1. Our herbs reveal their hue when steeped in water,
Long steeped to bring out all their strength in the brew.

2. And copper stays as black shadows so long
That it takes much scouring to scrape off the accrued.

3. The soul, that strange elixir, when mixed
With bodies, breeds powers no eye ever viewed.

4. An egg safely hides its secret a little while
Then out of the shell comes a chick or a brood.