instruction of the art, must be done beforehand; and let him say the prescribed conjuration in the manner and rite that we have already described, written on a sheet with the character of the lord of the ascendant and the other things expressed. But as soon as he has completed the conjuration, he will see the spirit present. When he has seen him, let him say without fear: penador auenal † solmenial phanu † sauear caschanti hernoty maduran. Amen. The crosses are red. When these words have been said, let him be silent, and he will see the spirit approaching him and reporting the entrusted secret into his ear, secretly and securely. Let him hear him without fear and with such great diligence that, if anyone is sitting nearby, he does not indicate the spirit’s presence either by nod or by word.

CHAPTER II.

THE SECOND HOUR OF THE DAY IS CALLED CEVORYM. Its prince and supreme spirit is Anael, who has under his rule 10 dukes, counts, centurions, and 100 presidents. There is no fixed number of servants and subservants.

The presiding ruler and principal emperor of the second hour of the day is called Anael. Under his rule he has, assigned to the service of this art of Steganography, 10 dukes, counts, centurions, and presidents over all his spirits, 100 in number. The number of servants is still not certain to me.

The second hour of the day is called Cevorym, in which changeable operations are performed, amazing to all human beings. All the spirits of this emperor are sufficiently benevolent, pleasant, cheerful, and most ready to obey the operator in the art, provided that he is skilled in the art, strong in mind, constant, and understanding well.

R. R. R. Menarchos Orphiel Quosiel 10 100 G. n. Archiel Cursiel Ermaziel 10 100 G. n. Chardiel Elmoym Granyel 10 100 G. n.

In this table we have placed 3 of Anael’s dukes, 6 of the counts, and 330 from the number of servants, who are sufficient for us for every operation of Steganography in this second hour of the day, when they are sent through their orders.

When, therefore, in this hour you wish to perform something in Steganography,

Book Two.

write on a clean sheet the character of the lord of the ascendant, and, following him according to the following order, the other planets, and last the sign of the twelfth house, with ink made from the material of this art. Then write on the back of the aforesaid sheet this conjuration in silence, with your face turned toward the sun.

Song of Conjuration.

ANael otiel aproisy rachymas, thulnear theor cral- notiel amerfoty mouear phroys lierto mear vrnesa elty fa- melron;

When the conjuration has been written, do the other things which you know must be done according to the art. Then say the song in silence, and at once you will see the spirit present, cheerful, pleasant, and benevolent toward all things; to him you may securely entrust the secret.

Let us set down any secret whatever.

Let the secret be any matter that occurs at the time, which seems neither useful to commit to letters nor to be entrusted to a messenger. From the spirits of Anael let one duke and one count be summoned, or one or the other of them, as you please. Let the secret be entrusted to the more principal spirit in the proper manner, as is required according to the precept of the art, and he will carry it faithfully.

Let the tenor of the letter be familiar.

Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, to Wilhelm Veldicus, Canon of Saint Augustine in the valley of Franconia, his fellow philosopher, greetings.

I would rejoice to answer your letters, as Christ may make me rejoice; and I would send the volumes you requested, if at last I had them. For I have been zealous with a good zeal for the very great and very weighty hidden investigators of nature, the zeal which the most ancient philosophers possessed. Yet I give you thanks beyond what mortals can repay, my sweetest brother, since you have kept the bond of mutual affection inviolate. For in this familiar matter, which you seem to have managed most diligently with grave modesty, I have plainly recognized this; I praise the deed, and I give thanks that will never die. And so I would very much like to comply with your requests, if I had what you ask for, as Christ knows. I recently saw various Latin translations of Ficino; I have read many most brilliant volumes of Pico della Mirandola, that most excellent man.

Steganography

I saw Hippolytus in Greek; whether he has been translated at all, I do not know. The highest Truth, Christ, to whom no shadows conceal anything, knows that from my heart I desire to comply with your request. I beg you, be zealous for virtue with the zeal of righteousness; despise praises and honors that will perish. Consider true praise to be the imitation of Christ going before us. See to it, I beg you, that as a priest you may exist in works, and love Christ for all the time in which you live. A true lover of Christ burns with zeal for justice. True repose of the soul, knowledge of the savior, and pious observance of Catholic tradition prepare the eternal glory of all. May glorious Jesus Christ, giver of all good things, grant you the love of eternity, making you a Catholic priest of Christians. Farewell. 4 Kalends of April, in the year 1500.

When the person to whom the letters have been sent has received them, being skilled in the art, after first performing the things that are generally customarily done beforehand, let him arrange the lord of the ascendant with the others that are customarily placed on the little chart, and let him say the prescribed conjuration. When it has been said, the spirit who was sent will appear visibly; turning to him, let him say fearlessly: Fabelmerufyn passoriel liertos ryneas melchus thyrmo nydran vear padroys. When this song has been completed, the spirit will at once approach gently and will faithfully disclose the entrusted mystery.

But everyone who is going to operate in this art must take care, both the one who sends the spirit and the one to whom he has been destined, not to presume to perform anything in public or among others who are not skilled in this art, because all the hourly spirits love secrecy and detest publicity; and they would not depart without danger.

CHAPTER III.

THE THIRD HOUR IS CALLED DANZUR, AND its supreme emperor-spirit is Vequaniel, who has under his dominion 20 dukes and 200 counts. The number of servants is uncertain. Their office is general for all things; and they are sufficiently ready and benevolent in all matters whatsoever have been entrusted to them, faithful and secure; nor are they unwilling in obedience. But when summoned in public, they do not depart without harm or danger to the one summoning them.

BOOK TWO.

...of the caller they are by no means able [to do so]. For they love secrecy, as do all the others who preside over the hours and their operations. I do not know the names of all of them, but only of a few, which, revealed by themselves and brought together into this table, are sufficient for us.

R. R. R. R. Asmiel Drelmech Gemarij 20 20 200 200 Perfiel Sadiniel Xantiel 20 20 200 200 Aturfiel Parniel Seruiel 20 20 200 200 Zoesiel Comadiel Furiel 20 20 200 200

In this table we have named 4 from among the dukes, 8 from among the counts, and 1,730 counted from among their servants, who are sufficient for us for all the operations of this art in the third hour of the day. Therefore, when in this hour you wish to call a spirit to carry some message to a friend, let no fewer than at least two dukes, and the same number of counts with their servants, be called. But if you wish to call more or fewer, you may do so; nevertheless you will need to have a conjuration addressed to the universal emperor, without whose command the spirits do not violate their order. Therefore write on a new sheet the character of the lord of the ascendant and the others in the order of the planets, with the sign of the twelfth house, in the manner that the instruction of the art requires. On the back of the sheet write this conjuration.

Conjuration.

Vequaniel, odiel mefrij fotiel mear iamy otiel aslofian yrfothreotion drearij fabel merufin.

When the conjuration has been written, and when those things that are required by the art have been added beneath it, say it in a low voice, so that it is heard by no one; and immediately the spirits called will come. When you see them, entrust the secret to the superior one, whom you will easily recognize from his dress, because the one who is first among the other spirits always appears crowned.

Whatever the Secret May Be.

Whatever the secret may be that you have, and that must be entrusted to an absent friend, entrust it neither to letters, lest they be read by anyone, nor to a courier, lest by some occasion, or corrupted by a price or by fear, he betray you publicly. Call the spirit appointed to the hour, entrust the secret to him, fearing nothing: he will carry it faithfully.

STEGANOGRAPHY

He will form letters at will.

Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, to Arnold Bostius, Carmelite of Ghent, his fellow philosopher: greeting and charity.

Since I have known you as a lover of humane arts, a devout worshipper of the Christian faith, and a very great supporter of all philosophers, I gladly oblige your requests, moved by the wonderful pleasure of friendship. Behold, at your urging I send to you the book previously noted, concerning ecclesiastical writers and Catholic doctors, so that you may have something with which to delight your mind. But send back to me the codices of Hermes, the books of Dionysius on spirits, and the great work of Puenclus on winter [questions]. May Christ deign to adorn the eyes of our heart with the most fervent zeal of his love; and may he cause us to have love for heavenly goods, and, stripped of desires for the lowest things, may he teach us to despise vain honors, so that we may be able to penetrate the sublime matters of the art and also the great secrets of nature, and may have a continual desire for philosophy, to purify our affections, by which we may always adorn the Catholic faith with most honorable morals. Hold fast the great saying: you are a philosopher; give up everything and you will find it. Regard the hour of death as near, at which may you, prepared, meet what you attempt. Farewell. 3 Kal. Apr. 1500.

When you have received any letters sealed with the character of Vequaniel, write on a new schedule the figure of the lord of the ascendant and of the twelfth house, with the other things that are required for the art, and on its back the aforesaid conjuration; and immediately the spirit sent will appear visibly. As soon as you see him, say this verse.

Verse of the Conjuration.

Fameron aprois liernoti stadiuear diuiel sauean Lamersy.

When these words have been said, receive the word from the mouth of the spirit without fear, because he is sufficiently faithful. And take care that you do not operate in public before others.

CHAPTER IV.

WHOSE HOUR IS CALLED ELECHYM; AND THE SUPREME SPIRIT OF THE HOUR IS CALLED VATHMIEL, WHO HAS UNDER HIS COMMAND 10 DUKES, 100 COUNTS, AND NO CERTAIN NUMBER OF SERVANTS, THROUGH WHOM THE OPERATION IS CARRIED OUT IN THE FOURTH HOUR.

The fourth...

Book Two

The fourth hour of the day is called Elechym; its supreme angel is called Vathmiel, who has under him, appointed for this art of Steganography, ten very notable dukes and one hundred counts, while the number of servants is infinite. They have the office of announcing generally all secrets, and they are very good, well-disposed, and obedient in all things whatsoever they are commanded. Yet, as lovers of secrecy, they greatly detest the commotion of people. Therefore beware that, when you are among others who are not skilled in the art, you do not attempt to work anything through them, because, when conjured, they would not readily approach, and they would not depart without danger to you. Keep everything that we prescribe to you, and you will make great progress in this science.

R. R. R. R.

Ammyel Emarfiel Itermiel 10 100 100 100 Larmiel Permiel Thurox 10 100 100 100 Marsiel Queriel Vanfiel 10 100 100 100 Ormyel Strubiel Zafniel 10 100 100 100 Zardiel Diniel Hermiel 10 100 100 100

In this table we have five from among Vathmiel’s dukes, ten from among the counts, and 1,550 in the number of servants, whose service is sufficient for us for every operation of Steganography at the fourth hour. Therefore, when you wish to operate in this hour, write on new paper the character of the lord of the ascendant and of the twelfth house, with the rest, and on its back this conjuration, as is proper.

Conjuration

Vathmiel adres rhearefo raser rheotij venofi fayr fatiel cafa irfoti verotiel does ro fabel merufin. Then, after you have first done those things that customarily must be done beforehand, say the same conjuration in a low voice, and immediately the summoned spirits will be present: at least one duke and one count, with their servants, ready to obey your commands.

Procedure for a Secret Messenger

Let there be any secret, great and very hidden, which you wish absolutely no one to know except one person. Summon as many spirits appointed to the hour as you wish, and entrust the secret to the chief one. Write letters,

in whatever form you wish, in which nothing secret is contained and which need fear no one’s inspection at all.

Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, of the Order of Saint Benedict, to Rutger Vencaius the Sicambrian, Canon of the Order of the divine father Augustine of the monastery of Damentis, greetings.

Those matters which he proposed to me to be solved, with Christ’s help I have resolved. Whether well, you who proposed them must decide. I shall briefly report to you what happened, or rather a summary. A certain brother recently reported to me, and also a friend, not the least of men, that a young man had been raised from the dead at the invocation of Christ, reporting wondrous and dreadful things among the dead, and narrating the torments of wicked Christians, namely of those who by acting perversely crucified Christ. They are especially guilty of this: that, forgetful of the most gracious benefit of redemption, they always remained ungrateful to Christ. He said that they suffer horrible things, those who were known to be ungrateful for his benefits by not living well, and who, blinded by sin, neglected future joys while pursuing the pleasures of the world; and that, in the bitterest way for the negligences they had committed, they cried out: “Deservedly we endure these things, we who were always ungrateful to the redeemer of the human race. We were Christians in name, Gentiles in action. Wretched as we are, we always sought earthly consolations; therefore we receive the due recompense of eternal damnation. Alas, most unhappy that we are, why did we offend Christ? Why did we despise the time granted to us?”

The resurrected young man reported many other things to us, which I am now wholly unable to write, being especially hindered by serious business. Therefore, brother, let us zealously imitate the footsteps of Christ, always giving thanks to our most gentle Savior, and praying that he may pardon the guilt we have committed. Farewell. 3 Kalends of April.

When the one skilled in the art has received the letters sent to him, let him observe the lord of the ascendant of that same hour and the sign of the twelfth house, and let him write their characters, with the rest, on paper, together with the other things required for the operation. Then let him say the conjuration written above, and, once the spirit has been seen, these words: Camerusin aproysiliertto thulnear venean maueas fabelron. When these have been said, the spirit that was sent will approach and will faithfully and without danger reveal the secret entrusted to him.

BOOK TWO.

CHAPTER V.

Whose hour is called Fealech, and whose spirit and supreme commander is called Sasquiel, having under his command 10 dukes, 100 counts, and a very great number of servants.

The fifth hour of the day is called Fealech, and its spirit is named Sasquiel, a great and powerful commander, who has under his command, among many others, 10 dukes and 100 counts, with their attendants, appointed to the service of diverse and especially secret arts and of this science of ours.

And it should be noted that the dukes are rarely called in the fifth hour for the operations of Steganography, because they are not always necessary, since the counts, together with the servants assigned to them, are abundantly sufficient for us for every operation. Yet if anyone should wish to see some of the dukes also, and to make use of their power, he may call one, two, or more; and they will come without delay, for they are sufficiently well disposed and ready to obey those who operate.

R. R. R. R. Daniel Iameriel Omerach 10 100 1000 Araniel Futiniel Lameros 10 100 1000 Maroch Rameriel Zachiel 10 100 1000 Sarapiel Amisiel Fusiel 10 100 1000 Putisiel Vraniel Camiel 10 100 1000

Of the dukes of Sasquiel we have the ones already named; of the counts, 10; and from the number of servants, 5550, whose service is sufficient for every operation of the present hour. Therefore, when you wish to work in Steganography in the fifth hour of the day through one of the aforesaid, write the character of the lord of the ascendant and of the twelfth house, together with the other things required for the art, on a clean sheet; and on its back write this conjuration, in the manner that you know.

The Conjuration.

Sasquiel adres rhetroleti rosiel emelto satu olmeniel istoti sauear naudiel liernoti chameson. When these things have been completed, and the other necessary things added, say the conjuration itself, as is proper; and immediately you will visibly see the spirit whom you have called present before you, to whom you may safely entrust the secret.

96 STEGANOGRAPHY: An Argument for Announcing a Secret.

Let there be any sort of secret of ours for a friend, which we want no one besides him to know; and let it be of such a kind that it is not safely entrusted either to letters or to messengers. Let us call one of the counts of Sasquiel named above; let us entrust the secret to him; let us add letters sealed with his character; and we shall be safe.

The Tenor of the Letter, as Desired.

Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, to the religious brother Nicolaus Baselius of Durckheim, monk of Hirsau, greetings.

Good brother, you neglect holy obedience and humility; you undermine the constitutions of Benedict. By the report of all who have come successively, I have learned that you hate good zeal, despise the norm of religion and Catholic obedience, and occupy yourself with secular works and arts. Good brother, what is being done? You have disturbed us, and you are zealous for foolish and double-tongued men; you love hatred, bitterness, quarrels, and contentions; you hate goodness; you are double-tongued, contentious, and proud. Fool, what are you doing? The time is at hand to correct these negligences of yours more quickly, according to justice and zealously; and unless you hasten humbly to us, to break the zeal of bitterness with the lashes of humiliations, we are compelled by our office to be zealous against everything that is seditious toward the purity of faith and Catholic morals. Farewell from Sponheim, the day before the Kalends of April, in the year 1500.

When the person skilled in the art to whom the letters are sent has received them, after recognizing the character of Sasquiel and after the usual things have first been done and are to be done, let him say the above-mentioned conjuration; and immediately the spirit who was sent will appear and present himself visibly. When he has been seen, let him at once say these words: Fabelmerusyn aueual vearyan cralti penason. When the spirit has heard these words, he will at once approach and reveal the secret.

CHAPTER VI.

Whose hour is called Genapherym, and whose supreme commander spirit is called Saniel, who has under him dukes and 110 counts, with many attendants.

Book Two. 97

The sixth hour of the day is called Genapherym, and its angel is Saniel, great and powerful in his operations. Under his command he has 10 dukes, 100 counts, and 5,550 servants, appointed to the service of various operations; they will suffice for us in all the things that we wish to perform through Steganography in this hour.

The dukes, however, are summoned more rarely, although they are ready and very willing to obey our commands, because the counts are accustomed for the most part to perform their duties, since the dukes are often occupied in other magical experiments.

R. R. R. R.

Armbiel Gamysel Nedabar 10 100 100

Charnch Ienotriel Permon 10 100 110

Medafiel Sameon Brasiel 10 100 100

Rathmiel Trafiel Camofiel 10 100 100

Pemiel Xamyon Euadar 10 100 100

We have here named 5 from the dukes of Samiel, 10 from the counts, and 5,550 from the number of the servants, through whom the operation of Steganography is carried out in the sixth hour of the day. Therefore, when you wish to operate through these spirits, let it be done entirely in a secret place. And if you wish to summon one duke or more, let that be in your power, although there is no need, because the counts will suffice for making all things known to us. And so write on a clean little sheet the customary characters of the planets and signs, and on its back the conjuration.

Conjuration.

Samiel asiel thebrean pothir erfoty meat pornys layr moas, famerofyn. Then, after the things to be set forth first have been set forth, say the same conjuration according to the rite that you know; and immediately the summoned spirit will be present, ready and eager for all things. Send him far or near to a friend, so that he may convey the secret.

Theme of the Secret.

Whatever secret you have, you can safely send it to anyone skilled in the art of Steganography by means of the spirits of Samiel in the sixth hour of the day, because they are general for making all things known and in [unclear].

[unclear]

The Second Book. 99

R. R. R.

Here now you have 10 named from among the dukes, and 600 counted from the order of servants. The dukes and counts are summoned by name, and they are sufficiently ready to obey the one who calls them in all matters that pertain to the ministry of this art. Therefore, when you wish to work through them, write on clean paper the characters of the lord of the ascendant of the twelfth house, together with the other things that are to be written according to custom; and on its back write this conjuration according to the precepts of the art, as you know.

Conjuration.

LAmedon mosco vrsoty tharuean: dayr Lays emel thebrean rasoty bamerson.

Then, after adding the things that are customarily to be added according to the art, say this same conjuration with strong intention, as is proper, and immediately the spirits summoned will appear visibly. Entrust the secret not to the count but to the duke, unless perhaps you have summoned a count without a duke. Although I do not deny that this can be done, nevertheless, according to the precept of the art, at least one duke must be summoned with as many counts as you wish.

The subject of the secret, as you wish.

Let the secret be of whatever kind you have for a friend, which you do not wish to be shared with anyone else. Therefore one must trust neither letters nor messengers, because fraud can intervene in either case. Summon as many of the aforesaid spirits as you wish; entrust the secret to the more powerful one, fearing nothing, because they are good and faithful in all things.

Let the form of the letter be as you please.

Johannes Trithemius, abbot of Sponheim, sends greetings to the brave knight Heinrich von Bunan, his most studious fellow philosopher.

I had lent you my books on condition that they be returned, dearest knight Bunan; but behold, you have by no means returned those which you ought to have sent back shortly. You act against the law which the Catholic faith has sanctioned concerning a promise: do not delay,

Of Steganography

through slowness, to discharge what you promised. It is not fitting for a good and honorable man, born of noble parents and ancestors, to violate a promise. He had promised to return them very diligently in a short time. It is a mark of fickleness to postpone a promise, as it were, to the Greek Kalends. Have I not waited long enough with great goodwill? To promise the greatest things and to repay the smallest is most shameful. Good faith adorns a soldier. What more serious fault is there than to deny the loan that was promised? Nor does it befit a Christian to be unwilling to observe an agreement. The constitution of Christian law commands one to keep a promise, to repay a loan, and willingly to do also for others what you desire to be done for you. I demand back my books, which I had lent to you when you begged for them. Set aside the longer excuses which you promise until the Greek Kalends. You keep my mind attentive with brief delays. Consider your honorable name and the noble family of the Bunans, and send me back my volumes. Farewell from Sponheim, April 2, in the year of the Lord 1500.

When you have received these letters, or any others of the kind, from the one who sent the spirit to you, once you have recognized the sign of Barquiel, observe in the same hour the lord of the ascendant and write its character, with the others, on a clean sheet; and you will secretly read the conjuration written on the back, as is proper. Immediately the spirit that has been sent will appear. As soon as you see him, say these words to him:

Mefarym burne theor alueas casuean cralti lierto aply charmoyS.

When these have been said, the spirit that has been sent, coming nearer, will faithfully reveal to you the secret entrusted to him. But see that you are strong, constant, and fearless in all things.

Chapter VIII.

Whose hour is called Iafanym, and its angel is called Osmadiel, who has under his command 10 dukes and 100 counts. The number of servants is uncertain.

The eighth hour of the day is called Iafanym, and its principal spirit is called Osmadiel, according to Picatrix in the magical writings. He has under his command 10 dukes, 100 counts, and innumerable servants assigned not only to the operation of our Steganography but also to many magical experiments. And Solomon the Jew, surnamed Hermes, says in the book On the Nature of Spirits that all these are subject to the aforesaid Osmadiel

The Second Book

The dukes and counts obedient and subject to Ofmadael have been accustomed to come in various transformations at the will of the operator, just as they have been commanded by the operator. But now let us set down the names of some of them.

R. R. R. R. Sarfiel Demarot Mariel 10 10 100 100 Amalym Ianofiel Remasyn 10 10 100 100 Chroel Larfuty Theoriel 10 10 100 100 Mesial Vemael Framion 10 10 100 100 Lantrhoitz Thribiel Ermiel 10 10 100 100

From the dukes we have five, and from the counts ten, already named in the table; they suffice for us for every operation of this hour. But when you wish to work through them in Steganography, write on a clean slip, with the customary characters and conjurations, and first, after adding what must be added below, speak the written conjuration itself, which is as follows:

Conjuration

O Smodael aneor ersoty neas, hays layr Caphrayn thelreas me arpenary.

When this song of conjuration has been spoken, the spirits called will be present, ready and obedient for everything. Entrust the secret to a duke, not to a count, unless the duke is absent, because it must always be entrusted to the more principal one among those who come.

Subject of the Secret at Will

Let us have any secret whatever, which we wish to write to a friend far absent, and of such a kind that we do not wish it to come to the knowledge of anyone else, as can often happen. Therefore, lest either the letter-carrier reveal the mystery for any reason, or the letter come into foreign hands, let us work, and through the spirit we shall be secure.

Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, of the Order of Saint Benedict, sends greetings to Lord Conrad, Abbot of Saint Stephen at Wuerzburg.

A rumor has gone out about the abbey of Limburg, that it has dismissed Brother Johannes Feilsdorf, a faithful man and especially skilled in temporal affairs,

and has introduced new monks from Pantimorum and appointed them its officers. I am greatly astonished at this useless deed. Yet when I recall the custom of the men of Limburg, I do not know what to say. Indeed I see men ignorant of temporal affairs, who dismissed a faithful man because he rebuked their actions. They ought to have given thanks to our Savior Jesus Christ for the fidelity of so great a brother, who could have disclosed their necessities. Wretches, why do you reject a good and necessary helper? What shall I say? I do not praise the departure of so useful a brother, one most skilled in temporal affairs, who would very quickly have assisted the men of Limburg. I grieve greatly that the monks of Limburg have so lost their sense, who dismissed an excellent man and appointed as stewards monks who are worth absolutely nothing in temporal affairs. Macharius, abbot, it did not befit a man to act so. First you praised him; now you have rejected a man very necessary to you, to be put after no one. I confess that, if Christ had given him to me, as befits a Christian I would now give the greatest thanks and would take care that he never departed. But you, ungrateful to Christ, preferred to dismiss a faithful man, wearied by your counsel, lest, with your affairs abandoned, there should seem to be hope of recovery. From Sponheim, 3 Nones of April, 1500.

When these letters, or any others, have been received by the one to whom they are sent, marked with the sign of Osmadael, let the person skilled in the art, after first setting out what must be set out beforehand, say the prescribed conjuration; and soon the spirit sent will appear visibly. When you have seen him, say: Menason aproysy elmano thulneas assierto mauear veneas cralnoti permason. When these words have been spoken, the messenger spirit will disclose the secret to you.

Chapter IX

Whose hour is called Karron, and the name of its supreme angel is Quabriel, having under his command 10 dukes, 100 counts; the number of servants is not certain.

The ninth hour of the day is called Karron, and its principal spirit is called Quabriel, who has under his command many and almost innumerable dukes, counts, and servants. Of these, for the ministry of this art of ours, Steganography, 10 from the dukes and 100 from the counts have been appointed, who have many servants assigned to themselves. In the first order are

The Second Book. 103

there are 10; in the second, 20; in the third, 30; in the fourth, 40; in the fifth, 500; in the sixth, 600; in the seventh, 700; in the eighth, 1,080; in the ninth, 90,000; but in the tenth there are 100,000. But spirits are rarely called through all the orders; and if they have been called, not all but only some, together with their dukes and counts, have been accustomed to come according to the emperor's command. Now the great Raziel says in his book On Illusions and Transformations that the number of these spirits is very great, and that each one most diligently keeps his own orders in all ministries and offices. And Solomon Hermes the Jew, in On the Nature of Spirits, says that these are accustomed to appear in whatever form the person working in the art has described, according to his will. But now let us set out the names of some of the dukes and counts.

R. R. R. R. Astroniel Kranos Trubas 10 10 10 100 Charmy Menas Xermiel 10 10 10 100 Pamory Brasiel Lamefon 10 10 10 100 Damysel Nefarym Zaznor 10 10 10 100 Nadriel Zoymiel Ianediel 10 10 10 100

Here now we have named 5 dukes and numbered 10 counts, from his deputed servants 650, which will be sufficient for us. But when you wish to operate in the ninth hour of the day through these spirits, observe the lord of the ascendant, and write on clean paper the things that are prescribed according to the institution of the art, and on its back the conjuration:

Quabriel, odiel, amear, cayn alco mean chyr parcos payr peray, thubro menafry.

Then, after first doing the things customarily to be done beforehand, say the conjuration itself, as is prescribed in the art; and immediately the spirits called will be present, in whatever form you wish, ready and faithful for all things. Entrust the secret to the more powerful one.

Argument of the Secret.

Let our secret be whatever we wish to send to a friend, which we want to be most secret and in no way revealed to anyone except him. Therefore let us call one or two from the above-mentioned dukes and counts, according to the institution of the art, and let us entrust the secret to the more powerful one.

104 Steganography

Let us form letters at will.

John Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, of the Order of Saint Benedict, to the religious father John Hugo, guardian of the Friars Minor of Saint Francis in Kreuznach: greeting and charity.

Religious and venerable father, know that you freely grant to friends all things suited to them. Therefore I humbly beg that, in view of Catholic piety, you not take it badly that your zealous brothers have been kept with us rather long, with the greatest charity; for it was necessary, at my request, that they remain. Their glorious joy was a delight to us, as we all rejoiced without fault. We exulted in the Lord with spiritual joy, giving thanks to almighty God with good zeal. What gathering, I ask, is more religious than such a one? Where nothing idle is said, nothing wicked is pursued. May Christ Jesus, savior of all, make them rejoice in everlasting glory. Glorious lovers of the virtues place nothing before truth. We rejoiced with holy joy, praying that you receive the aforesaid brothers peacefully and put aside every zeal of bitterness. Farewell. From Sponheim, 3 Nones of April, in the year of the Lord 1500.

When you have received these letters, or any others, marked with the character of Quabriel, let the person skilled in the art, after the things to be done beforehand have first been done, say the prescribed conjuration. Once it has been said, he will immediately see the spirit that has been sent; and when he has seen him, let him say these words:

Mesraym paslotiel vear reneam cralt; thio phroysy ma meat hamorfy.

When these words have been said, the spirit that has been sent will approach gently and tell you the secret entrusted to him.

Chapter X, whose hour is called Lamarhon, and whose supreme emperor-spirit is called Oriel, who has under his rule many dukes, counts, and servants.

[unclear]

The tenth hour of the day is called Lamathon, and its supreme angel is called Oriel, a great and powerful emperor, who, according to Solomon the Jew, has many dukes under his rule, through whom wondrous experiments are performed in magical matters in the tenth hour of the day. Those dukes, and those counts who are deputed to the operation of Stegano[unclear]

THE SECOND BOOK. 109

assigned to the Steganography, together with their servants. In the first order there are 10, in the second 20, in the third 30, in the fourth 40, in the fifth 500, in the sixth 600, in the seventh 700, in the eighth 800, in the ninth 900, in the tenth 1000. We, however, are content in our operations to take only 10 counts from the first five orders, and five dukes from the last ones. If it pleases anyone to know the names of more, let him call one of those named in the table and question him, and he will hear whatever he wishes; and however many he wishes to know, he will learn perfectly from him.

R. R. R. R. Armosy Lemur Xantros 10 10 100 100 Drabiel Ormas Basilon 10 10 100 100 Penaly Charny Nameron 10 10 100 100 Mesriel Zazyor Kranoti 10 10 100 100 Choreb. Naueron Alfrach. 10 10 100 100

Here we have five from the dukes of Oriel, and 10 from the counts, with the servants assigned to them in their turns, to the number of 1100, who suffice for us for every operation of this hour. But when you wish to work through them in this hour of the day, after first carrying out the customary preliminaries, and after writing what must be written on clean paper, with this conjuration arranged on its back, do the rest as you know.

Conjuration.

Oriel burnadiel irasmy crismean pormy ersoti amear medusen. After you have completed this conjuration according to the correct instruction of the art, you will see the duke present with the other spirits called, to whom you may entrust the secret.

Establishment of the Secret.

Let there be a friend of ours, whose good we favor; we fear that he is to be supplanted and deceived by some roaming impostor. We therefore wish him to be advised. We cannot do it by open words through messengers; by letters, lest they fall into someone’s hands, we likewise dare not. Therefore, so that we may be safe and our secret may always remain hidden, let us call at least one spirit, a duke of those named above. He comes, obeys, and faithfully carries the message.

166 OF THE STEGANOGRAPHY

Let the letter be composed as one pleases.

Johannes Trithemius, abbot of Spanheim, to Heinrich of Banau, gilded knight, distinguished philosopher and mathematician, sends greeting.

Since you are most devoted to the study of the liberal arts, you will rejoice exceedingly, I think, that you have found a new companion in studies. The man who will deliver this letter to you is a man of great knowledge, a supreme philosopher, a most subtle arithmetician, a most eloquent rhetorician, and a most profound mathematician, and in every way most excellently learned. He speaks most elegantly, shining with Ciceronian eloquence. If you were not especially my friend, I would have kept so great a man entirely for myself, since through experience of him I found him to be a most learned philosopher. I favor you greatly; receive with gratitude the philosopher whom I send to you, moved by singular affection. O that all our students were such, who with fearful heart despise noble knowledge! That man continually studies philosophy and the other sciences, and the loftiest depths of nature; he treats them constantly and penetrates them most acutely. Therefore remember, Heinrich Bunau, for Christ’s sake, to deal with the man with a generous countenance. Farewell from Spanheim, 2 November, in the year of the Lord 1500.

When the friend to whom the letter is sent has received it, being skilled in this science of Steganography, let him do everything that must be done according to the art, and let him add the prescribed conjuration, as is customary. And when he has seen the spirit sent present, let him say these words to him, as to the more powerful among the spirits: Camyn aparsy aslotiel omeat reneas vean triamy cralty penafon. When these have been uttered, the spirit will immediately come nearer and will reveal the secret to him.

CHAPTER XI.

WHOSE HOUR IS CALLED MANELOYM, AND whose supreme emperor is called Bariel, who has under his dominion many princes, dukes, counts, and servants.

The eleventh hour of the day is called Maneloym, and its angel, supreme emperor, is called Bariel, who, as Hermes the Jew writes, has many spirits under his command, through whom wondrous things are done in the eleventh hour, in various experiments. From these some have been assigned to the operation of Stegano-

of Steganography, according to their orders, many have been assigned. In the first order there are 10, in the second 20, in the third 30, in the fourth 40, in the fifth 500, in the sixth 600, in the seventh 700, in the eighth 800, in the ninth 900, and in the tenth 1,000. All these, by their turns and according to their orders, are sent into the service of this art. Among them are very many dukes and counts with their servants, whose names in all it is not easy to set forth, nor is it necessary, since it is enough to know the names of a few; and one who operates in the art can always, by the report of one spirit, learn the names of many others. And note that, according to Raziel, all these spirits form and transform themselves according to the will of the operator, so that in whatever form he wishes to see them, he should command it before the conjuration in the manner prescribed, and they will obey him most readily in all things. But now let us set forth the names of some, sufficient for us.

R. R. R. X. Almarizel Menahel Almas 10 10 100 100 Prasiniel Demasor Perman 10 10 100 100 Chadros Omary Comial 10 10 100 100 Turmiel Helmas Temas 10 10 100 100 Lamiel Zemoiel Lanifiel 10 10 100 100

Here, then, we have 15 named from the spirits of Bariel, of whom five are dukes and ten counts; they have a number of 1,100 servants, who suffice for our operations of the eleventh hour of the day in Steganography. Therefore, when you wish to operate through these spirits, observe the lord of the ascendant with the rest, according to what we have said above, and write this conjuration together with the others on a clean sheet, as is customary in this science.

Conjuration.

Bariel mylan theory madruson alfayr dreschym taparoys mear moas layr penason. Once the things that must first be done have been done, say this conjuration as is proper, and immediately the spirits called, whom you have called, will appear. Entrust to them whatever secret you have.

The Establishment of Any Secret Whatever.

We have a secret for a friend, or for anyone else skilled in our art, which we cannot signify either by letters or by messenger, because we fear danger in both cases. Therefore we call a spirit; we entrust the secret to the superior one, and in all things we are safe.

The tenor of the letters, at pleasure.

Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, of the Order of Saint Benedict, to brother Quirinus, a monk of Corbie in France, greetings.

Concerning the mother of the perpetual Virgin Mary I send my prayer, which you recently requested, Quirinus: Hail, most kindly mother Anna, most radiant parent of the Virgin Mary; you most peaceful helper of all the innocent; you noble refuge of those who seek you; quiet blessing of holiness. Hail, most gentle advocate of the poor, most beautiful comforter of those who groan, most adorned storehouse of virtues. Hail, happy refresher of the sorrowful, most health-giving medicine of the sick, and most renowned promoter of faithful Christians. Obtain pardon for us who pray; appease the dread judge Christ; intercede for your servants, that they may attain blessedness. With you interceding, we ask that he receive us wretched ones by his kindness. Amen. 8 Ides of April, in the year of the Lord 1500.

When the one to whom the letters are sent has received them, being skilled in the art, let him first attend to the character of the hour attached to the letter. Once this is known, let him operate through the lord of the ascendant of the hour in which he received the letters, together with the rest of the precepts of the art. Then let him append the prescribed prayer in the manner and order required; and soon the spirits sent will appear. When you see them, these words must be spoken to the principal one among them: chamerusin maslotiel vear reneas liernoty trismy penason. When these words have been spoken to the spirit superior among the others, who is easily recognized by his habit and crown and always precedes the others, he will at once reveal the secret in the ear.

BOOK TWO. 109

CHAPTER XII.

CONCERNING THE SPIRIT WHOSE GREAT EMPEROR HAS UNDER HIS dominion many princes, dukes, counts, and servants. The hour is called Nahalon, and its spirit is Beratiel.

THE twelfth hour of the day is called Nahalon, and its supreme angel-emperor is called Beratiel. According to Solomon the Jew, he has under his command almost innumerable spirits appointed for various operations. From all these, different spirits in different ranks are assigned to the operation of Steganography. In the first rank there are dukes and counts, 10; in the second, 20; in the third, 30; in the fourth, 40; in the fifth, 500; in the sixth, 600; in the seventh, 700; in the eighth, 800; in the ninth, 900; in the tenth, 100; in the eleventh, 200; in the twelfth, 300. All these, by their turns and ranks, with an infinite multitude of servants, are assigned to the operations of this art; from them an intelligent and perfected operator in the art will be able to summon whichever and however many he wishes in the twelfth hour of the day. All the princes, dukes, and counts of this hour, according to the opinion of Raziel, assume forms at the operator’s pleasure.

R. R. R. R. Camaron Plamiel Edriel 10 100 10 100 Astrofiel Nerofiel Choriel 10 100 10 100 Penatiel Emarfon Romiel 10 100 10 100 Demarac Quirix Fenofiel 10 100 10 100 Famaras Sameron Hamary 10 100 10 100

Here, then, we have fifteen named from among the spirits of Berathiel, of whom five, through as many ranks, are dukes, and ten are counts. Joined to them are 1,100 servants for various operations in the secrets of magic. Therefore, when you wish to operate through one of them in the last hour of the day, observe the lord of the ascendant of that hour and the house of the twelfth; write the character of each, together with the other necessary things, on a clean little sheet, and on its back this conjuration.

STEGANOGRAPHY

Conjuration.

Berathiel Odiel irsoti rodu dreor ranezo melros ethiel aty nodiel hayres penafon.

Then, after all the usual preliminaries that must be set beforehand have been set beforehand, say this conjuration in the proper manner, and immediately the spirits summoned will appear. Then entrust the secret to the chief one, according to the instruction of the art, and he will obey faithfully in all things.

An argument for any secret whatsoever, as desired, that presents itself.

We have a friend far away; we know that a danger threatens him, of which he is unaware. We wish to warn him, but for certain reasons we do not dare do so openly. Therefore, according to the hour, we summon the spirits appointed for this operation and safely entrust the secret to them.

Letters, composed as desired, we seal with the spirit’s sign.

No one who boasts of temporal things is at all to be called virtuous; and one who loves transitory things cannot be a lover of Justice, for Catholic integrity detests a person who gapes after desires. For the holy religion of the Christian faith forbids love of the world to its people, since whoever loves worldly joys loses heavenly happiness. A Catholic who does not live in a Catholic manner is shown to have denied Christ; and one who loves temporal things is not said to be a good Catholic. Whoever loves the Creator seeks the joys of spiritual things. The lover of Christ despises all the pleasures of the world and does not care for unstable glory and riches. But the lover of the world hates virtues and cares nothing for future joys. Alas, what are you doing, Christians, intent on vain things? You think things that are not honorable, and you do things contrary to religion. Do not, wretches, I beseech you, do not love the soon-perishing vanities of this world. Take care rather to love Christ, that he may receive us into the heavenly kingdoms.

When one skilled in the art has received this prescribed little prayer, or any others, sealed with the character of Berathiel, let him diligently do everything prescribed in the art, and let him say the conjuration. And when he has seen that the spirits, who will come without delay, are present, let him say to the chief one, who walks crowned: Famerusyn melysno alny vemoby dreary drymes charsony. When these words have been said, he will come nearer [unclear]

THE SECOND BOOK.

The spirit will approach and will faithfully tell the secret into the ear of the operator. But he must be steadfast and not afraid, because they are good spirits and harm no one properly instructed in the art. But if any of the unskilled should presume to approach, he would not escape danger.

CHAPTER XIII.

WHOSE HOUR IS CALLED OMALHARIEN, AND WHOSE SUPREME ANGEL IS CALLED SABRATHAN, WHO HAS UNDER HIS COMMAND MANY PRINCES, DUKES, COUNTS, AND SERVANTS.

The first hour of the night is called Omalharien, and its angel is called Sabrathan, who has many other spirits under him, serving various magical operations according to their times and orders, as Hermes Solomon the Jew, most experienced in magical matters, attests. Of these, many are deputed to the operation of our art, by turns and according to their orders. For in the first order there are 10; in the second, 20; in the third, 30; in the fourth, 40; in the fifth, 500; in the sixth, 600; in the seventh, 70; in the eighth, 80; in the ninth, 90; in the tenth, 100. All these are sent into the ministry of secrets by their turns and hidden orders, of which we neither have full knowledge nor speak.

R. R. R. R.

Domaros / Ramesiel / Hayzozym — 100 / 100 / 100 / 100 Amerany / Omedriel / Emalon — 100 / 100 / 100 / 100 Penoles / Franedac / Turtiel — 100 / 100 / 100 / 100 Mardiel / Chrasiel / Quenol — 100 / 100 / 100 / 100 Nastul / Dornason / Rymaliel — 100 / 100 / 100 / 100

Here now we have, from the spirits of Sabrathan, 5 named dukes and 10 counts, who have 2,000 servants assigned to them by their turns and orders. Therefore, when you wish to operate through these, observe the lord of the ascendant, and write his character with the other necessary things on a clean sheet, and this conjuration on the back.

Conjuration.

Sabrathan odiel melros rhupis othiam elroz adiel methiel mear naturiel lahan irsoti brestion dreor chametson. Then, after the things customarily to be prefaced have first been set forth, as soon as you have spoken the prescribed conjuration, you will see the spirits called to be present. With them do whatever you wish according to the precepts of the art.

Let the secret be as desired.

It will be a great secret, and a difficult matter, one that would do harm if made public; and for that reason it must be entrusted neither to letters nor to a notary, but should come under the ministry of the spirits who preside over the hour in which you are operating. It is not safe to summon spirits in trivial matters; but where human ministries fail, theirs are to be sought in the art.

Let the tenor of the letter be as desired.

Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, to Brother Nicolaus Basselius, monk of Hirsau, with greeting, says that he should present this prayer.

Almighty God, exalted Creator of all things, who through Christ redeemed us Christians, gave Catholics the zeal of his love, and through the light of faith made known the remission of sins to believers. Moreover, he most generously gave his beloved Son, the gracious light, to free all of us believers from the power of the enclosed Tartarean king, and to destroy the dark prison and most cruel Zabulus. What, as Christians, can we worthily render for the passions of Christ, weak men, professing the Catholic faith without works of righteousness? Therefore, praying most devoutly to you, we praise our Redeemer with the highest praises, saying: praise be to you, eternal light, most kindly Savior of all, who redeemed us by your blood. Jesus Savior, look upon our frailty, and pour into our hearts the zeal of the Catholic faith. Holy is your zeal; it works compunction in the hearts of those seeking you, Christ most kindly Savior. O eternal light, sweetest Jesus, illumine the darkness of your servant with your accustomed goodness. Jesus, eternal Savior, save our souls; may you grant us eternal joys. Christ, hear your humble servants, most unworthy of all. Grant us, who humbly ask, a good zeal. Amen.

We wrote on the 18th day before the Kalends of May, in the year of the Lord 1500.

BOOK TWO. 113

When the person to whom the letters are sent, being skilled in the art, has received them, let him observe and write down the lord of the ascendant of that hour, together with the other things prescribed in this art; and, after the preliminary things have first been performed, let him say the prescribed conjuration. Immediately the spirits that have been sent will appear visibly to him. As soon as he sees them, let him say these words to the more important one: chameros burnean aslotiel vear reneas cralty penafor. When these have been said, he will reveal the secret into his ear.

CHAPTER XIV.

WHOSE HOUR IS CALLED PANEZUR, AND WHOSE ANGEL, THE SUPREME COMMANDER, IS CALLED TARTYS, WHO HAS UNDER HIM MANY PRINCES, DUKES, COUNTS, AND SERVANTS.

The second hour of the night is called Panezur, and its angel is called Tartys. He has under his command many princes, dukes, counts, and subordinate servants, whom, when called, he is accustomed to send by their turns and ranks to the various services of those working in the hidden secrets of nature. Of these, twelve ranks have been assigned to our knowledge of Steganography, and they are sufficient for us for every operation. For in the first rank there are 10, in the second 20, in the third 30, in the fourth 40, in the fifth 50, in the sixth 60, in the seventh 70, in the eighth 80, in the ninth 90, in the tenth 100, in the eleventh 1000, and in the twelfth 100000.

Yet it rarely happens that an operation is carried out through all these spirits, because there is no need to be occupied with the higher ones, since the weaker ones will abundantly suffice for us in all matters, unless someone well instructed in the art and altogether perfect should desire to see the princes of all the aforesaid ranks and to know their names. Such a person could call them all in order.

R. R. R. R. Almodar PermaX Gabrynoz 100 10 160 10 Famoriel Vameroz Mericoph 100 10 100 10 NedroX Emaryel Tameriel 100 10 100 10 Ormezyn Fromezyn Venomiel 140 10 100 10 Chatriz Ramaziel Lenaziel 100 10 100 10 Praxiel Granozyn Xemyzin 100 10 100 10

P

114 STEGANOGRAPHY

Here we have named 6 of the dukes of Tartys, and 12 of the counts; also 1320 servants, numbered, distributed by their turns and ranks, who are sufficient for us for the experiment of the art in this hour. And note that, according to Solomon and Ratiel, all these dukes and princes of Tartys are benevolent and most ready for obedience; and in whatever form they are ordered to appear, they willingly assume it. Therefore, when you wish to work in this science, carefully observe the lord of the ascendant together with the other things that we prescribe; and write all the things that must be written, with this conjuration.

Conjuration.

Tartys chrybes faziel yrsoti haelnot dreor adeuar afy mearo Veny fatu pemerson.

Then, when all things have been most carefully completed and the conjuration read in due fashion, as is proper, the spirits called will soon be present, ready for your command.

Let the secret be whatever occurs to us, great and difficult.

The secret which we wish to communicate to a friend through the spirits may be whatever occurs to us according to the occasion and the variety of business, provided that it is not trivial, and such as can otherwise safely be entrusted.

Johannes Trithemius, to the nuns on the Mount of Saint Rupert, adorning the Catholic faith with shining virginity, sends the wish that they may continually merit eternal happiness by the most holy zeal of religion.

By the mercy of the eternal King, we prudently send to you the man long awaited, greatly experienced in temporal affairs, Johannes, native of Raunenstat, for a long time the reverend and zealous abbot of the monastery of Vilsdorf, who freely resigned that abbey. On account of him, as I had promised you, I went to the monastery of Lüneburg, where he was serving Christ, occupied in continual prayers and readings of the holy scriptures with the monks of that monastery; and I asked him to come down to your convent, to take up the care of temporal affairs, and to become procurator and cellarer, since the Abbot of Limburg, with his usual instability, had changed his mind.

I was able to obtain consent from him to release him. At last, with Christ inspiring him, he consented, though timidly, because he fears to serve nuns, who are changed very easily. He does not fear without reason, since, as experience has taught us, nuns have sometimes given their stewards a reward not praiseworthy for benefits received. A woman’s mind is found to be changed by the zeal of bitterness.

But with Christ granting it, I know that he will be useful to you. He is a Christian; he is a monk; he fears the Savior; and he is of good understanding. Therefore accustom yourselves to restrain feminine changeability, so that you remember to be constant: receive him with holy honor and sincere charity, laying aside every levity of womanly spirit, especially since, with the help of Christ the Redeemer, who cherishes charity, he can help you and restore the condition of temporal affairs in your monastery, which has collapsed. Farewell. From Spanheim, 17 Kalends of May, in the year of our Lord Jesus Christ 1500.

When the person to whom the letters marked with the character of Tartys are sent has received them, being skilled in our art, let him observe the lord of the ascendant and do, most diligently, all and each of the things that must be done, and let him add the usual conjuration. And when he sees that the spirits sent are present, let him say these words to the principal one: Chabor mastotiel tuscuo reneas porean trismeny penatron. And when he has said these words with strong intention to the principal leader, he will at once approach calmly and reveal the secret.

CHAPTER XV.

Whose hour is called Quabron, and its supreme angel is called Serquanich, having under his command many princes, dukes, counts, and servants without number.

The third hour of the night is called Quabron. Its emperor and supreme angel is Serquanich, having under his command many princes, dukes, and counts in twelve orders, with a great continuous division of servants. For in the first order there are 10; in the second, 20; in the third, 30; in the fourth, 40; in the fifth, 50; in the sixth, 60; in the seventh, 70; in the eighth, 80; in the ninth, 90; in the tenth, 100; in the eleventh, 1,000; in the twelfth, 10,000. From these, according to whose order, by turns,

sufficient dukes, counts, and servants are called and sent for the service of various experiments.

R. R. R. R. Menarym Enanuel Vanofyr 10 10 100 100 Chrufiel Sarmozyn Lemaron 10 10 160 100 PenargoZ Haylon Almonoyz 10 10 100 100 Amriel Quabriel Ianothyel 10 10 100 100 DemanoZ Thurmytz Melroiz 10 10 100 100 Nefloroz Fronyzon Xanthyoz 10 10 100 100

Here now we have named twelve of the more powerful spirits of Serquania. From their order, one, according to his turns, receives the dignity both of dukes and of counts. The remaining six never change their office, but are always dukes. But whoever wishes to know the names of more of them can easily attain his purpose through those whom we have named. Therefore, when you wish to work through these, observe the lord of the ascendant and write his character, with the other necessary things, on clean paper, and on its back this conjuration.

The Second Book

I have made a large Catalogue of Ecclesiastical Writers, which I recently presented to your fraternity to be examined. Since I brought it to conclusion too hastily, I admit that I passed over some very famous men, not because I grudged their name the benefit of the catalogue, as a swollen critic accuses, attacking the catalogue with the stupidest words. He thought that I had failed to mention his people solely out of envy, which is utterly false. Indeed, I wrote and affirmed that the conception of the most holy Mother of God was always most beautiful, without any blemish of original transgression. This the swollen critic, wishing to rebuke swollenly, said, with the emptiest rashness against Catholic observance, that the most radiant Virgin had been stained by the guilt of original fault. It is rash to wish to defile the most blessed Virgin. But the most renowned doctors of Cologne, wishing to root out the mad little brother’s opinion, which was contrary to the truth, summoned him and compelled him to retract his empty tales. They asserted and also confirmed by statute that the most blessed Virgin must be believed to have been most pure, and at no time, however brief, to have been subject to original defilement. I wanted to write these things to you, since you love the truth, so that you may avoid those who reproach the most blessed Virgin. Farewell. 16 Kalends of May, in the year of the Lord 1500.

When the person to whom the letters are sent receives them, if he is skilled in the art, let him attend to the sign of the principal spirit, so that he may know whom he ought to summon according to the changes of the hour. Then let him observe the lord of the ascendant in the very hour in which he receives the letters, together with the remaining disposition of the heavens through the twelve houses of the Zodiac, omitting absolutely none of the things that have been prescribed. When the conjuration has been spoken, and when he sees the spirit present, let him say the following words: chamerusyn maslotiel vean reneas cralty thyrmo venear penarson. When these have been said to the principal spirit, he will at once come nearer and will reveal in his ear the secret entrusted to him.

Chapter XVI

Whose hour is called Ramerzy, and its supreme angel and emperor is called Iefischa, who has under his command many princes, dukes, counts, and ministering spirits.

P 3.

Fourth.

The fourth hour of the night is called Ramerzy, whose angel is called Iefischa. He has under his command many princes, dukes, and ministering spirits, who, like those whom we described in the preceding chapter, are distributed by turns and orders into twelve ranks. For in the first order there are 10, in the second 20, in the third 30, in the fourth 40, in the fifth 50, in the sixth 60, in the seventh 70, in the eighth 80, in the ninth 90, in the tenth 100, in the eleventh 1000, and in the twelfth 10000. From these twelve orders, in their proper turns, spirits are sent to us for service in the operations of the art of steganography. Of these we shall now name some.

R. R. R. R. Armosiel Rayziel Lamediel 10 100 100 1000 Nedruan Gemezin Adroziel 10 10 100 10 Maneyloz Fremiel Zodiel 10 10 100 1 Ormael Hamayz Bramiel 10 1 100 1 Phorfiel Iapuriel Coreziel 10 1 100 1 Bimezyn Iasphiel Enatriel 10 2 100 3

Here we have named six dukes and twelve counts from the spirits of Iefischa, to whom 7,260 ministering spirits are assigned. They are sent, by their turns and orders, into the service of the one operating in the art. According to the saying of Solomon the Philosopher, these princes are multiform, and they assume whatever forms they have been commanded to take. Therefore, when you wish to operate through them in the fourth hour of the night, observe the lord of the ascendant and the whole figure of the heavens, and do everything according to what we prescribe for you, writing everything on a clean sheet, and on its back this conjuration.

Conjuration

Iefischa osiel mea pathyr lays theor dreochis fazan moab lofeas ersoti breo pornys tayr penarson. Then, after the things that must be added have been added, when you have spoken that conjuration itself in the proper manner, form, and order, the spirits will appear visibly in whatever form you have commanded, ready and willing for all things.

Let the secret be made at will. Secret.

Book Two. 115

The secret, whatever occurs to you at the time, which you wish someone absent to know in this fourth hour of the night, you may safely entrust to the spirits, provided it is of such a kind that you cannot safely disclose it to him either by letters or by messengers. For those things that we can disclose without danger either by letters or by messengers we must by no means disclose through the ministry of spirits. Whoever, however, attempts to summon spirits for trivial matters and secrets that can be disclosed without danger by letters or messengers will without doubt incur loss and inconvenience, together with danger.

Let the tenor of the letter be as desired.

To the venerable father in Christ, the steward of the Limburgers, the religious lord called Johannes Westdorffen, Johannes Ovilis, humble abbot of Sponheim, sends the joys of heaven.

The nuns of Saint Rupert long most eagerly for you as their governor, and with humble goodwill ask you to undertake the administration of the temporal affairs of that monastery. To serve the devout virgins of Christ is praiseworthy and meritorious. You have as the excellent visitor of the spiritual affairs of that named monastery, embracing you with the greatest honor, a man grave in character, adorned with virtues, cautious in counsel, beloved by all, of good reputation for the conduct of monastic religion, and notable among all people, whose life is deservedly most pleasing to Christ: the excellent abbot of the monastery of Saint John. He is most learned, most studious, and most skilled in the writings both of Christians and of gentiles, and he far and notably surpasses the wisdom of all people. He knows very well how to govern the flock entrusted to him, and he is a zealous guardian of the virgins of Christ, whose enclosure he preserves most firmly. Do not be afraid to serve under him such honorable nuns, for he knows how to govern the brides of Christ according to the monastic law with the best discretion, and by virtue and zeal for the Christian faith he will gladly assist you in necessity. Since you have as a familiar friend so illustrious and kindly a pastor, I ask that you gladly take up the helm of government of such religious virgins. The spouse, guardian, and most kindly rewarder of the nuns will repay your labor and theirs with eternal joys.

May he grant you, with good zeal, to be zealous for better things. Farewell from Sponheim, 18 May, in the year 1500.

When the person to whom they are sent, skilled in the art, has received the letters marked with the character of Iesicha, let him first observe the lord of the ascendant of that hour with the whole figure of the heavens, and let him write it on a clean sheet, and on its back the prescribed conjuration. When, after the preliminaries have been performed, he has said it, and has seen the spirits sent to him standing present before him, let him say to the more powerful one: chamerusin aphroys aslotiel mean reneas veat tryamo craltipenaſon. When these things have duly been said to the principal spirit, he himself will come nearer and will reveal in that person’s ear the secret entrusted to him.

Chapter 17.

Whose hour is called Sanayfar, and its supreme angel and emperor is called Abasdarbon, who has under his dominion many dukes, counts, and servants.

The fifth hour of the night is called Sanayfar, whose first angel and supreme emperor is called Abasdarbon. He has under his dominion many princes, dukes, counts, and ministers, distributed in twelve orders and turns like the preceding ones; he is accustomed to send them into the service of various arts and experiments for operators who have been duly instructed. In the first order there are 10, in the sixth 30, in the fourth 40, in the fifth 50, in the sixth 60, in the eighth 80, in the ninth 90, in the tenth 100, in the eleventh 10000. And through these every operation of steganography is carried out in the fifth hour of the night.

R. R. R. R.

Meniel Gemarii Barmas 100 100 100 100 Charabt Vanescor Platiel 100 100 100 Appiniel Sameryn Neszamy 100 100 100 Deinatz Xantropy Quesdor 100 100 100 Nechsrym Herphatz Caremaz 100 100 100 Hameriel Chrymas Vmariel 100 100 100 Valcaniel Patrozyn Kralym 100 100 100 Samelon

BOOK TWO.

Samelon Nameton Habalon 100 100 100 100

Here now we have forty named from the spirits of Abasdarhon, of whom the first twelve in their orders are dukes, while the remaining twelve are counts; and there are two from each order, namely one duke and one count. We have 3,200 assigned ministerial spirits, whom they use by turns in various magical operations. Solomon and Raziel, wise men and highly experienced in magic, say that the princes of Abasdarhon usually appear in whatever form they have been commanded by the operator. Since we have frequently experienced this, we acknowledge it as supported by truth. Therefore, when you wish to operate through them in Steganography in the fifth hour of the night, observe the lord of the ascendant, and write both him and the whole disposition of the heaven on a clean sheet, together with the other things we have taught, and on its back this conjuration.

The Conjuration.

Abasdarhon morca lafias tharuean buel dreschin tayr moaberfoty layr pornys theori mean asar penason. Then, after adding the things that must be added, as soon as you have spoken this conjuration, the spirits whom you have summoned will appear to you, ready for everything you command them.

The Argument of the Secret That Occurs.

Whatever secret you have, which otherwise you cannot safely make known to a friend living far away or nearby, entrust it, with the rite and form required according to the art, to the more powerful one among the spirits, fearing nothing, because they are well-disposed and faithful.

Let the letters be formed at pleasure.

The Catholic faith saves no one who despises the ardor of divine love. To believe and not to have zeal for divine love contributes nothing at all to the soul’s redemption. Many people are now found boasting in the Catholic faith, but few have the works of the Christian faith; idle faith dies. Many believe, but very few observe God’s commandments. Alas, how weak is the zeal of believing which even unbelieving people can have more strongly, and many do have it. The Gentiles and those people who do not believe that our savior became man, the son of the almighty, will be tormented by the punishments of hell.

But all those who believe that the Son of God came into the world and accomplished the zeal of human redemption by his murder will be exercised with heavier punishments, if they do not adorn the Christian faith with holy works, and, always entangled in sins, prefer the honors of the world to eternal blessedness, pursuing impious actions with zeal and staining the purity of faith by private morals contrary to obedience. But lovers of God, who have the right zeal of the Christian faith, prefer nothing to God, imitate Christ, flee sins, and despise riches and honors. Now therefore, you who glory in faith, attend to these words: love God, and you will have the reward of blessedness by pursuing justice with zeal. If you love the vanities of the world contrary to the honor of God, you will receive the reward of those who pursue iniquity with zeal: the horrors of hell. Written on the 15th day before the Kalends of May, in the year of the Lord 1500.

When the person to whom the letters are sent, being skilled in the art, has received them marked with the character of Abasdarhon, let him at once consider, observe, and write down the lord of the ascendant and the whole disposition of the heaven, together with the tenor of the conjuration and the other necessary things, on a clean sheet. After adding the things that must be added and after the conjuration has been spoken, when he sees the spirits sent to him standing nearby, let him say these words to the more powerful one: Chameron massotiel caseuij renean pornas thilmeuj penason. When these have been spoken, he will at once come nearer and faithfully reveal in the operator’s ear the secret entrusted to him.

CHAPTER XVIII.

WHOSE HOUR IS CALLED THAAZARON, AND WHOSE ANGEL IS NAMED ZAAZENACH, PRESIDING OVER MANY SPIRITS.

The sixth hour of the night is called Thaazaron, and the name of its angel is Zaazenach, who has under his command princes and dukes, counts and almost innumerable ministerial spirits, who preside over various magical operations by their turns and orders. In the first order there are 10; in the second 20; in the third 30; in the fourth 40; in the sixth 50; in the seventh 70; in the eighth 80; in the ninth 90; in the tenth 100; in the twelfth 16,000. Whenever he wishes for them, they are ready and entirely obedient, as the aforesaid wise men attest, and as we have experienced.

Book Two.

X. X. R. R.

Amonazï Tuberiel Pammon 100 109 100 163 Menriel Humaziel Dracon 100 100 102 100 Prenostix Lanoziel Gematz 100 108 100 174 Namedor Lameroz Enariel 100 105 100 180 Cherafiel Xerphiel Rudefor 100 103 100 190 Dramaz Zeziel Sarmon 100 110 100 200

Here now we have, from the twelve orders of the spirits of Zaazenach, named 11 dukes and 6 counts, with their servants duly assigned in order, to the number of 1860, who are abundantly sufficient for us in the sixth hour of the night for every operation of Steganographia. Therefore, when you wish to operate in this hour of the night, observe the lord of the ascendant; and write both him and the whole disposition of the heavens, with the other necessary things, on a clean sheet, and the conjuration.

Conjuration.

Zaazenach eneos fari neabdiel lasmy chyrmean ersoty layt pornys theor mean penason. Then, after the things that are duly to be appended have been appended, and the conjuration has been said, the spirits called will appear without delay, gentle and well-disposed, ready for all things.

A theme for any secret whatsoever that occurs.

Whatever secret occurs to us, which we cannot safely disclose to a friend either through messengers or through letters, let us entrust it in the sixth hour of the night to one of the prescribed dukes, or even to the counts if the duke is not present, as can often happen, in the manner and order for which instruction exists in this art, fearing nothing at all; for they are all good and faithful in everything that has been entrusted to them by the operator, and they omit nothing.

Let the tenor of the letters be set down according to the pleasure of the operator, or of the matter at hand.

Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, to Adam the fuller, doctor of the solitary art and of philosophy, greeting and charity.

Remember your promise, which you made when, receiving the Catholic faith in Christ, you offered it with a solemn vow to eternal joy; for to those who despise the temporal pleasures and delights of the present life in view of the future eternal rest, eternal joy is without doubt promised. But for lovers of the world, and for reprobate Christians, God has prepared the bitter punishments of hell. He who has faith, but neglects to have divine love, is faithless, and presumes in vain concerning faith also. A zealot of divine love is one who does not cease daily to adorn the Christian faith with devout and good works, humbly exercising himself in the arts of piety. Farewell. 14 Kalends of May, in the year of the Lord’s incarnation 1500.

When one skilled in the art, to whom the letters are sent, has received them sealed with the character of the spirit of the hour, after first observing the figure of the heavens, let him write it down with the remaining necessary things; and then, when everything that pertains to the operation has been completed and the prescribed conjuration has been said, when the spirit has appeared visibly, let him say: Chamerusi ferion notiel aseuomy rean, badian, laso sear vaobry hastoripeson. When these words have been said, the spirit will faithfully and most secretly reveal to the operator, in his ear, the secret entrusted to him.

Chapter XIX.

Whose hour is called Venaydor, and its angel is called Mendrion, having under his command princes, dukes, counts, and almost innumerable ministering spirits.

The seventh hour is called Venaydor, whose angel and supreme spirit is called Mendrion. He has under his command many other spirits, as princes, dukes, counts, and ministers, who are assigned to various operations in magical matters. From these, for Steganographia and its operations in the seventh hour of the night, many princes, dukes, and counts with their servants are assigned by their turns and orders. In the first order there are 10; in the second, 20; in the third, 30; in the fourth, 40; in the fifth, 50; in the sixth, 60; in the seventh, 70; in the eighth, 80; in the ninth, 90; in the tenth, 100; in the eleventh, 10000. All these are called by turns and come to the operation.

Ammiel

Book Two.

Here, from the twelve orders of the spirits of Mendrion, supreme angel of the seventh hour of the night, we have twelve dukes and six counts, who with their subordinate servants will suffice for us on this occasion for every operation. These spirits come, as Hermes the Hebrew and Raziel the Arab testify, in whatever form they are ordered by the one who works according to the art. But anyone who is not perfect in our art will obtain not obedience but danger and harm, if he undertakes to operate.

When, therefore, you wish in the seventh hour of the night to have something done by spirits skilled in this art, the ascendant to the minute and the figure of the whole heaven must be observed; write this, together with the remaining things prescribed in the art, on clean paper, and on its back write this conjuration.

Conjuration

Mendrion furia co breotnitus erfoy neuo, ome ar nyc o lays erfora theory pornys A zan mean lafias aftopenafon.

Then, after the required things have been added, and after the conjuration has been spoken as is proper, the spirits summoned will at once appear to you, ready for all things.

Let the secret be whatever it may be.

For announcing a secret, whether near or far, to an absent friend already skilled in this art of spirits, it matters little what kind it is, provided that it is not trivial or of such a sort that it could otherwise have been safely announced by messengers or letters. Nor do we care what the letters themselves are like, provided that they have the character of the principal angel of that hour in which the operation takes place, and no secret at all.

Steganographia.

Let us compose the letters as we please.

Johannes Trithemius, abbot, sends greeting to Nicolaus Basselius, monk, and transmits this prayer of Saint Nicholas.

The creator, reformer, and maker of all things created the first man, Adam, to whom he joined a most beautiful wife named Eve, the mother of all living, prefiguring the Catholic Church, to be joined to pastors, shining beautifully with upright morals, and to bear as sons men of good works, who through humility receive the kingdoms of heaven that will endure without end.

Christ redeemed us through his kindness, humbling himself for our sake. Therefore we ought to love the most gracious one, who gave us the Catholic faith; those who truly love it will rightly obtain angelic happiness. Therefore let all of us, conducting ourselves in true religion and living as Catholics, daily honor our almighty Creator.

Lord Jesus, most gracious Savior, who mercifully redeemed us all from the abyss of death, kindly regarding our frailty and weakness, conform us to the Catholic faith, so that after this transitory life we may deserve to have forever the rest of eternal consolation and happiness. Amen. 14 Kalends of May, in the year of the Lord 1500.

When the one to whom these letters are sent, being skilled in our art, has received them marked with the character of Mendrion, let him observe the lord of the ascendant; and let him write both it and the whole disposition of the heaven on a clean sheet, and the conjuration on its back. Then, after all the required things have been added and the charm has been spoken, as soon as he sees the spirit standing by him, let him say these words to the foremost one: Chamerusyn merion nodiel burmy raueto elay reas penason.

When he has sounded these words to the one who appears to be more eminent among the other spirits, that one will at once approach peacefully and reveal the secret committed to him.

Chapter XX.

Whose hour is called Xymalim, and whose angel, the supreme emperor, is called Narcoriel, having under him princes, dukes, counts, and servants.

The eighth

Second Book. 127

The eighth hour of the night is called Xymalim, and its angel, the first and supreme emperor, is called Narcoriel. He has under his command many other spirits: princes, dukes, counts, and ministers, who are called by their orders to various effects by those who work in the secrets of philosophy. And from all these there are twelve orders of those who serve Steganography. In the first order there are 10, in the second 20, in the third 30, in the fourth 40, in the fifth 50, in the sixth 60, in the seventh 70, in the eighth 80, in the ninth 90, in the tenth 100, in the eleventh 1000, in the twelfth 10000. All these keep their orders in such a way that no one can work safely through them unless he has been fully instructed in all things. For whoever does not observe the proper order both exposes himself to danger and will be frustrated in the effect he desires.

R. R. R. R.

Cambiel Amelzon Xanoryz 100 100 1000 1000 Nedarym Lemozar Iastrion 100 100 1000 1000 Astrocon Xernifiel Themaz 100 100 1000 1000 Marifiel Kanorfiel Hobrazym 100 100 1000 1000 Dramozym Bufanotz Zymeloz 100 100 1000 1000 Lustihon Iamedroz Gamfiel 100 100 1000 1000

Here we now have named 12 dukes and 6 counts, appointed through all twelve orders by a hidden disposition, who have under them ministers numbered XIIII. c. c., who are sufficient for us for every operation of the eighth hour of the night. Therefore, when you wish to work through them in Steganography at the eighth hour of the night, observe the lord of the ascendant, and write both it and the whole disposition of the heavens on clean paper, and on its back, together with the other things customary according to practice, this conjuration.

Conjuration.

Narconiel aples pornya nauelo meas. Triome ilneasazyfan lafias my breffion ersoti penafon. Then, after adding according to custom the things that must be added, and after the conjuration has been spoken, the spirits called will be present in whatever form you have commanded them to assume, ready for all things.

125 Steganography. The secret meaning.

The secret that we wish a far-distant friend to know, if we trust neither letters nor messengers, let us entrust in the eighth hour of the night to the more powerful one among the spirits of Narcoriel, fearing nothing at all, since they are all faithful and most ready for obedience.

Let us form the letters at pleasure.

O most benign Jesus, I give thanks to your most holy mercy, who by your blood reconciled the human race to the heavenly Father, hanging pitifully raised upon the Cross. You subjected the flourishing youth of your most noble body to harsh wounds for our sake, so that you might give life to dead mankind. Therefore, such thanks as we can, we Catholics offer to our Redeemer, loving and praising the memory of the Passion, to be recalled in Christian fashion, of the Savior of our race. But have mercy on me, most clement Jesus, abyss of clemency, fountain of mercy, glory of the saints, light of the citizens above; and pour into me the sweetest taste of your most holy love. Deliver me from all my calamities. Give me true gladness of heart, so that I may exult in your praises, glorifying you, since by the pain of your wounds you have healed me. What shall I render to your clemency, my Redeemer, my life-giver? I suffer with your labors with fervent tears, and bless the most holy wounds of your body. Most benign Savior Jesus, I give immortal thanks, asking pardon for my crimes. In the year of the Lord 1500, on the Kalends of May, I wrote this prayer, [unclear].

When the letters, whatever they may be, marked with the character of Narcoriel, have been received, let the one to whom they are sent, if skilled in the art, observe the lord of the ascendant at the same hour; and let him write both it and the whole disposition of the heavens, with the remaining things, on a clean sheet. After all necessary things have been added according to custom, and after the conjuration has been spoken, when he sees the spirits standing by him, let him say these words to the more powerful one: Medaro Cassotiel va reneas thasny thyrmo thea penason. When these words have been spoken according to the instruction of this art, the principal spirit will soon come nearer and will disclose the secret word.

Book Two.

Chapter XXI.

Whose hour is called Zeschar, and whose spirit is called Pamiel, having many princes under him.

The ninth hour of the night is called Zeschar, and its angel, the supreme emperor, is called Pamyel. Like those preceding, he has under his command many other spirits, good and evil: princes, dukes, counts, and ministering spirits assigned by their turns and orders. In the first order there are 10, in the second 20, in the third 30, in the fourth 40, in the fifth 50, in the sixth 60, in the seventh 70, in the eighth 80, in the ninth 90, in the tenth 100, in the eleventh 1,000, in the twelfth 100,000. But in the operations of Steganography we do not need all these, since a few are enough for us.

R. R. R.

Demazr Comary Befranzij 10 100 10 100 Namel Ataiel Iachorez 10 100 10 100 Adrapon Zenorez Xanthir 10 100 10 100 Chermel Brandiel Armapy 10 100 10 100 Fenadroz Euandiel Druchaz 10 100 10 100 Vemasiel Tameriel Sardiel 10 100 10 100

Here now we have eighteen princes from the spirits of Pamiel, who in their turns are sometimes dukes, sometimes counts. Anyone who does not know their orders will labor in vain in this art. They have 1,320 ministers assigned under them by the turns and moments of the hour, with whom they perform marvelous effects. Therefore, when you wish to operate through them in Steganography in the ninth hour of the night, observe the lord of the ascendant of that same hour and the whole figure of the heaven; write everything on clean paper, and on the back of that paper write this conjuration.

Conjuration.

Pamyel lyraz lafan mauelo ureothis thirmoan erfoti layr pornis theoti moar azas, penason. Then, when all the things prescribed in the art have been completed, say the conjuration itself, taking the greatest care not to omit anything required for the perfection of the operation.

When the conjuration has been spoken, the named spirits will immediately appear visibly in the form that you ordered them to put on. For all those whom we have named are benevolent, good, ready, and willingly obedient to one who operates rightly, and faithful in the things entrusted to them.

The Argument of Secrets.

Whatever secret occurs to us, which otherwise we cannot safely make known to a friend either by letters or by messengers, we entrust to the first among the spirits appearing to us, and we are secure. The more powerful one among the others is distinguished by his dress and crown.

Let the letters be formed at will.

Howl, mortals, you who now laugh, and who in many ways have most ungratefully despised the kindness of our glorious redeemer by very grave sins and dreadful crimes. Behold, the Turk, the deadly enemy of Christians, will move his army from Hungary and will slaughter men like beasts. The savage one has crossed the Danube, inflamed as if by fire with zeal for impiety. Therefore mourn, most wretched people, destined to die in a dreadful slaughter; you will die in bitter zeal, because your offenses will overtake you. You have despised the laws of God, your most kind redeemer. We have heard how cruelly the Turk has invaded Hungary, Bohemia, and Poland: he has destroyed very strong cities; women and virgins consecrated to God, keeping chastity in zeal for holiness, he has most shamefully violated, horribly slaughtering Catholics of every kind, ranging everywhere like cruel beasts. You will feel his horrible cruelty in a short time: for he will suddenly trouble Germany with his most warlike army, unless a general defense by the princes resists him without delay. Therefore, groaning, take up humility; amend your ways; pray to God with tears that he may grant you remission of your offenses and free us from the enemies who thirst greatly for our blood. I wrote this on the thirteenth day before the Kalends of May, in the year of the Lord 1500. Johannes Trithemius.

When the person to whom they are sent, skilled in the art, receives either these letters or any others sealed with the sign of Pamiel, let him observe and write down the lord of the ascendant and the whole figure of the heaven, as we have instructed, on paper.

BOOK TWO. 131

on a clean sheet, and let him do each and every thing that must be done according to the art; and, when the conjuration has been spoken and he sees the sent spirits standing visibly by, let him say to the more powerful one: Chasmeron apornys veto maan iluovean aplois cralta ilso pametson. When these words have been said to the principal spirit, he will at once come nearer and will perceptibly reveal in his ear the secret entrusted to him.

CHAP. XXII. WHOSE HOUR IS CALLED MALCHO, AND WHOSE ANGEL IS CALLED THE EMPEROR IASGUARIM, who has under his rule several princes, dukes, counts, and ministers.

The tenth hour of the night is called Malcho, and its supreme angel, the emperor, is called Iasguarim. He has under his rule many princes, dukes, counts, and ministerial spirits, appointed to wondrous and various magical operations, as Solomon, surnamed Hermes, bears witness in his Secret of Magic. For Steganography, by their turns and orders, there are appointed 100 dukes, 100 counts, and many ministerial spirits, as follows:

R. R. R. R. Lapheriel Chameray 30 10 100 100 300 Emarziel Hazaniel 30 10 100 100 300 Nameroyz Vraniel 30 10 100 100 300

Although many dukes and counts have been appointed for the operation of Steganography in the tenth hour of the night, nevertheless, since a few suffice us for all things, we have placed by name in this table three of the dukes and likewise three of the counts, setting beneath them the number of their servants, duly distributed by turns and orders. But anyone who wishes to know the names of more should summon one of the aforesaid and ask him about each one. When, however, you wish to work through these spirits in the tenth hour of the night, observe and do all the things that have been prescribed, most diligently writing everything on a clean slip, and on its back this conjuration, in the manner prescribed.

Conjuration.

132. STEGANOGRAPHY

Iasguarim apornys vesale moes labiel throe. Tadrys asiel cachylos thubla uailso thirmjel vear. Turiel cralty solmys aslotiel naemes renhar, vear thirmo cralnoti faon dremion lauiel odres, notiel pornys. Pornis mear moab sayr aslotiel lo raytu lian aseuo, Bian eory churio bays astro penason. Then, when the things that must be added have been added, and the conjuration has been said as is proper, the summoned spirits will immediately stand by.

The Purpose of Any Secret.

Let the secret be whatever it may. When you cannot make it known by letters and messengers to a friend living nearby or far away, summon one or two from the spirits of Iasguarim, appoint them as your couriers, and entrust the secret to them, doubting nothing.

Let the letters be formed at will.

This is the prophecy of Nicolaus Basselius of Irbus, S. Episc., which he saw in the Spirit. And he said: Thus says the Lord to the shepherds of the churches: Soon you will perish, because a very great calamity will scatter your broad dominion and will spatter all Europe. Woe to the Ishmaelites, who break the covenants of the tabernacle, because through envy and recklessness they seize the pastures. Behold, the dominion that you have will be broken unless you hasten to fuller repentance; and you will be handed over to be torn apart. Alas, the whole Church has been spattered with the worst morals; hypocrisy has invaded its ministers. Flee, do not look back; you will be laid waste, and you will be dragged by dogs; they will spatter the whole earth with blood. Seek repentance, inhabitants of the earth. Young Benjamin will experience disturbances. Woe to the inhabitants of Genesareth, which is Europe, because on account of the multitude of their sins they will perish under the hands of the Bulgarians. Here ends the prophecy of Nicol., bishop, [unclear], 12 Kalends of May.

When the person to whom they are sent has received any letters whatsoever marked beforehand with the sign of Iasguarim, let him, being skilled in the art, do everything prescribed according to the art, observe the order of the planets, and write what must be written. And when the conjuration written above has been said, as soon as the sent spirits have appeared, let him say to the first among them: Chamerusin othriel arnotiel solais elty. Naeles proy vear sato cralnoti, penason. When these words have been said, the spirit, at once approaching, will faithfully and calmly reveal the message entrusted to him.

Let the letters be formed at pleasure.

This is the prophecy of Nicolaus Basselius, Bishop of Irbuia, which he saw in the Spirit. And he said: Thus says the Lord to the shepherds of the churches: Soon you will perish, because a very great calamity will scatter your broad dominion and will besprinkle all Europe. Woe to the Ishmaelites, who break the treaties of the tabernacle, because through envy and rashness they seize the pastures. Behold, the dominion that you have will be broken, unless you quickly show greater patience; you will be handed over to be torn apart. This whole Church has been besprinkled with the worst morals; pretense has prevailed among its ministers. Flee, do not look back; you will be laid waste, and that region will be dragged by dogs; they will besprinkle the whole earth with blood. You seek the patience of the inhabitants of the earth. Little Benjamin will experience disturbances. Woe to the inhabitants of Gennesaret, which is Europe, because on account of the multitude of their sins they will perish beneath the hands of the Bulgarians. Here ends the prophet Nicolaus, bishop. 12 Kalends of May.

When the one to whom they are sent, being skilled in the art, has received letters of whatever kind marked beforehand with the sign of Lasguarim, let him do everything that is prescribed according to the art, and let him observe the order of the planets and write what must be written. And when the conjuration written above has been spoken, immediately, when the spirits sent have appeared, let him say to the first among them: Chamerusin othriel atnotiel solais elty. Naeles proy veat fato cralnoti, penafon. When these words have been spoken, the spirit, approaching at once, will faithfully and peaceably reveal the message entrusted to him.

CHAPTER

THE SECOND BOOK.

CHAPTER XXIII.

Whose hour is called Aalacho, and whose supreme angel is called Emperor Dardariel; he has under his command dukes, counts, and many spirits.

The eleventh hour of the night is called Aalacho, and its supreme emperor of spirits is called Dardariel, having under his command many most powerful princes and dukes, who preside over counts and almost infinite ministerial spirits. These dukes are exceedingly benevolent, cheerful, and pleasant, and they delight in associating with human beings; and they are most obedient to those operators who have been well instructed in the art. And note that the number of these dukes is infinite, because the air, once penetrated, is filled with them, and they cannot be counted. Solomon Hermes says, and we have experienced, that among the dukes, counts, and ministerial spirits of Dardariel there are many good, useful, and most honorable spirits, who always desire to benefit human beings, always exhorting them by a certain invisible teaching toward the good, toward honorableness, peace, concord, integrity of faith, love of God, observance of his commandments, contempt of the world, desire for supreme blessedness, and every good. These are good and most holy spirits, who love, venerate, and possess God, who delight to be with holy and God-fearing human beings, because they have been appointed by God, the Creator of all things, as their protectors.

Others, however, are evil and most pestilential apostates from God, enemies of all good things, who continually tempt mortals and lie in wait for human beings. And whatever the good spirits establish for the honor of God, these always strive to destroy and revoke. The air is full of these malignant spirits; they run and roam invisibly among human beings, always inciting them to evil, and they drag the unwary with them to hell. Through these evil spirits of Dardariel there are countless acts of sorcery, not only among Christians but also among unbelievers; and they especially deceive petty women more ready for malice. And whoever wishes to devote himself to acts of sorcery through them will be, in evil things, powerful above all other sorcerers and worthy of eternal fire. But we, who seek to teach not evil but good...

THE SECOND BOOK.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the most gentle savior of our souls, promised us the happiness of eternal consolation, if we always observe his commandments with a pure heart. Therefore, dearest brother, carefully keep the commandments of God and of the holy rule, because unless you preserve inviolate until death all the things that almighty God has commanded you, you will perish by eternal death. For this reason I have handed down to you the form and law of religious and holy conduct. Take care, then, diligently, lest through the desire of love you give your heart to any mortal creature to possess, because no one comes to those highest joys unless he despises the world for God’s sake. Therefore again through this letter of mine I exhort you, as a dearest friend, to observe for yourself the admonitions I have made. For I consider myself happy when I have written something good, especially at this time, for edification concerning the manner of living well, by which you may always become better. For this reason I now write to you again for your good, because I fear your danger no less than my own. But I pray: always be watchful, advancing daily in the fear of God, living innocently, harming no one, and persevering entirely in a holy purpose. Do not put your trust in time, fortune, or age, because they are nothing, unless we are. Truly I love you sincerely in Christ Jesus, praying that he himself may arrange that I also am beloved by you, and that although I am absent from you in body, I may always be present in spirit. Therefore, since I continually remember you in my prayers, I earnestly beg you not to forget me. Farewell. The twelfth day before the Kalends of May, in the year 1500.

CHAPTER XXIV.

WHOSE HOUR IS CALLED XEPHAN, AND its supreme angel and emperor is called Sarandiel, having under him princes, leaders, counts, and many servants.

The twelfth hour of the night, which borders on dawn, is called Xephan, and its angel is named Sarandiel. He has under his command many spirits, good and bad: princes, leaders, counts, and ministerials, who are appointed to various operations, the good to good things and the bad to bad things. These princes, as Hermes the Hebrew, who is called Solomon, says in the fourth book On the Offices of Spirits, often appear in the form in which the Devil is read to have appeared to Eve, having one beautiful head like that of a maiden, with hair hanging down on both sides,

but two serpentine bodies, which nevertheless they always veil and hide beneath certain coverings or leaves, so that they may not be seen. In face, however, they are very beautiful, benevolent, and pleasant, and most ready and cheerful for every obedience to the operator.

R. R. R. R.

Adoniel Marachy Hardiel 10 20 00 20 10 Damaisiel Chabrion Nefrias 10 20 00 20 10 Ambriel Nestoriel IrmanotX 10 20 00 20 10 Meriel Zachriel Gerthiel 10 20 00 20 10 Denaryx Naueriel Dromiel 10 20 00 20 10 Emarion Damery Ladorix 10 20 00 20 10 Kabriel Namael Melanis 10 20 00 20 10

Here now we have, from the good spirits of Sarandiel, fourteen leaders and seven counts, with their many servants, who are sufficient for us in the twelfth hour of the night for every operation. Therefore, when you wish to operate through them in the last hour of the night, carefully observe and do everything that we have prescribed, and afterward say the conjuration.

Conjuration.

[unclear]

Sarandiel marso porno ioniel schendiel iano Nati chilprest iosaschar meon prissi dyon volayr penason. When the charm has been spoken, the summoned spirits will immediately stand by, prepared for all things.

The Constitution for Announcing a Secret.

When you see the spirits standing before you in a strange form, let them not frighten you, because they are good and benevolent, harming no one; and, lest they terrify anyone, they almost always hide their monstrous form, appearing with a very beautiful face. Entrust securely whatever you wish your friend to know in the hour of the night.

Let the letters be formed as it pleases.

O wretched man, and truly pitiable, why do you not attend to the instability of all temporal things? And why do you not think that you will die soon? Remember what the first man deserved because he violated the commandment. Would that, as Balaam wished, our soul might die the death of the righteous, so that, despising present pleasures and the vain honors of the world, we may be immaculate, keeping ourselves from every sin. But we do not care, until at last the dreadful bonds of death fall upon us forever. I consider that man happy who has thought these things beforehand [unclear]

The Second Book.

137

... keeps these things in mind. Therefore, O man, cast away the world, as the Son of God did, and consider what evils pursue us from love of it. For it brings many dangers upon us; and since it is damnable to its lovers, it is rightly despised. Truly the lover of the world is worthy of eternal death. What profit is that world to you, miserable man? When it is loved, it flees; while it is present, it passes away; when it raises up, it casts down; when it flatters, it deceives; when it blooms, it withers; when it sends forth its lovers, it sends them on to everlasting miseries. In the year 1512, on the Kalends of May.

When the letters have been received and the sign of the principal Spirit recognized, let one skilled in the art do what is customarily to be done. Then, when the conjuration written above has been spoken according to the art, the Spirits will appear, faithfully revealing what was entrusted to them.

Chapter XXV

In which we shall teach the general manner and form of approaching this art of Steganography, and of operating in it without danger and with the greatest usefulness.

Whoever desires to approach the hidden knowledge of this art of ours, whoever wishes to work marvels through it, useful to many dangers, must first be adorned with virtues, with a clean conscience and good will toward God, himself, and his neighbor, so that he is not inclined to harm anyone, nor seeks dealings of baseness. Next, he must necessarily be somewhat imbued with the good literary arts, and especially with the science of the stars, so that he knows the general motions, courses, movements, changes, orders, natures, positions, risings, settings, and effects of the stars, signs, and planets; for without competent knowledge of these things no one can have access to the depths of this art. Consequently, he must have a teacher perfect and experienced in the art, because we believe it possible to come to this knowledge without a teacher only for a few, and those most learned in many things, and especially skilled in magical matters. The teacher, however, must be not only proven and experienced in knowledge, but also faithful; for the purer he has been with God in good conduct, the safer he will be in the operation of this knowledge. For the Spirits obey virtues.

118 Steganography

Therefore, when someone is about to approach this art, let the teacher receive him and lead him into some secret and clean place. Let the time be tranquil and serene, and the moon complete in opposition, with the sun shining clearly; and let Mercury be in the ascendant, joined to Venus or Jupiter if possible; and let Saturn and Mars be remote, because if both or either of them is with the ascendant, the instruction will not be perfect. First, he will swear this oath in the art:

I, N., swear and promise, by the power of almighty God, by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the resurrection of the dead and the last judgment, and by the salvation of my soul in the holy Catholic faith, to almighty God, to the blessed Virgin Mary, to all the Saints, and to you, N., that I will faithfully keep this art of Steganography hidden for all the days of my life, nor will I teach it to anyone without your will and consent. Moreover, by the same power I swear and promise that I will not use this knowledge against God and his commandments, nor against the holy Roman and universal Church or its ministers, nor against justice and equity. So may God help me, and so may he save me at the last judgment.

Then let the teacher read the following conjuration in the mystical language, and let him interpret it, and all the conjurations contained in this work, before the disciple, so that he may not suspect that anything diabolical, superstitious, or contrary to God, or any pact with demons, implicitly or explicitly, is in any way latently hidden there.

BOOK TWO.

General Conjuration to be said by the Master before access to the art.

Mesari cosmeniel archea sameor citas. Dricho mesayr vsionoes veso tureas. Abritibies nafelion pyrnochybryn ormon. Gernali myrbeuo lianfaucaofayr. Rhymano auc iapion nospiel fascuo rhaony. Naty thirpolian ionayrehuleor nefris. Mistriona nayr dauosiyuamo turmy. Pleon nomeato turias brefnenaefphon. Adionsayrcairos chyrosfry asckyan ermy. Otyellayrromays theory naias atreno. Aliar mealco trijna vseori iesafchor. Bias pailon raue my fear astro penason.

And after the master of this art has explained to his disciple the conjuration, order, and sequence of all the spirits, let him disclose to him the most secret mysteries of this knowledge, which have not been written and must not be written. Under the oath already sworn, he shall forbid him to reveal them to anyone as long as he lives, except to worthy persons sworn in the art, nor shall he write them down in any manner or for any reason. Then let him teach him the natures, names, places, numbers, offices, and properties of all the Spirits appointed to this art: how, when, and where one must work through them, and the remaining secrets that pertain to the perfection of this art, concerning which nothing is to be written.

HERE ENDS THE SECOND BOOK OF THE STEGANOGRAPHY of Johannes Trithemius, Abbot of Sponheim, on the 12th day before the Kalends of May, in the year of the Lord 1500.

140 STEGANOGRAPHY

HERE BEGINS THE THIRD BOOK OF THE STEGANOGRAPHY OF JOHANNES TRITHEMIUS, ABBOT OF SPONHEIM, TO THE MOST SERENE Prince, Lord Philipp, Count Palatine of the Rhine, Duke of Bavaria, and Prince-Elector of the Holy Empire.

PREFACE.

After, with the aid of our Lord Jesus Christ, savior of faithful souls, we completed the first two books of our art, in which I have described our Steganography as best I could, we must join this third book to them, and add things still more wonderful to wonderful aids. I found in a certain book by an ancient philosopher, who is called Menastor, that it is possible by a certain art to make known the thought of our mind to a friend, however far absent, within twenty-four hours, without words, without books, and without a messenger, most perfectly, most fully, and most secretly.

Since I was driven by an extremely strong desire to know, I began to wish to test the truth of these sayings; and after many labors I finally found the knowledge itself, proved by experience. The secret of this art is very great and wrapped in such obscurities that it is not easily accessible to anyone. For Menastor enclosed the mystery in exceedingly obscure and few words, and used such powers that it might remain secret, so that after him no one has yet been found who has dared to make his discourse clearer by any instruction. But I, fearing lest it come into the hands of the unskilled, or finally be burned in the fire, since I have now long tested it by many proofs, have wished to commit it to writing in rather clearer letters, so that, with God’s help, it may become somewhat accessible to learned men and to those most devoted to magical studies; and yet at all times remain hidden from unskilled Rapophagi, and in no way become known to their dull understanding.

Menastor said: There are seven planets, over which seven Angels preside; and subject to them are twenty-one spirits, through whom secrets are announced. Let us set out their names by means of a table. Mansion.

Book Three. 141

R. R. Dwellings of the spirits with the planets: vr. M. L. n. c.

G. Roth. Sadiel 1 675 663 651 H. Oriffiel Poniel 2 700 688 676 Morifiel 3 725 713 701 Floriel 1 575 563 551 Moon. Zachariel Ariel 2 600 588 576 Raphael 3 625 613 601 Amael 1 475 463 451 Leo. Samael Asmael 2 500 488 496 Nebiel 3 525 513 501 Laniel 1 375 363 351 Pasael 2 400 388 376 Sun. Michael Vanriel 3 425 413 401 Zabdiel 1 275 263 251 Sacmiel 2 300 288 276 Pisces. Anael Adoniel 3 325 313 301 Carmiel 1 175 163 151 Raphael Nabeyel 2 200 188 176 Pathiel 3 225 213 201 Remasiel 1 75 63 51 Aquarius. Gabriel Tespiel 2 100 88 76 Theoriel 3 125 113 101

Roth. Schw. R. S. Aniel 4 Wenasor 631 20 642 639 H. Saturnus Schamaro 627 20 638 646 Li Kraluotes Thubrays 626 20 650 634 Ymarona Tzatzraym 628 20 639 S J Yli

142 Steganography

These are the seven angels of the planets according to the tradition of the ancient sages. Each of them governs the world for 354 years and four months in his own order. Orifiel is the angel of Saturn, who from the beginning of creation governed the world for 354 years and 4 months. Afterward came Venus, then Jupiter, after him Mercury, and then Mars, afterward the Moon, and last the Sun. Each one is described as having held dominion over the world for 354 years and 4 months with his angel written for him in the common table. Thus the sages say that at the time of the Flood Samael, the angel of Mars, served in the power of rule; Gabriel, the angel of the Moon, at the time of the confusion of tongues; and Michael, the angel of the Sun, at the time of Israel’s departure from Egypt. And indeed, if anyone gives credence to the aforesaid assertion, he will easily be able by himself, from the origin of the world down to his own age, to reckon the changes of times and the government of the angels in the prescribed order. But we, pursuing those matters that are useful for our purpose, have no doubt that there are 21 other spirits subject to the aforesaid seven angels of the planets, that is, three to each one, according to the instruction of this art of ours; through them we bring about the effect of our intention. We shall observe the customary order of the planets, beginning from Saturn, the highest of all, down to the Moon: first writing out the operation of each principal angel, and then the service beneath him, and joining the chapters in order.

Chapter I.

On Orifiel, the First and Supreme Angel of Saturn, and on the operations that are performed through him.

Saturn, the planet highest and supreme of all, slow in motion by nature, cold because remote, difficult, heavy, is moved by its own natural motion from the point of its beginning 650 years to the point of its first station, remaining 30 months in any given sign, 626. Its first and supreme angel, according to the opinion of the ancients, is called Orifiel. He has under him three other principal spirits, namely Sadael, Poniel, and Morisiel, concerning whom we shall speak in their own place and order. Through this Orifiel, the great angel of Saturn, many and diverse operations are performed in Steganography. Through him we can

we can make known the secret of our mind to a friend skilled in the art, wherever he may be, by letters, if one pleases, or even without letters, and do many other wondrous things which no one else will understand if he is unskilled in this science of ours. Therefore, anyone wishing to perform some operation in Steganography through this angel, especially on the day of Saturn and in those matters, business, and causes that pertain to Saturn, must first know its various and diverse motions: namely, pure, proper, straight, retrograde, and confused. And in all these things he must know not only the general rules handed down by the astronomers, which, although they are very useful for this science of ours, nevertheless are not wholly sufficient, but also the particular rules.

Therefore, with the tables and rules concerning the motions of the planets presupposed as a foundation, which anyone working in this art must know thoroughly, we have added special rules and little tables of punctual motions throughout the individual chapters of this work; without observing them no one will be able to operate in this art. And note that the day of each planet is divided into four equal parts. The principal angel of that planet holds the first part, that is, the first three unequal hours; and his substitutes receive the remaining three parts in order.

For example: on the day of Saturn, Orifiel, its first angel, possesses the three unequal hours from sunrise, which are called planetary hours; Sadael, his first angel, possesses the second three; Poniel, the second, holds the third; and Morisiel, Orifiel’s third angel, holds the fourth three hours. Under the first three hours of the day, both of Saturn and of the other stars, one must operate in matters appropriated to Saturn through Orifiel; under the second, through Sadael; under the third, through Poniel; and under the last three, through Morisiel. And all operations, according to the motion of Saturn, receive either a prosperous effect or a weak one. But now let us set down the punctual table.

Punctual table.

R. Saturn.

713 24 632 664 744 R.664 709 744

R. 642

642 685 639 18 633 093 643 096 S.B.X. 692 657 690 065 691 674 692 21 698 672 993 667 696 671 69 18 720 654 707 656 710 671 17 666 722 670 921 671 710 23 10 712 713 T.X. 710 681 708 700 721 685 714 683 725 19 715 682 721 689 714 684 696 R. R. R. T. Middle

Once the mean motion of Saturn on the second day, degree, and hour has been learned from the common tables, you should know that first of all it must be carefully observed whether it is direct or retrograde; pure, proper, mixed, or confused. But you will not find this in the common tables. Therefore we have arranged the preceding table, in which you will be able to find the point of the beginning and end of its motion at any hour, with the degrees occurring together divided into particles of minutes. That is, for each minute it is to be divided into two, three, or four hourly parts, according to the proportion of pure or confused motion, that is, with the conjunction and separation of the other planets observed.

For it is impossible for you to be able to arrive at the effect of this art either through the stars or through the spirits of the stars, unless, once the punctual motion has been known and most diligently observed, you know how to order your operations precisely according to the proper qualities of the planets. For in the different degrees, signs, days, hours, minutes, seconds, and fourths of the planets, the effects, with respect to this science, vary in different ways. For in each degree we have observed and found twenty-five different changes; hence it seemed necessary to us to divide each degree into the same number of principal parts.

This division, however, does not apply through all the degrees, but only in those in which an operation is performed for signifying to absent persons everything that we wish, by the service of spirits and without letters, as we shall say. The first quarter of the day or night always serves in these things that pertain to the operation of Saturn and its beginning; the second serves for the second three hours, the third for the third, and the fourth for the fourth. Then we have set beneath this the punctual order of the motion of Saturn itself in ascending, namely when it is in one of the first four signs, which are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer. Concerning the remaining eight signs we shall also arrange the following table.

BOOK THREE. 41. First table. G. R. G. R. G. R. G. R. {8.3 = †.6. = 700 747 69 639 693 16 689 650 716 642 696 639 697 634 722 633 685 638 696 24 721 23 25 642 †691 642 †714

632 25 18 Book G. 21 S43. G. 21 700 634 692 †† R. 691 663 21 673 681† R. 668 696 18 † G. 692 674 684 671 24 668 675 666 658 T Table

148 STEGANOGRAPHIA Table. 7. nr S. R. G. ) (R. . 13 | | | | 673 ~* } { 710 672 663 706 668 717 667 665 725 675 723 660 665 714 674 718 20 24 708 668 R. 671 24 671 721 675 659 717 21 714 674 23 667 24 [unclear] 633 709 671 715 . 19 X. S. R. | { } { } { }

                    18              663
                668                         717
                667                         710
                664                          20
                658                           O.
            16.SR. 19.
            640 } G.            22               14.
            642 } ~*             R. Gem.G.         mR.
            633 } S.~             R.                 694            17
            23 ( G.~         696            67[unclear]S.
            647 )   722.        { R. 24      <R>. 672    l.
            642 |     12           684                     699            659
            635 } J.             700                   696          <S.~<G>
            20       7.S           691                       682
            345. G.   72          J. 696                         69.G.
            639 }              684                        718
            632 }               ~*-(R.                    725
            634 | S.~                  S.                 <Δ>X..
            633 ( R.~         S.45.R.          68[unclear]S..l.
            23 )   724        { R.717      634
            636 } J.             S.635    <S.G.>.     3.
            635 )   717          646                     693 X..
            646 )
                710
                649