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 Done. Tell me, then, and be damned to you, do you deny that the Gods exercise providence?

Damis I do.

Timocles What, are all the events we see uncontrolled, then?

Damis Yes.

Timocles And the regulation of the universe is not under any God's care?

Damis No.

Timocles And everything moves casually, by blind tendency?

Damis Yes.

Timocles Gentlemen, can you tolerate such sentiments? Stone the blasphemer.

Damis 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.

Timocles They do hear you; they do; and some day their vengeance will find you out.