36. But you will perhaps say
that these allegories are not found in the whole body of the
story, but that some parts are written so as to be understood by all,
while others have a double meaning, and are veiled in ambiguity.
That is refined subtlety, and can be seen through by the dullest.
For because it is very difficult for you to transpose, reverse, and
divert to other meanings all that has been said, you choose out
some things which suit your purpose, and by means of these you strive
to maintain that false and spurious versions were thrown about the
truth which is under them.4511
| 4511 Lit.,
“were placed above the interior truth.” |
But yet, supposing that we should
grant to you that it is just as you say, how do you know, or whence do
you
learn, which part of the story is written without any double
meaning,
4512
| 4512
Lit., “with simple senses.” |
which, on the
other hand, has been covered with jarring and alien senses? For
it may be that what you believe to be so
4513
| 4513
i.e., involved in obscurity. |
is otherwise, that what you believe to
be otherwise
4514
| 4514
i.e., free from ambiguity. |
has been
produced with different, and
even opposite modes of
expression. For where, in a consistent whole, one part is said to
be written allegorically, the other in plain and trustworthy language,
while there is no sign in the thing itself to point out the difference
between what is said ambiguously and what is said simply, that which is
simple may as well be thought to have a double meaning, as what has
been written ambiguously be believed to be wrapt in obscurity.
4515
| 4515 Lit.,
“of shut-off obscurities.” |
But,
indeed, we confess that we do not understand at all by whom
this
4516
| 4516 The
reference is to the words in the middle of the chapter, “how do
you know which part is simple?” etc.; Arnobius now saying that he
does not see how this can be known. |
is either done,
or can be believed to be possible.
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