Page:The Golden verses of Pythagoras (IA cu31924026681076).pdf/215

 behests of the soul. He regarded its preservation as a part of the purgative virtue.

The philosopher, firm in his principle of juste milieu, wished that his disciples should avoid excess in all things, and that they should not draw attention to themselves by an unusual way of living. It was a widespread opinion among the ancients, that envy, shameful for the one who felt it and dangerous for the one who inspired it, had fatal consequences for both. For envy is attached to all that tends to distinguish men too ostensibly. Thus, notwithstanding all that has been published of the extraordinary rules and severe abstinences that Pythagoras imposed upon his disciples and that he made them observe, it appears indubitable that they were only established after his death, and that his interpreters, being deceived regarding the mysterious meaning of these symbols, take in the literal sense, what he had said in the figurative. The philosopher blamed only the excess, and permitted besides, a moderate usage of all the foods to which men were accustomed. Even the beans, for which his disciples later conceived so much abhorrence, were eaten frequently. He did not forbid absolutely either wine, or meat, or even fish, whatever may have been asserted at different times ; though, indeed, those of his disciples who aspired to the highest perfection abstained from themə; he represented drunkenness and intemperance