[1] i.e. a cyclical number, such as 6, which is equal to the sum of its divisors 1, 2, 3, so that when the circle or time represented by 6 is completed, the lesser times or rotations represented by 1, 2, 3 are also completed.
[2] Probably the numbers 3, 4, 5, 6 of which the three first = the sides of the Pythagorean triangle. The terms will then be 33, 43, 53, which together = 63 = 216.
[3] Or the first a square which is 100 × 100 = 10,000. The whole number will then be 17,500 = a square of 100, and an oblong of 100 by 75.
[4] Reading προμήκη δέ.
[5] Or, ‘consisting of two numbers squared upon irrational diameters,’ &c. = 100. For other explanations of the passage see [Introduction].
Yes, and we may assume that they answer truly.
Why, yes, I said, of course they answer truly; how can the Muses speak falsely?
[B] And what do the Muses say next?
Then discord arose and individual took the place of common property. When discord arose, then the two races were drawn different ways: the iron and brass fell to acquiring money and land and houses and gold and silver; but the gold and silver races, not wanting money but having the true riches in their own nature, inclined towards virtue and the ancient order of things. There was a battle between them, and at last they agreed to distribute their land and houses among [C]individual owners; and they enslaved their friends and maintainers, whom they had formerly protected in the condition of freemen, and made of them subjects and servants; and 252 they themselves were engaged in war and in keeping a watch against them.
I believe that you have rightly conceived the origin of the change.