7. But why should I say that
men seek from him subtleties of expression and splendour of diction,
when I know that there are many who avoid and flee from his books on
this subject, and will not hear his opinions read,3941
| 3941
Lit., “are unwilling to admit into their ear the reading of
opinions,” etc. |
overthrowing their prejudices; and when
I hear others muttering angrily, and saying that the
senate should
decree the
destruction3942
| 3942
Both Christians and heathen, it is probable, were concerned in
the mutilation of de Nat. Deorum. |
of these writings by which the
Christian religion is maintained, and the weight of
antiquity
overborne? But, indeed, if you are convinced that anything you
say regarding your gods is beyond doubt, point out Cicero’s
error, refute, rebut his rash and impious words,
3943
| 3943 So
Gelenius, reading dicta for the ms. dictitare. The last verb is
comprobate, read reprobate—“condemn,”
by all edd. except Hild. and Oehler. |
and show
that they are
so. For when you would carry off writings, and suppress a
book given forth to the public, you are not defending the gods, but dreading the evidence
of the truth.
E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
