Opening On the God of Socrates — Apuleius in Plato Scroll…
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Apuleius · Thomas Taylor
Plato gives a triple division to the whole nature of things, and especially to that part of it which pertains to animals; and he likewise is of opinion, that there are Gods in the highest, in the middle, and in the lowest place of the universe. Understand, however, that this division is not only derived from local separation, but also from dignity of nature, which is itself distinguished not by one or two, but by many modes. Nevertheless, it will be more manifest to begin from the distribution of place; for this order assigns the heavens to the immortal Gods, conformably to what their majesty demands. And of these celestial Gods, some we apprehend by the sight, but others we investigate by intellect; and by the sight, indeed, we perceive - . . . Ye, the world’s most refulgent lights, Who through the heavens conduct the gliding year. We do not, however, only perceive by the eyes those …
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