Still there are many things which are quite strange to me, and yet as they come before me make me feel as if I had seen or known them long ago." "I have felt something like that," said Antinous.

"Can our souls have ever lived in other bodies, and sometimes recall the impressions made in that former existence?
"Favorinus once told me that some great philosopher, Plato, I think, asserts that before we are born our souls are wafted about in the firmament that they may contemplate the earth on which they are destined subsequently to dwell.

Favorinus says too--" "Favorinus!" cried Hadrian, evasively.

"That graceful elocutionist has plenty of skill in giving new and captivating forms to the thoughts of the great philosophers; but he has not been able to surprise the secret of his own soul--besides, he talks too much, and he cannot dispense with the excitement of life." "Still you have recognized the phenomenon, but you disapprove of Favorinus' explanation of it ?" "Yes, for I have met men and things as old acquaintances which never saw the light till long after I was born.

Possibly my own interpretation may not adapt itself to the consciousness of all--but in myself, I know for certain, there dwells a mysterious something which stirs and works in me independently of myself, which enters into me, and takes its departure at its will.