44. Wherefore, if you are
assured that in the lofty palaces of heaven there dwells, there is,
that multitude of deities whom you specify, you should make your stand
on one proposition,4077
| 4077
Lit., “it is fitting that you stand in the limits of,”
etc. |
and not, divided by different and
inconsistent opinions,
destroy belief in the very things which you
seek
to establish. If there is a Janus, let Janus be; if a Bacchus,
let Bacchus be; if a Summanus,
4078
| 4078
i.e., Summus Manium, Pluto. |
let Summanus be: for this is to
confide, this to hold, to be settled in the
knowledge of something
ascertained, not to say after the manner of the blind and erring, The
Novensiles are the Muses, in truth they are the Trebian gods, nay,
their number is nine, or rather, they are the protectors of cities
which have been overthrown; and bring so important matters into this
danger, that while you remove some, and put others in their place, it
may well be doubted of them all if they anywhere
exist.
E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
