(1) † Harpokration to Caesar Augustus, greetings.

Since many in their lives have tried, august Caesar, to hand down many marvelous things, but none have been able to bring their promises to completion, owing to the darkness of fate pressing upon their thoughts, I think that I alone among the men of all time have accomplished something marvelous <and known to few>. (2) For having set my hand to matters which transcend the limits of mortal nature, I have, through many trials and dangers, brought to these matters the proper completion. (3) After I had practiced letters in the regions of Asia and had become better than everyone there, I determined to have profit from the knowledge for a time. (4) And having sailed to much-desired Alexandria with a great deal of money, I went around to the most accomplished of the scholars and because of my industry and quick wit I was praised by all. (5) But I also went continually to the lectures of the dialectical physicians, for I greatly desired this knowledge. (6) When it was time to return home, and as my medical studies were already duly progressing, I went around to the libraries searching out <the necessary material>. I found a book by Nechepso containing twenty-four remedies for the entire body and every disease, according to the zodiac, by means of stones and plants, and I was amazed at the wonders it promised. But it was, as it seems, the empty delusion of royal folly.