34
Upon my word, what a vast gathering! And I do not quite like the looks of Timocles; he is trembling; he has lost his head; he will spoil everything; it is perfectly plain, he will not be able to stand up to Damis. Well, there is one thing left us: we can pray for him Inwardly, silently, lest Damis hear.
35
What, you miscreant, no Gods? no Providence?
35
No, no; you answer my question first; what makes you believe in them?
35
None of that, now; the onus probandi is with you, scoundrel.
35
None of that, now; it is with you.
35
At this game ours is much the better man—loudervoiced, rougher-tempered. Good, Timocles; stick to invective; that is your strong point; once you get off that, he will hook and hold you up like a fish.
35
I solemnly swear I will not answer first.
35
Well, put your questions, then; so much you score by your oath, But xo abuse, please.
36
Done. Tell me, then, and be damned to you, do you deny that the Gods exercise providence?
36
I do.
36
What, are all the events we see uncontrolled, then?
36
Yes.
36
And the regulation of the universe is not under any God's care?
36
No.
36
And everything moves casually, by blind tendency?
36
Yes.
36
Gentlemen, can you tolerate such sentiments? Stone the blasphemer.
36
What do you mean by hounding them against me? Who are you, that you should protest in the Gods’ name? They do not even protest in their own; they have sent no judgement on me, and they have had time enough to hear me, if they have ears.
36
They do hear you; they do; and some day their vengeance will find you out.
