21. If souls continue to exist, how does the air contain them from
eternity?--But how does the earth contain the bodies of those who have
been buried from time so remote? For as here the mutation of these bodies
after a certain continuance, whatever it may be, and their dissolution
make room for other dead bodies, so the souls which are removed into the
air after subsisting for some time are transmuted and diffused, and
assume a fiery nature by being received into the seminal intelligence of
the universe, and in this way make room for the fresh souls which come to
dwell there. And this is the answer which a man might give on the
hypothesis of souls continuing to exist. But we must not only think of
the number of bodies which are thus buried, but also of the number of
animals which are daily eaten by us and the other animals. For what a
number is consumed, and thus in a manner buried in the bodies of those
who feed on them! And nevertheless this earth receives them by reason of
the changes [of these bodies] into blood, and the transformations into
the aerial or the fiery element.

What is the investigation into the truth in this matter? The division
into that which is material and that which is the cause of form [the
formal].

22. Do not be whirled about, but in every movement have respect to
justice, and on the occasion of every impression maintain the faculty of
comprehension [or understanding].

23. Everything harmonizes with me, which is harmonious to thee, O
Universe. Nothing for me is too early or too late, which is in due time
for thee. Everything is fruit to me which thy seasons bring, O Nature:
from thee are all things, in thee are all things, to thee all things
return. The poet says, Dear city of Cecrops; and wilt not thou say, Dear