is a finite element of existence, and (2) an infinite, and (3) the union of
the two, and (4) the cause of the union. More may be added if they are
wanted, but at present we can do without them. And first of the infinite
or indefinite:--That is the class which is denoted by the terms more or
less, and is always in a state of comparison. All words or ideas to which
the words 'gently,' 'extremely,' and other comparative expressions are
applied, fall under this class. The infinite would be no longer infinite,
if limited or reduced to measure by number and quantity. The opposite
class is the limited or finite, and includes all things which have number
and quantity. And there is a third class of generation into essence by the
union of the finite and infinite, in which the finite gives law to the
infinite;--under this are comprehended health, strength, temperate seasons,
harmony, beauty, and the like. The goddess of beauty saw the universal
wantonness of all things, and gave law and order to be the salvation of the
soul. But no effect can be generated without a cause, and therefore there
must be a fourth class, which is the cause of generation; for the cause or
agent is not the same as the patient or effect.

And now, having obtained our classes, we may determine in which our
conqueror life is to be placed: Clearly in the third or mixed class, in
which the finite gives law to the infinite. And in which is pleasure to
find a place? As clearly in the infinite or indefinite, which alone, as
Protarchus thinks (who seems to confuse the infinite with the superlative),
gives to pleasure the character of the absolute good. Yes, retorts
Socrates, and also to pain the character of absolute evil. And therefore
the infinite cannot be that which imparts to pleasure the nature of the
good. But where shall we place mind? That is a very serious and awful
question, which may be prefaced by another. Is mind or chance the lord of
the universe? All philosophers will say the first, and yet, perhaps, they
may be only magnifying themselves. And for this reason I should like to