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The base of the number with a fourth added (or which is 3:4),

multiplied by five and cubed, gives two harmonies:-the first a

square number, which is a hundred times the base (or a hundred

times a hundred); the second, an oblong, being a hundred squares

of the rational diameter of a figure the side of which is five,

subtracting one from each square or two perfect squares from all,

and adding a hundred cubes of three. This entire number is

geometrical and contains the rule or law of generation. When this

law is neglected marriages will be unpropitious; the inferior

offspring who are then born will in time become the rulers; the

State will decline, and education fall into decay; gymnastic will

be preferred to music, and the gold and silver and brass and iron

will form a chaotic mass-thus division will arise. Such is the

Muses' answer to our question.