Taylor - Eleusianian and Bacchic Mysteries.pdf - Platonic Philosophy

Bacchic Mysteries. 153ing in the mere operationsof nature. Proserpina, therefore, or the soul, at the veryinstant of her descent into matter, is, withthe utmost propriety, represented as eagerlyengaged in plucking this fatal flower ;forher faculties at this period are entirely occupied with a life divided about the fluctuating condition of bodyJAfter this, Pluto, forcing his passagethrough the earth, seizes on Proserpina,and carries her away with him, notwithstanding the resistance of Minerva andDiana. They, indeed, are forbid by Jupiter,who in this place signifies Fate, to attempther deliverance. By this resistance of Minerva and Diana no more is signified thanthat the lapse of the soul into a materialnature is contrary to the genuinewish andproper condition, as well of the corporeal lifedepending on her essence,as of her true andrational nature. Well, therefore, may thesoul, in such a situation, pathetically exclaimwith Proserpina :