Harmony, then, to be attained by discipline, under religious sanctions, was the aim of Pythagoras' teaching. Believing, however, that only a limited number of persons were capable of such harmony, he selected his pupils with great care, and subjected them to a long novitiate, in which silence, self-examination, and absolute obedience played a prominent part. The aim of this was to enable them to overcome impulse, concentrate attention, and develop reverence, reflection, and thoughtfulness, the first conditions of all moral and intellectual excellence. While the first care was directed to their spiritual part, their bodies were by no means forgotten. Food, clothing, and exercise were all carefully regulated on hygienic and moral principles. Regarding the details of Pythagoras' educational system we are not well informed; but the spirit and tendency of it have been embalmed for us in the so-called _Golden Words_, which, if not due to the pen of Pythagoras himself, certainly reach back to very near his time, and contain nothing at variance with what we otherwise know of his teaching. We insert a literal version. THE GOLDEN WORDS. The Gods immortal, as by law disposed, First venerate, and reverence the oath: Then to the noble heroes, and the powers Beneath the earth, do homage with just rites. Thy parents honor and thy nearest kin, And from the rest choose friends on virtue's scale. To gentle words and kindly deeds give way, Nor hate thy friend for any slight offence. Bear all thou canst; for Can dwells nigh to Must. These things thus know. What follow learn to rule: The belly first, then sleep and lust and wrath. Do nothing base with others or alone: But most of all thyself in reverence hold. Then practise justice both in deed and word, Nor let thyself wax thoughtless about aught: But know that death's the common lot of all. Be not untimely wasteful of thy wealth, Like vulgar men, nor yet illiberal. In all things moderation answers best. Do things that profit thee: think ere thou act. Let never sleep thy drowsy eyelids greet, Till thou hast pondered each act of the day: "Wherein have I transgressed? What have I done? What duty shunned?"--beginning from the first, Unto the last. Then grieve and fear for what Was basely done; but in the good rejoice. These things perform; these meditate; these love. These in the path of godlike excellence Will place thee, yea, by Him who gave our souls The number Four, perennial nature's spring! But, ere thou act, crave from the gods success.