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ξὺν νῷ. On ξύν see IV 424 E note

συντόνως ζῶντι: according to the motto (ἁπλοῦς καὶ) ἀτενής (VIII 547 E). συντόνως ζητοῦντι, which Herwerden conjectured, appears in q and Flor. U: but the reading of A is far more characteristic and significant.

619B - 620D Many were the instances of hasty and foolish choosing: and many the changes resulting both from choice and from the action of the lot. He who is ever faithful to the life of true philosophy, and whose lot does not fall out among the last, will be happy throughout all time. The spectacle was indeed one fitted to move pity, smiles, and wonder. In most cases, the souls chose in conformity with their previous lives—Orpheus, for example, selecting the life of a swan, Ajax that of a lion, and so on. It chanced that Odysseus had drawn the last lot of all, and after long search he found and joyously laid hold of the peaceful life of a private individual, for he was wearied of all his labours. There were changes from beasts to men, and from men to beasts, and every form of permutation.

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