The Dissertations of Maximus Tyrius

For if Plato, who was the most eloquent of all men—even when compared with Homer himself—is not sufficiently understood by everyone regarding what he says about divinity, and there are those who must inquire of others what Plato’s opinion was on this subject—if this be the case, he who possesses only a small portion of intellect will scarcely dare to engage in this investigation.

Unless we wish to imitate the conduct of one who would procure necessary drink for a thirsty person, not from a pure and abundant fountain that is present—a fountain most pleasant to the sight, most sweet to the taste, and most prolific for nutrition—but from a weak fountain, in no respect to be compared with the former. It is as they say the owl is affected: its eyes are darkened by the sun, yet it searches for the light of a fire in the night. For he who, upon perusing the writings of Plato, requires another mode of expression, or to whom the light proceeding from those writings appears obscure and lacking in clear splendor, such a person will never see the sun when it rises, nor the mild radiance of the moon, nor Hesperus when it sets, nor Lucifer anticipating the morning light.

But let us stop a little: for I now nearly perceive...