Since it is usual with all men of sound understandings, to call on
divinity, when entering on any philosophic discussion, it is certainly
much more appropriate to do this in the consideration of that philosophy
which justly receives its denomination from the divine Pythagoras. For
as it derives its origin from the Gods, it cannot be apprehended without
their inspiring aid. To which we may also add, that the beauty and
magnitude of it so greatly surpasses human power, that it is impossible
to survey it by a sudden view; but then alone can any one gradually
collect some portion of this philosophy, when, the Gods being his
leaders, he quietly approaches to it. On all these accounts, therefore,
having invoked the Gods as our leaders, and converting both ourselves
and our discussion to them, we shall acquiesce in whatever they may
command us to do. We shall not, however, make any apology for this sect
having been neglected for a long time, nor for its being concealed by
foreign disciplines, and certain arcane symbols, nor for having been
obscured by false and spurious writings, nor for many other such-like
difficulties by which it has been impeded. For the will of the Gods is
sufficient for us, in conjunction with which it is possible to sustain
things still more arduous than these. But after the Gods, we shall unite
ourselves as to a leader, to the prince and father of this divine
philosophy; of whose origin and country we must rise a little higher in
our investigation.