Apocryphon: a secret book

For myself, I always from my youth have endevoured to get the rarest secrets and book them, either in exchange or for money. I spared nor cost nor labour; where anything was worthy to be learned.

Whilst others have been at the Balloo, I have been at my book and am now past the craggy paths of study and am come to the flowery plains of honour and reputation.

Volpone (1605)

Abandon hope all ye who enter here