Part I The Life and Philosophy of Hierocles

1 The Life of Hierocles

2 The Philosophy of Hierocles

3 Providence, Fate, and Free Will

Part II Translation of the Commentary on the Golden Verses of the Pythagoreans

The so-called ‘Golden’ Pythagorean Verses, containing an elementary exposition of the most perfect philosophy of the Pythagoreans 1

The Commentary of Hierocles the Philosopher on the Pythagorean Verses 1

I Honour first the immortal gods, as established by law (I)

II And respect the oath (2)

III then revere the glorious heroes (2)

IV And [revere] the earth-dwelling daemons, performing lawful offerings. (3)

V Honour your parents also and your nearest kin. (4)

VI Of others make your friend whoever excels in virtue. (5)

VII Yield to gentle words and beneficent deeds, And condemn not your friend for a trivial fault, As long as you can; for ability dwells near necessity. (6–8)

VIII The above things know in this way. And accustom yourself to control: First of all, the belly, sleep, and lust, And spirit. (9–11)

IX Never do anything shameful with another Nor when alone; most of all before yourself be ashamed. (11–12)

X Next accustom yourself to practise justice in deed and word, And in nothing to behave irrationally. But know that to die has been destined for all, And that possessions are wont to be acquired at one time and lost at another. (13–16)

XI As many pains as mortals have by heaven-sent fortunes, Bear lightly your portion of these and be not distressed. You may seek to cure them, as far as you can, but keep in mind: Destiny does not give too many of these to the good. (17–20)

XII Many words, both base and noble, come to men’s ears; Do not be perplexed by these nor allow them To hinder you; and if some falsehood be told, Gently withdraw. (21–4)

XIII In everything do as I tell you! Let no one persuade you by word or by deed To do or say what does not prove better for you. (24–6)

XIV Take counsel before the deed, so that no foolishness may arise; It is a miserable man who acts and speaks thoughtlessly. But accomplish those things that will not distress you later on. (27–9)

XV Do no single thing in which you lack knowledge, but learn Whatever is necessary, and so you will lead a most agreeable life. (30–1)

XVI And you must not be careless of the health of your body, But maintain moderation in drink and food and exercise; The moderation I mean will cause you no distress. (32–4)

XVII Accustom yourself to a manner of life that is pure, unaffected, And take care not to practise what leads to envy. Do not spend beyond measure like one ignorant of the good, Nor be illiberal—moderation in all things is best! (35-8)

XVIII Do what does you no harm, and take thought before the deed. (39)

XIX Let not your feeble eyes expect to sleep Until you have rehearsed each of the day’s deeds three times: ’Where have I transgressed? what have I done? what duty not fulfilled?’ Beginning from the first go through them in detail, and then, Rebuke yourself for the mean things you have done, but delight in the good. (40–4)

XX Work hard at these [precepts], put them to practice; you must desire them. They shall set you on the path of divine virtue; I swear by him who gave our soul the tetractys, The fount of everflowing nature! (45–8)

XXI But go to your work, Having prayed to the gods to perfect it. (48–9)

XXII Master these [precepts], And you will know the connection of immortal gods and mortal men, How it pervades each thing, and how each is ruled. (49-51)

XXIII You will know, as is meet and right, the likeness of nature in all, So that you do not hope what cannot be hoped nor fail in your awareness. (52–3)

XXIV You will know that men have freely chosen their troubles, Wretches, who neither discern the goods that are close by Nor give them heed; few understand deliverance from evils. Such is the fate that harms their minds: like cylinders They are borne here and there, to one thing and another, suffering endless troubles. For baneful discord follows along, secretly working its harm, Innate in us; you must not advance it, but withdraw and flee. (54-60)

XXV Father Zeus, from many evils you would surely deliver all men, If you would show to all what sort of daemon they have. But be of good courage, since the race of mortals is divine; To them sacred nature displays and reveals each thing. If you have a share in this, you will master my commands, Find a cure, and save your soul from sufferings like these. (61-6)

XXVI But avoid the foods of which we spoke, in purifications And in the deliverance of the soul being judicious, and ponder each thing, Setting on high most excellent knowledge as your charioteer. (67-9)

XXVII And when, with the body deserted, you have reached the free ether, You will be a deathless god, immortal, no longer a mortal. (70-1)

Part III Translation of On Providence

Codex 214

Codex 251