This translation of the FIRST BOOK of the “_Lemegeton_” which is now for the first time made accessible to students of TALISMANIC MAGIC was done, after careful collation and edition, from numerous _Ancient Manuscripts_ in _Hebrew_, _Latin_, and _French_, by G. H. _Fra._ D.D.C.F., by the order of the _Secret Chief_ of the _Rosicrucian Order_.[1] The G. H. _Fra._, having succumbed unhappily to the assaults of the _Four Great Princes_ (acting notably under Martial influences), it seemed expedient that the work should be brought to its conclusion by another hand. The investigation of a competent Skryer into the house of our unhappy _Fra._, confirmed this divination; neither our _Fra._ nor his _Hermetic Mul._ were there seen; but only the terrible shapes of the evil _Adepts_ S.V.A.[2] and H., whose original bodies having been sequestered by Justice, were no longer of use to them. On this we stayed no longer Our Hand; but withdrawing Ourselves, and consulting the Rota, and the Books M. and Q. did decide to ask Mr. Aleister Crowley, a poet, and skilled student of _Magical Lore_, and an expert _Kabbalist_, to complete openly that which had been begun in secret.[3] This is that which is written: “His Bishoprick let another take.” And again: “_Oculi Tetragammaton_.” This is also that which is said: “Nomen Secundum refertur ad _Gebhurah_; qui est _Rex Bittul_ atque Corruptio _Achurajim Patris et Matris_ hoc indigitatur.” And so saying we wish you well. _Ex Deo Nascimur._ _In Jesu Morimur._ _Per S.S. Reviviscimus._ Given forth from our Mountain of A., this day of C.C. 1903 A. D. Footnote 1: _Mr. A. E. Waite_ writes (“_Real History Of The Rosicrucians_,” p. 426): “I beg leave to warn my readers that all persons who proclaim themselves to be _Rosicrucians_ are simply members of pseudo-fraternities, and that there is that difference between their assertion and the fact of the case in which the essence of a lie consists!” It is within the _Editor’s_ personal knowledge that Mr. Waite was (and still is probably) a member of a society claiming to be the R.C. fraternity. As _Mr. Waite_ constantly hints in his writing that he is in touch with initiated centres, I think the _syllogism_, whose premises are given above, is fair, if not quite formal.—ED. Footnote 2: It was owing to our _Fra._ receiving this S.V.A. as his Superior, and giving up the _Arcana_ of our _Fraternity_ into so unhallowed a power, that We decided no longer to leave Our dignity and authority in the hands of one who could be thus easily imposed upon. (For by a childish and easy magical trick did S.V.A. persuade D.D.C.F. of that lie.) Footnote 3: He that is appointed to complete in secret that which had been begun openly is R.R., and to be heard of at the care of the Editor. PRELIMINARY INVOCATION.