43
You are boring us to extinction, Momus, with yout untimely eriticism.
44
Take care what you are doing, Damis, you miscreant! You are all but upsetting the very temples of the gods with your arguments, and their altars too.
44
Not all the altars, as far as I am concerned, Timocles; for what harm do they do if they are full of incense and sweet savour? But I should be glad to see the altars of Artemis among the’ Tauvians turned: completely upside down, those on which the maiden goddess used to enjoy such horrid feasts.
44
Where did he get this insufferable stuff that he is pouring out on us? He doesn’t spare any of the gods, but speaks out like a fishwife andTakes first one, then the other, the guiltless along with the guilty. Iliad 15, 137.
44
I tell you, Zeus, you'll find few that are guiltless among us, and possibly as he continues the man will soon fasten on a certain person of prominence.
45
Then can’t you even hear Zeus when he thunders, Damis, you god-fighter?
45
Why shouldn’t I hear thunder, Timocles? But whether it is Zeus that thunders or not, you no doubt know best, coming as you do from some place or other where the gods live! However, the people who come here from Crete tell us a different tale, that a grave is pointed out there with a tombstone standing upon it which proves that Zeus cannot thunder any more, as he has been dead this long time.
45
I knew far in advance that the fellow would say that. But why have you become so pale, Zeus, and why do you tremble till your teeth chatter? You should be bold and despise such mannikins.
45
What’s that you say, Momus? Despise them? don’t you see how many are listening, and how they have already been persuaded against us and he is leading them after him tethered by the ears?
45
But whenever you like, Zeus, you can let down a cord of gold and Sway them aloft, with the earth and the sea, too, into the bargain. Iliad8, 24.
46
Tell me, you scoundrel, have you ever made a voyage?
46
Yes, often, Timocles.
