The author, then pursuing his comment upon Plato, observes, that "one of
these manias may suffice (especially that which belongs to love) to lead
back the soul to its first divinity and happiness; but that there is
an intimate union with them all; and that the ordinary progress through
which the soul ascends is, primarily, through the musical; next, through
the telestic or mystic; thirdly, through the prophetic; and lastly,
through the enthusiasm of love."

While with a bewildered understanding and a reluctant attention I
listened to these intricate sublimities, my adviser closed the volume,
and said with complacency, "There is the motto for your book,--the
thesis for your theme."

"Davus sum, non Oedipus," said I, shaking my head, discontentedly.
"All this may be exceedingly fine, but, Heaven forgive me,--I don't
understand a word of it. The mysteries of your Rosicrucians, and your
fraternities, are mere child's play to the jargon of the Platonists."

"Yet, not till you rightly understand this passage, can you understand
the higher theories of the Rosicrucians, or of the still nobler
fraternities you speak of with so much levity."

"Oh, if that be the case, I give up in despair. Why not, since you are
so well versed in the matter, take the motto for a book of your own?"

"But if I have already composed a book with that thesis for its theme,
will you prepare it for the public?"

"With the greatest pleasure," said I,--alas, too rashly!