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 — John Shaqi
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
and is remarkably tall; and the height and opacity of the willow, are
perfectly beautiful, being now in the vigour of its vegetation, and, on
this account, filling all the place with the most agreeable odour. Add
too, that a most pleasant fountain of extreme cool water flows under
the plane-tree, as may be inferred from its effect on our feet, and
which appears to be sacred to certain Nymphs, and to Achelous, from the
virgins and statues with which it is adorned.”
On this very beautiful passage, Hermes comments as follows: The
Athenians established a temple of Rural Diana, because this Goddess is
the inspective guardian of every thing rural, and represses every thing
rustic and uncultivated. But the altars and temples of the Gods signify
their allotments; as you may also call this mundane body, or apparent
solar orb, the altar and temple of the sun, and of the soul of the sun.
With respect to the fable, a two-fold solution may be given of it; one
from history, more ethical, but the other transferring us to wholes.
And the former of these is as follows: Orithya was the daughter of
Erectheus, and the priestess of Boreas; for each of the winds has a
presiding deity, which the telestic art, or the art pertaining to
sacred mysteries, religiously cultivates. To this Orithya, then,
the God was so very propitious, that he sent the north wind for the
safety of the country; and besides this, he is said to have assisted
the Athenians in their naval battles. Orithya, therefore, becoming
enthusiastic, being possessed by her proper God Boreas, and no longer
energizing as a human being (for animals cease to energize according to
their own peculiarities when possessed by superior causes) died under
the inspiring influence, and thus was said to have been ravished by
Boreas. And this is the more ethical explanation of the fable.