Juppiter Tragoedus
Lucian of Samosata
Selections from Lucian. Smith, Emily James, translators. New York; Harper Brothers, 1892.
Timokles Very well. Tell me, then, is it your opinion, accursed wretch, that the gods exert no providence?
Damis They do not.
Timokles What, is the universe, then, not the result of design?
Damis It is not.
Timokles And did no god arrange the whole superintendence of things either?
Damis No.
Timokles But all things are borne along haphazard by an unreasoning current?
Damis Yes.
Timokles Now can you men endure to hear this and not stone the guilty wretch?
Damis Why do you stir up the audience against me, Timokles? And who are you to show anger in the gods' behalf when they are not angry themselves? At least they have not handled me roughly, though they have heard me for a long time, supposing they do hear.
Timokles They hear, Damis, they hear, and they will take vengeance on you some day.