The philosophical and mathematical commentaries of Proclus on the first book of Euclid's elements (Vol. 1 of 2) : $b To which are added, A history of the restoration of Platonic theology, by the latter Platonists: And a translation from the Greek of Proclus's Theological elementsProclus
Philosophy
The philosophical and mathematical commentaries of Proclus on the first book of Euclid's elements (Vol. 1 of 2) : $b To which are added, A history of the restoration of Platonic theology, by the latter Platonists: And a translation from the Greek of Proclus's Theological elements
Proclus
Euclid. Elements; Platonists
Again, the god who is worshipped by the Adrotteni, did not less
conspicuously evince his great familiarity with this friend of the
gods; for, more than once, the god benevolently presented himself to
the sight of Proclus, frequenting his temple. And when he was doubtful,
and wished to know what god or gods resided and were worshipped in
that place, because the inhabitants were of different opinions in
this affair, some believing that the temple of Esculapius was there,
persuaded of this by various signs, as voices are certainly said to
be heard in that place, and a table is consecrated to the gods, and
oracles are given concerning the recovery of health, and those who
approach are miraculously delivered from the most grievous dangers
of life. Others, on the contrary, think that the Dioscuri reside in
that place, because there have been those who saw in the way tending
towards Adrotta, two young men of the most beautiful form, and riding
with great celerity on horseback; at the same time declaring, that
they hastened to the temple. They add besides, that the countenance of
these was indeed human, but that they immediately gave evidence of a
more divine presence; for when the men were arrived at the temple, the
above mentioned youths appeared to them, making no enquiry concerning
the affair, and occupied in the sacred concerns; but presently after,
withdrew themselves from their sight. As the philosopher, therefore,
was in doubt concerning these divinities, and did not discredit the
relations, having requested the gods who inhabited that place, that
they would condescend to manifest who they were; a god appeared to him
in a dream, and clearly spoke to him as follows: _What! Hast thou not
heard of Jamblichus teaching concerning, and celebrating those two,
Machaon and Podalirius?_ And besides this, the god condescended to
afford so great an instance of benevolence to this blessed man, that
he stood after the manner of those who bestow encomiums on others in
the theatres, and with a clear voice, and composed habit, extending his
right hand, did not hesitate to exclaim, (that I may relate the words
of the god,) _Proclus the ornament of the city_. And what could
possibly be a greater testimony of this blessed man’s friendship with
divinity? But he, indeed, in consequence of a most remarkable sympathy,
by which he was united with the gods, could never refrain from tears
when he mentioned this affair to us, and related the divine encomium of
himself.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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