33
It chanced that even now the brass-workers Were smearing me with pitch on breast and back. A breastplate modelled by the mimic's art Hung round me ludicrous. It was beat out Merely to take th' impression of my bronze. But I beheld a crowd approaching. Two Pale, screaming, quibbling, verbal prize-fighters, One Damis and the other-
33
Drop the iambics, there's a good fellow. I know whom you mean. But tell me this, whether they have already joined battle.
33
Not yet. They were still skirmishing and attacking each other from afar with the javelins of abuse.
33
What is there left for us to do now, deities, but bend down and listen to them? So let the Hours draw the bolt immediately and chase away the clouds and throw open the gates of heaven.
34
Heavens, what a crowd has gathered to hear them! But I am not very well satisfied with Timokles himself; he is trembling with confusion. He will ruin everything this day. Evidently he will not be able to stand against Damis. However, let us do what in us lies and pray for him. "Silence on our side, that Damis, at least, may not hear us."
35
What is this you say, Damis, you looter of temples? That the gods do not exist or exercise providence for men?
35
That is what I say; but do you first answer me, and state what reason you have for believing in their existence.
35
I will not, you wretch. You answer me.
35
I will not. Answer yourself.
35
So far our man has been far more successfully and loudly abusive. That's right, Timokles, pour on the abuse. Your strength lies there, since in other lines he stops your mouth and makes you dumb as a fish.
35
By Heaven, I will not answer you first if I know it.
35
Then put your question, for you beat me that time by swearing. But spare abusive language, if you please.
36
Very well. Tell me, then, is it your opinion, accursed wretch, that the gods exert no providence?
36
They do not.
36
What, is the universe, then, not the result of design?
36
It is not.
36
And did no god arrange the whole superintendence of things either?
36
No.
