LXXVII. 1. Now as to robes: those of Isis [are]

variegated in their dyes, for her power [is] connected with matters producing all things and receiving [all] — light darkness, day night, fu-e water, life death, be^nning end ; while the [robe] of Osiris has neither shade nor variegation, but one single [property] — the light-like,^ for the Source is pure and the First and Intelligible unmixed.
2. Wherefore when they have once and once only received this [robe],^ they treasure it away and keep it from all eyes and hands ; whereas they use those of Isis on many occasions.
3. For it is by use that the things which are sensible and ready to hand, present many unfoldings and views of themselves as they change now one way now another ;
1 Plat, PhcBdr., 261 B.
* Reading viipiitf'fii.
* rh ^trrofiS^f . Cf. the better-known term rh mibyo§iUs, * ray-like" {augoeides),
* Premimably in the initiation sTmbolifing the inyestitare with the Robe of Glory.
362 THRICE-QREATEST HKRinES
whereas the intelligence of the Intelligible and Fore and Single, shining through the soul, like lightning- flash, once and once only perchance allows [us] to contact and behold [It].
4. For which cause both Plato ^ and Aristotle call this part of philosophy "epoptic,"^ from the fact that they who transcend by the reason (logos) these mixed and multiform things of opinion, are raised unto that Primal [One], Simple and Matter-less, and [so] contact- ing in its singleness the pure truth concerning It, they think philosophy has as it were [its] perfect end.