On the Mysteries

They were returning to the city, walking slowly and lingeringly, when a discussion arose concerning God, which was not out of place given the sacrifice. Then, by chance, Iamblichus, his mind occupied and distracted during the debate, his voice seemingly cut short, and his eyes fixed for some time on the ground and motionless, looked toward his companions and exclaimed, "We must take another path, for a corpse is being carried out not far from here." And with the word, he turned his journey elsewhere, choosing a path that seemed purer. Some turned aside with him, those who felt it shameful to abandon their teacher. The majority, however, and those of a more stubborn nature—among whom was Aedesius—continued on the path they had started, attributing the matter to the man's vanity and superstition, and followed the tracks like dogs hunting for game. Not long after, they encountered the pallbearers who had buried the dead man. Not even then did they abandon their initial plan, but asked if they had come that way earlier. The bearers replied that it was necessary, as there was no other road to take.

They offered a testimony more divine and even more incredible than that one regarding his keen senses, for they thought that perhaps his sight was merely less sharp or that he possessed a superior sense of smell, and they wanted to put it to the test in a greater matter. Iamblichus said to them that this was not situated within his own will, but occurred when the opportunity of time offered itself. Some time later, it pleased everyone to go at a set time of year to Gadara, a place of hot springs in Syria, which ranks second after Baiae in the Roman Empire; no other hot baths can compare to them. There, while he was bathing, and the others were also attending to their washing, a discussion arose regarding the baths. Iamblichus smiled and said, "Although I am prevented by religious vow or taboo from revealing these things, it will be done for your sake." At the same time, he ordered his disciples to inquire from the local people what names had been given long ago to two of the smaller hot springs, which were more elegant and charming than the others. After they had done as ordered, they said, "There is no evasion; one is called Love, and the other, to the god of lovers, Anteros."

original: "φον, βάδιζεν δὲ σχολαίως φερόντες·..." (The text here follows the Greek manuscript of the time, describing the walk and the interruption of his speech when he perceives the funeral procession. The translation aligns with the Latin account provided in the left column, noting his supernatural foreknowledge of the passing of the dead.)

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