It is necessary therefore, from the before-mentioned axioms, since there is one unity the principle of the whole of things, and from which every hyparxis derives its subsistence, that this unity should produce from itself, prior to all other things, a multitude characterized by unity, and a number most allied to its cause. For if every other cause constitutes a progeny similar to itself prior to that which is dissimilar, much more must _the one_ unfold into light after this manner things posterior to itself, since it is beyond similitude, and _the one itself_ must produce according to _union_ things which primarily proceed from it. For how can _the one_ give subsistence to its progeny except unically? For nature generates things secondary to itself physically, soul psychically, and intellect intellectually. _The one_ therefore is the cause of the whole of things according to union, and the progression from _the one_ is uniform. But if that which primarily produces all things is _the one_, and the progression from it is unical, it is certainly necessary that the multitude thence produced should be self-perfect unities, most allied to their producing cause. Farther still, if every monad constitutes a number adapted to itself, as was before demonstrated, by a much greater priority must _the one_ generate a number of this kind. For in the progression of things, that which is produced is frequently dissimilar to its producing cause, through the dominion of difference: for such are the last of things, and which are far distant from their proper principles. But the first number, and which is connascent with _the one_, is uniform, ineffable, superessential, and perfectly similar to its cause. For in the first causes, neither does difference intervening separate from the generator the things begotten, and transfer them into another order, nor does the motion of the cause effecting a remission of power, produce into dissimilitude and indefiniteness the generation of the whole of things; but the cause of all things being unically raised above all motion and division, has established about itself a divine number, and has united it to its own simplicity. _The one_ therefore prior to beings has given subsistence to the unities of beings.