15
Evidently someone anticipated Plato in comprehending this before he did, and for that reason dedicated to the god an E as a demonstration and symbol of the number of all the elements.
15
Furthermore, observing that the Good displays itself under five categories, Cf. ibid. 66 a-c. of which the first is moderation, the second due proportion, the third the mind, the fourth the sciences and arts and the true opinions that have to do with the soul, and the fifth any pleasure that is pure and unalloyed with pain, at this point he leaves off, thus suggesting the Orphic verseOrphic Fragments, no. 14. Bring to an end the current of song in the sixth generation.
16
Following upon all this that has been said to you, I continued, I shall sing one short verse Ibid. no. 334; quoted again by Plutarch in Moralia, 636 d. for Nicander and his friends, men of sagacity. On the sixth day of the new month, namely, when the prophetic priestess is conducted down to the Prytaneum, the first of your three sortitions is for five, she casting three and you casting two, each with reference to the other.The Greek text is at this point somewhat uncertain. Is not this actually so?
16
Yes, said Nicander, but the reason must not be told to others.
16
Then, said I, smiling, until such time as we become holy men, and God grants us to know the truth, this also shall be added to what may be said on behalf of the Five.
16
Thus, as I remember, the tale of arithmetical and of mathematical laudations of E came to an end.
