Juppiter Tragoedus

Lucian of Samosata

The Works of Lucian of Samosata, complete, with exceptions specified in thepreface, Vol. 3. Fowler, H. W. and Fowlere, F.G., translators. Oxford at the Clarendon Press, 1905.

Timocles What, you miscreant, no Gods? no Providence?

Damis No, no; you answer my question first; what makes you believe in them?

Timocles None of that, now; the onus probandi is with you, scoundrel.

Damis None of that, now; it is with you.

Zeus 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.

Timocles I solemnly swear I will not answer first.

Damis Well, put your questions, then; so much you score by your oath, But xo abuse, please.