On the Mysteries

He thought nothing more fitting than that questions derived from the heart of philosophy should be debated before the PRESIDENT OF THE PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY the Royal Society. Iamblichus accepted that condition no less willingly; he had heard that no fairer judge could be given to YOU in a matter of RELIGION. I will not conceal that I approved of both their opinions; at the same time, I have praised the ease with which you grant audiences. Therefore, they come to YOU, most excellent man, our Greeks, happy and eager; partly, I believe, because accustomed to the palaces of kings, they hope that, with your favor, they will also come to know the British Court; partly because they have found in YOU an arbiter before whom they can explain their cause in their own words, which they believe matters a great deal. Yet an INTERPRETER comes along: for I thought it harsh to send men arriving from abroad without a companion. Therefore, I provided one, and a faithful one, I hope; for as philosophers, they did not much require a refined or elegant one. I also added certain NOTES, like a xenion gift given to a guest; I did not fear that Jupiter who avenges neglected guests, but rather YOU and your spirit, which shines far and wide to all for the performing of the duties of humanity. You see, meanwhile, most noble man, how much I allow myself regarding your indulgence, who dare to be obligated to YOU even on behalf of others. You will bear this ambition of mine, which seeks only that our Greeks may be able to boast of your patronage along with the philosophers of other nations. It remains for me to implore your protection for our NOTES and INTERPRETER. Truly, the most learned men complain that all things are full of vipers, that is, of detractors. I do not think I should ask to escape their bites. Perhaps that Cyprian Hilarion Saint Hilarion, who lived in the desert could dwell unharmed in a barrel of serpents. I was not born of the stock of the Marsi an ancient tribe reputed to be snake-charmers. Being exposed to such, I contend before YOU, our bulwark, that you allow your name to be inscribed on this book, which I have found to be salutary elsewhere. If I should have leisure, of which I am now most in need, I will apply the file to my writings; and indeed all the more willingly, since I have learned, as the most wise Aesop warns, that the file is of great use against the teeth of vipers.

London
1st of June, 1678.             To Your Honors
                                            Most devoted,
                                                    T. G.