The six books of Proclus, the Platonic successor, on the theology of Plato (vol. 2 of 2) : $b translated from the Greek, to which a seventh book is added, in order to supply the deficiency of another book on this subject, which was written by Proclus, but since lost, also, a translation from the Greek of Proclus' Elements of theology, to which are added a translation of the treatise of Proclus, On providence and fate, a translation of extracts from his treatise, entitled, Ten doubts concerning p
Plato · en
In the first place, then, I shall present the reader with what Plato
says in the Phædrus of Boreas and Orithya, the Centaurs, Chimæras,
Gorgons, Pegasuses, Typhons, Achelous, and the Nymphs, accompanied
with the elucidations of Ammonius Hermeas. “Phædr. Inform me, Socrates,
whether this is not the place in which Boreas is reported to have
ravished Orithya from Ilissus. Soc. It is reported so indeed. Phædr.
Was it not just here then? for the brooks hereabouts appear to be
grateful to the view, pure and transparent, and very well adapted to
the sports of virgins. Soc. It was not, but two or three stadia lower
down, where we meet with the temple of Diana, and in that very place
there is a certain altar sacred to Boreas. Phædr. I did not perfectly
know this. But tell me by Jupiter, Socrates, are you persuaded that
this fabulous narration is true? Soc. If I should not believe in it,
as is the case with the wise, I should not be absurd: and afterwards,
speaking sophistically, I should say that the wind Boreas hurled from
the neighbouring rocks Orithya, sporting with Pharmacia; and that she
dying in consequence of this, was said to have been ravished by Boreas,
or from the hill of Mars. There is also another report, that she was
not ravished from this place, but from that. But for my own part,
Phædrus, I consider interpretations of this kind as pleasant enough,
but at the same time, as the province of a man vehemently curious
and laborious, and not entirely happy; and this for no other reason,
than because after such an explanation, it is necessary for him to
correct the shape of the Centaurs, and Chimæra. And besides this, a
crowd of Gorgons and Pegasuses will pour upon him for an exposition
of this kind, and of certain other prodigious natures, immense both
in multitude and novelty. All which, if any one, not believing in
their literal meaning, should draw to a probable sense, employing for
this purpose a certain rustic wisdom, he will stand in need of most
abundant leisure. With respect to myself, indeed, I have not leisure
for such an undertaking; and this because I am not yet able, according
to the Delphic precept, to know myself. But it appears to me to be
ridiculous, while I am yet ignorant of this, to speculate things
foreign from the knowledge of myself. Hence, bidding farewell to these,
and being persuaded in the opinion which I have just now mentioned
respecting them, I do not contemplate these, but myself, considering
whether I am not a wild beast, possessing more folds than Typhon,
and far more raging and fierce; or whether I am a more mild and
simple animal, naturally participating of a certain divine and modest
condition. But are we not, my friend, in the midst of our discourse
arrived at our destined seat? And is not yonder the oak to which you
were to lead us? Phædr. That indeed is it. Soc. By Juno, a beautiful
retreat. For the plane-tree very widely spreads its shady branches,