Chapter XVII.—Questions Propounded.

Then I set forth my purpose from the beginning, and how I had spent myself upon difficult questions, and all the things that I disclosed to you at the outset, so that I need not write the same things again.  Then I said, “I hold myself in readiness to journey with you; for this, I know not how, I gladly wish.  However, I wish first to be convinced concerning the truth, that I may know whether the soul is mortal or immortal; and whether, if it is eternal, it is to be judged concerning the things which it hath done here.  Also, whether there is anything that is righteous and well-pleasing to God; and whether the world was made, and for what end it was made; and whether it shall be dissolved; and if it shall be dissolved, whether it shall be made better, or shall not be at all.”  And not to mention them in detail, I said that I wished to learn these things, and things consequent upon these.  And to this he answered:  “I shall shortly convey to you, O Clement, the knowledge of the things that are; and even now listen.