18
So much for men; and now, if you wish, I shall pass to fire and that reprehensible theft! In the name of the gods answer me this question without any hesitation; have we lost any fire since men have had it too? You can’t say that we have. The nature of that possession is such, I suppose, that it is not diminished if anyone else takes some of it, for it does not go out when a light is procured from it. But surely it is downright stinginess to prevent things from being shared with those who need them when it does you no harm to share them. Inasmuch as you are gods, you ought to be kindly and bestowers of blessings Od, 8, 325. and to stand aloof from all stinginess. In this case even if I had filched all your fire and taken it down to earth without leaving a bit of it behind, I should not be guilty of any great wrong-doing against you, for you yourselves have no need of it, as you do not get cold and do not cook your ambrosia and do not require artificial light.
19
On the other hand, men are obliged to use fire, not only for other purposes but above all for the sacrifices, in order that they may be able “to fill the ways with savour” and to burn incense and consume meat on the altars. Indeed, I notice that you all take particular pleasure in the smoke and think it the most delightful of banquets when the savour comes up to heaven curling about the smoke. Iliad1, 317. This criticism, therefore, is directly opposed to your own desire. I wonder, moreover, that you haven’t prevented the sun from shining on men, for he is fire too, and of a far more divine and ardent sort. Do you find fault with him for dissipating your property? I have said my say. Now then, Hermes and Hephaestus, if you think I have said anything wrong take me to task and confute me, and I will plead in reply.
