The Complete Works of the Divine Plato

original: "Π Λ Α Τ Ω" PLATO

Such is the habit, such is the adornment of this philosophy. Whenever it wanders outside the gardens of the Academy, it not only loses its perfumes and flowers but also—O, the wickedness!—it often falls among robbers. Having lost the insignia of its priesthood and gravity, it wanders everywhere naked and, as it were, profane; it appears so deformed that it no longer pleases its familiars Apollo Phoebus Apollo, the god of light, music, and prophecy. and Mercury The god of eloquence and messages., nor is it approved by its grandfather Jove Jupiter, the king of the gods. or its mother Minerva The goddess of wisdom.. However, by following maternal counsel and retreating immediately within the walls and gardens of the Academy, it resumes its ancient glory; there, as if in its own fatherland, it rests most contentedly. For this reason, O Platonic Lorenzo, it is a joy to join with you in exhaling all those who desire both learning and living well toward the Platonic Academy.

For here, young men will attain moral precepts even while joking, and the diligence of debating even while playing, in a manner both quite pleasant and easy. Here, men will thoroughly learn the discipline of both household management and public affairs. Here, old men will hope for eternal life in place of mortal life. In the gardens of the Academy, poets will hear Apollo singing under the laurels. In the vestibule of the Academy, orators will watch Mercury declaiming. In the portico and the hall, jurists and governors of cities will listen to Jove himself ordaining laws, dictating rights, and governing empires. Finally, in the innermost sanctuaries, philosophers will recognize their own Saturn In Renaissance thought, Saturn was associated with deep, melancholy contemplation and the most profound secrets of the universe., the contemplator of celestial secrets. Everywhere, priests and overseers of sacred matters will find weapons with which to strenuously protect piety against the impious. Hither, therefore—hither, I pray—approach all you who cultivate the liberal disciplines, for here you shall obtain them and the freedom of life alike. Hither, finally, let all those run together who are inflamed by a perpetual ardor for attaining truth and achieving happiness; here, by God's favor, you shall attain truth according to your desire, and happiness.

But meanwhile, you must be warned not to rashly pass judgment on Platonic—or rather, divine—matters, but to judge with a long and fair examination. Do not exercise a biting censorship against those who, far from all envy, remain vigilant and labor for you. Instead, look with favor upon a pious author; favor also the translator, who has consulted the common utility of all to the best of his strength, not only through the translation of words but through the explanation of meanings. I pray you, do not cruelly pursue and oppress this ancient and healthful doctrine—alas, oppressed for too long already, but recently coming into the light through divine providence—lest perhaps mortal man should wish to see lost in vain that which Almighty God wishes to live everywhere. For "the right hand of the Lord has done valiantly; the right hand of the Lord has now exalted it; it shall not die, but live, and shall declare the works of the Lord." A paraphrase of Psalm 118:16-17, applied here to the "resurrection" of Plato's works.

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