|
THE
SYMPOSIUM
by Plato
Our original nature was by no means the same as it is now. There was a kind composed of
both sexes and sharing equally in male and female. The form of each person was round all
over; each had four arms, and legs to match these, and two faces perfectly alike. The
creature walked upright, and whenever it started running fast, it went like our acrobats,
whirling over and over with legs stuck out straight, swiftly round and round.
Now they were so lofty in their notions that they even conspired against the gods. Thereat
Zeus and the other gods were perplexed; for they felt they could not slay them, nor could
they endure such sinful rioting. Then Zeus said "Methinks I can contrive that men
shall give over their iniquity through a lessening of their strength." So saying, he
sliced each human being in two. Now when our first form had been cut in two, each half in
longing for his fellow would come to it again; and then would they fling their arms about
each other and in mutual embraces yearn to be grafted together. Thus anciently is mutual
love ingrained in mankind.
Well, when one happens on his own particular half, the two of them are wondrously thrilled
with affection and intimacy and love, and are hardly to be induced to leave each other's
side for a single moment. These are they who continue together throughout life. No one
could imagine this to be the mere amorous connection: obviously the soul of each is
wishing for something else that it cannot express. Suppose that Hephaestus should ask
"Do you desire to be joined in the closest possible union, that so long as you live,
the pair of you, being as one, may share a single life?" Each would unreservedly deem
that he had been offered just what he was yearning for all the time.
The craving and pursuit of that entirety is called Love. If we make friends with the god
and are reconciled, we shall have the fortune that falls to few in our day of discovering
our proper favorites. Love is the god who brings this about; he fully deserves our hymns.
If we will supply the gods with reverent duty, he will restore us to our ancient life and
heal and help us into the happiness of the blest.
|
|
|
|
Personalized Ribbon
Decorate favors, accent bridal party gifts, tie
balloons or bouquets, even place a strip along reception
tabletops. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Personalized Beverage Napkins
17
napkin colors, 8 motifs, 3 type fonts, and 9 ink colors. For
a limited time, choose from three seasonal-theme motifs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
monthly
