The Dissertations of Maximus Tyrius

what the peculiarity is of the present discourse; since it resembles the process of those who dig for metallic ores. For these miners, when they perforate the earth and dig up gold, have no accurate knowledge of the nature of the gold itself—that is the province of those who examine it by fire. I indeed assimilate the first acquaintance with the writings of Plato to the discovery of crude gold. That which follows requires another art, which, by examining what is received and purifying it by reason as if by fire, is then able to use the pure and tested gold. If, therefore, the vein of truth is manifest to us—magnificent and abundant—but we require another art for the purpose of examining what is received, let us invoke the assistance of this art in the present inquiry: what divinity is according to Plato.

If, then, this art, being gifted with speech, should ask us whether we are engaging in this investigation without believing that there is anything divine in nature, and without having any conception whatever of divinity? Or whether we accord with Plato, or—possessing certain peculiar opinions of our own—we conceive that he thought differently* on this subject? And let us suppose, upon confessing the latter to be the case, that this art should think fit to ask us what we assert the nature of divinity to be. What then shall we say God is, in reply? Shall we say that he has round shoulders, a dark...

* Maximus is not to be considered here as seriously asserting that he thought differently from Plato concerning God; for it is clear that he wishes to agree with him.