The Mystical Hymns of Orpheus - Platonic Philosophy

ADDITIONAL NOTES. 169
triad lo ; connectedly contains the three fathers ; and comprehends
on all sides the vivification of Juno. Hence, at
the same time that this goddess - gives animation to the
universe, he also, together with other Gods, gives subsistence
to souls. Very properly therefore do we say that the
demiurgus in the Timgeus is the mighty Jupiter. For he it
is who produces mundane intellects and souls, who adorns
all bodies with figures and numbers, and inserts in them one
union, and an indissoluble friendship and bond. For Night
also, in Orpheus, advises Jupiter to employ things of this
kind in the fabrication of the universe.
i. e. But when your power arouud the whole has spread
A strong coercive bond.-
The proximate bond indeed of mundane natures is that
which subsists through analogy ; but the more perfect bond
is derived from intellect and soul. Hence Timzus calls the
communion of the elements through analogy, and the in-
dissoluble union from life, a bond. For he says, animals
were generated bound with animated bonds. But a more
venerable bond than these subsists from the dttmiurgic will.
"For my will (says Jupiter in the Timaeus) is a greater and
more principal bond, &c."
Firmly adhering therefore to this conception respecting
the mighty Jupiter, vie. that he is the demiurgus and father
of the universe, that he is an all-perfect imparticipablell
intellect, and that he fills all things both with other goods,
and with life, let us survey how from names Socrates
unfolds the mystic truth concerning this divinity. Timzus
then says that it is difficult to know the essence of the
10 For the Saturnian triad belongs to that order of Gods which is called
supermundane, and which immediately subsists after the intellectual order ;
so that the Jupiter who ranks at the summit of this triad is different from
and inferior to the demiurgus.
11 That is, he is not an intellect consubsistent with soul.