Bannatyne Club > Discoverie and historie of the gold mynes in Scotland

Ixxiij'. per ounce. Thus the gredines of lucre forceth sometimes artists
and pregnant witts to attempt unlawfull actions, not respecting what
may ensue ; but soe longe as they doe only turne the said base gold or
silver into trifBing things, requisite to be worne or used, and sell it
accordingly to his worth, all is tollerated, and hee or they often be-
cometli rich thereby. But if not therewith content he or they will
presume to counterfeit the King's Majestie's coyne, although he make
it never so exactly and cunningly, yett therein is he farr over seene,
untill att last he be caught in the unlawfull action ; and therefore
often it falleth out that such doe stretch the soveraigne tree of Ti-
burina. Some againe reade much the old authors, observing thereby
be don [by] sufferance, but not what ought to be don lawfully wnthout
reproofe. Some study Philosophy, and thereby attaine to great know-
ledge and wisdome ; and some practice alcumists with toUeration,
5. and thereby becometh rich, &c. Fiftly, There be sondry men which
would faine be rich by a small adventure, or with a light purse, who
doth not confesse that the best gotten goods of earthly riches are
counted to be had out of mynes, meneralls, and menerall stones, in
the earth. He that hath much, dcsii-es more ; he caunot rest till lie
becometh gi'eater then his equalls ; but then he deviseth how that
might so come to passe without disburstments of money, &c. Such a
one will never thrive by any sorts of mynes, meneralls, or menerall
stones, but may rather be compared unto a brute beast, called the catt,
bv whome it is written, that the catt loves the ffish, but shee loves not
to wett hir foote for it. And so I rest, and with leave ]>ur])ose to re-
joyne with that place where I left in my third preparation, (viz'.) How
men ought to doe if they desire to hunt, trace, or chase after mynes,
meneralls, or menerall stones.
4. Hee that would be a menerall man, (as I said before,) must provide
for artists and workemen ; yea, such as are stayed men, and judiciall.
And then forecasting to have for them severally implements, instru-