An Enigmatic Man

Having studied, a few years ago, the science of Alchemy as written of by Le Compte de St Germain, I had not pondered the practice for awhile. (Compte is Count, in the French language).

Drinking alcoholic beverages is something I do from time to time as in much less often to keep my caloric intake low, keep my health preserved. Feeling a somewhat less "preservative" I headed to a  local store that could assist me.
There is a very cool guy who works there who is a fantastic conversationalist. (Hey Dylan!). He had pointed out a rather beautiful bottle, containing a pricey liqueur to me on a previous visit. It has a very beautiful bottle. Of course, a beautiful bottle is befitting the name. It's contents? Hmm.

Elderflower French liqueur. I thought about it. I went to the store to purchase the liqueur, promise the bottle to Dylan when it became empty.
This is less of a review of events or the liqueur, more of a renewed interest in the study of the life of Le Compte de St. Germain.
The count has been a mystery since the 1700s, possibly earlier. 
According to centuries old accounts of this man, he was born or is said to have been born around 1691 - 1710.
It has been speculated that Le Compte was of French Nobility, it has also been thought that he was an Alsatian Jew, equally unfounded that he was of the Habsburg Dynasty, protected from the enemies of the dynasty.
Whoever he was or equally was not, he was a very educated gentleman of wealth, intelligence, extraordinary abilities. When a friend had acquired jewels that were sold as perfect yet were found to be flawed? St Germain would take the gems home with him, returning them the next day, perfectly free of the flaws. Alchemy. It was also said of him that he was taken in, educated from the age of 4 years in Italy by the last of the Medicis.
Le Compte also spoke more languages, fluently, than anyone up to the date on which he displayed the knowledge by conversing with one whom no one else could understand. He played every instrument offered to him, eloquently. He also composed music right on the spot when it was requested of him. Fine, beautiful symphony music that had never been heard before by anyone.
These qualities plus many more made him a curiosity of all.
Curiouser
et
Curiouser
St. Germain was rarely seen to eat or drink much. Perhaps a few sips of tea or a couple spoons of porridge (oatmeal). He never ate nor drank much of anything. He was judged to be in excellent health, was a vigorous dancer, could sprint with exceeding speed. After running fast for several minutes, he was never out of breath.
He was found, at times in the company of the likes of Francois- Marie Arouet who was known by his nom de plume - Voltaire.
Voltaire was well known for his philosophical musing, writings, points of view. Also for being very witty. Infamously for his views on Christianity, most often criticizing The Catholic Church.
Voltaire dubbed Le Compte de St Germain: "The man who knows everything, eats nothing, never ages, never dies." 
There were so many declarations of who Germain was as well as exaggerated tales of him by people who never knew him, the lines were very blurry. The clear waters were muddled over then over again.
St. Germain was said to not age at all after the age of around 35 - 40 years. A woman of around 70 years of age, who had said that she had known St Germain when she was a girl of 10 years, when he appeared to be around 40, she exclaimed that he has never aged at all. When she approached him, asked him his secret, he told her he was around the age of 300 or 500 years, he said he had lost count.
This seemed to be true.
Since the 1700s, le Compte de St Germain has been believed to have died on several occasions, yet, no body was ever found. He has also turned up through out the years in various places in the world as recent as 2018. He will not outright say who he is. Not his name or his origin. He seems to have no spouses, no children, no address. 

Richard Chanfrey claimed to be St Germain. He was a good actor.
The man who knows everything, eats nothing, never dies. Still here.
The St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur?
It's very lightly sweet with a wild berry flavor combined with a citrus blend. It's 20% ABV which makes it pleasurable to sip very slowly. VERY SLOWLY. At home, alone, no driving until afternoon of the next day. I can be a bit wild, I always obey the law, mostly.
When I opened it, I poured it into a very fine long stemmed  Toscany Romanian hand blown crystal cordial. The crystal was lighter than the French liqueur by half. It seemed fitting to sample the delicate flavors in such a delicate, floral etched crystal work d'art.
The bottle will take some time to become empty. The promise will, as always, be kept kept. I take making & keeping vows very serious.