18. But some one on the
opposite side says, How do we know whether the theologians have written
what is certain and well known, or set forth a wanton fiction,4172
| 4172 So
all the edd., though Orelli approves of fictione (edd.
-em), which is, he says, the ms.
reading, “set forth with wanton fiction.” |
as they
thought and judged? That has nothing to do with the matter; nor
does the reasonableness of your argument depend upon
this,—whether the facts are as the writings of the theologians
state, or are otherwise and markedly different. For to us it is
enough to speak of things which come before the
public; and
we
need not inquire what is true, but
only confute and disprove
that which
lies open to all, and
which men’s thoughts have
generally received. But if they are
liars, declare yourselves
what is the
truth, and disclose the unassailable
mystery. And how
can it be done when the services of men of letters are set aside?
For what is there which can be said about the
immortal gods that has
not reached men’s thoughts from what has been written by men on
these subjects?
4173
| 4173
The ms. and earlier edd., with Hild. and
Oehler, read ex hominum de scriptis; LB. and Orelli
inserting his after de, as above. |
Or
can you relate anything yourselves about their rights and ceremonies,
which has not been
recorded in books, and made known by what
authors
have written? Or if you think these of no importance, let all the
books be
destroyed which have been composed about the gods for you by
theologians, pontiffs,
and even some
devoted to the study of
philosophy; nay, let us rather suppose that from the
foundation of the
world no man ever wrote
4174
| 4174
The ms. and both Roman edd. read
esse, which is clearly corrupt; for which LB. gives
scripsisse (misprinted scripse), as above. |
anything about the gods: we wish
to find out, and desire to know, whether you can mutter or murmur in
mentioning the gods,
4175
| 4175
i.e., “speak of them at all.” |
or conceive those in thought to whom no
idea
4176
| 4176
Lit., “an idea of no writing.” |
from any book
gave shape in your minds. But when it is clear that you have been
informed of their names and powers by the suggestions of
books,
4177
| 4177
Lit., “been informed by books suggesting to you,” etc. |
it is unjust
to deny the reliableness of these books by whose testimony and
authority you establish what you say.
E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
