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For it is not only from the myths of men and women, and of those burdened with cares, that one must abstain—the old-wives' tales original: "graôdeis mythous" — a common philosophical idiom for trivial or superstitious stories—but also from those who dare to speak off-the-cuff, simply for the sake of pleasure and delight. For if someone does not first understand a matter, how might they share it with another? On the contrary, these things are merely nonsense and twaddle from certain foolish and babbling people; they are empty and vain. They form opinions original: "doxazousi" — to hold an opinion based on appearance rather than certain knowledge and speak foreign words. Indeed, it says "of men," but speaks of "women."
Do not be a woman. Do not walk in nonsense original: "lêrobatein" — to speak or act like a fool. For what is this pretext of wisdom original: "sophias" — spiritual and philosophical insight? It is as if one were not someone. Where and why is it not like a rhythm, set to song? But there are also melodies from the wise, which we have deemed worthy of certain serious men.
And indeed, my dance In the Neoplatonic tradition used by Synesius, "dance" often refers to the orderly movement of the soul or the celestial spheres and that prophetic number original: "mantikos arithmos" — likely a reference to Pythagorean numerology or the mathematical order of the cosmos used in divination that bound [the soul]. As if through imitations, they pour out a gift of fruit for you. Nor is my use [of this]...
☉ For you will not marvel thus at how you were prepared, so that you might not speak of other things with the tongue. Or let it be the earth. O, you who devise [schemes] everywhere, do not be unmusical. There are three things existing through another. For women and ... your health will be preserved. And the child in marriage. Likewise, to imitate. And quickly to talk nonsense. Since they are unable for you. So that we might urge you on. So that I may understand your things.
And let it not be that you are more unmusical than your wisdom. For Samuel A reference to the biblical Prophet Samuel, often used in Byzantine commentary as a model of the "listening" soul or the true seer [took] this, as I am amazed by the intensity of the spectator's brow. He who dares [to speak] the speechless to you ... or through a portion [of fate] toward ignorance on the ground.
The hardness [of the soul] is being hammered out original: "sphyrokopeitai" — a striking metaphor comparing the discipline of the soul or the intellect to the work of a blacksmith beating hot metal into shape.