Pythagoras.—Then you shall learn the science of numbers.
Customer.—Thank you, but I know how to count already.
Pythagoras.—How do you count?
Customer.—One, two, three, four——
Pythagoras.—Ha! what you call four is ten, and the perfect triangle, and the great oath by which we swear.
Customer.—Now, so help me, the great ten and four, I never heard more divine or more wonderful words!
Pythagoras.—And afterwards, stranger, you shall learn about Earth, and Air, and Water, and Fire—what is their action, and what their form, and what their motion.
Customer.—What! have Fire, Air, or Water bodily shape?
Pythagoras.—Surely they have; else, without form and shape, how could they move! Besides, you shall learn that the Deity consists in Number, Mind, and Harmony.
Customer.—What you say is really wonderful.