Book Two

doubtful value, by this principal Steganographic Mode, we not only hide the secret text, but, if by some chance, the epistle comes into the hands of any other than him for whom it has been written, we preclude the possibility of such a one suspecting that there is any secret hidden therein; for he sees that, as far as the outer form is concerned, common topics are discussed. The same is not true of false speech, and much less is it true of all other Modes, however hidden and untraceable be the thread that binds the secret. For if a succession of strange characters, or of letters which convey no sense, be detected in an epistle, immediately the suspicion arises that there is some secret contained therein; whence it happens that such epistles are held back. Thus we see, in this matter of detail, the especial utility of Steganography,—a utility which cannot be found in the Polygraphic Modes. Then, again, we must here notice the more general characteristics of these Modes; for, the Steganographic Mode is first in dignity, but, in itself, more laborious, while the other is easier but artistically superior. Whence it is that Trithemius requires for the Steganographic Modes a persevering, zealous and practiced pupil, whereas in the Polygraphic Modes he extols the ease of the process; see Praefat. sub. tit. quae sunt utilit. But, you will say, if Steganography is so laborious, what possible value, especially in a time of need, can it have, or what good can it do men who are already busied in other ways. To which I make answer: granted that this method causes the novice some little labor; still, he who bends himself to the task, or is not wholly destitute of natural ability, will easily overcome the difficulty. Furthermore, a secret meaning is usually expressed, or may be expressed, in very few letters; whence the result, as a rule, that, the body being meager, the covering need not be great. So, if the thought be short, ’twill not cost you much labor to conceal it. Now I shall discuss these three Modes in the order in which I have advanced them. Thus, the whole of the Third Book will be whatever remains to be said of this Mode, as well as the second and third Modes, will be reserved for the Fourth Book. And I would have you note that, in the course of the detailed presentation there made, the method of procedure is somewhat different in the Fourth Book from what it is in the Third Book. For since in the Third Book I have undertaken the elucidation of the Books of Trithemius’s Steganographia, I have there, necessarily, also been obliged to have regard for Trithemius’s order of arrangement, and to connect the links of the chain according to precedent. But where I have been at liberty to advance with freer movements, I have made it my first care to bring everything down to the straight line.