A Dissertation on the Philosophy of Aristotle

Although eternal truth provides the light of the mind in just proportion to the sun's rays, most of our race never behold its light, bound fast in the cave of Matter, involved in darkness. Only a few, emerging from that den, can distinctly see its brightest splendor. This noble few were found in Greece of old, whose names mankind celebrates with just applause. See! Like some god descended from the skies, PYTHAGORAS stands as the foremost of the wise; celestial beauties shine in his person, his manners are modest, and his life is divine. See! Like some oracle, inspired by Heaven, his breast is fired with more than mortal wisdom, while to his harp he sings of his former fate, the soul's transitions, and her eternal state. He discovered much in the realms of mind and soared from sense with unconfined vigor.