For my part, I do not think that additional proof is necessary; but still I will go on. Answer me, do you consider Homer the best of poets?
Certainly.
Well, he convinced me by setting forth the providence of the gods.
But, my astonishing friend, every one will grant you that Homer is a great poet, but not that he or any poet whatsoever is a reliable witness in these matters. For their concern, I imagine, is not for truth, but to charm their hearers; and on this account they lull us with metres and amuse us with stories, and devise the whole thing in the interests of pleasure. Still, I should be pleased to hear what passages of Homer chiefly convinced you.