knowledge; but reflecting again on the space of time during which I would have to linger over those branches of learning, I was not able to endure longer procrastination. In my helpless condition it occurred to me to have a meeting with the Platonists, for their fame was great. I thereupon spent as much of my time as possible with one who had lately settled in our city,194—a sagacious man, holding a high position among the Platonists,—and I progressed, and made the greatest improvements daily. And the perception of immaterial things quite overpowered me, and the contemplation of ideas furnished my mind with wings,195 so that in a little while I supposed that I had become wise; and such was my stu- pidity, I expected forthwith to look upon God, for this is the end of Plato’s philosophy. 194 Either Flavia Neapolis is indicated, or Ephesus.—Otto. 195 Narrating his progress in the study of Platonic philosophy, he elegantly employs this trite phrase of Pla- to’s.—Otto. 523 Chapter II.—Justin describes his studies in philosophy.