Book 2
11
This is what we are in consultation about, then: it is not Phalaris (a single tyrant) or. this bull of bronze only, but all kings and all monarchs who now frequent the temple, and gold and silver and all other things of price that will be given the god on many occasions. The first point to be investigated should be the interest of the god. Why: should we not manage the matter of gifts as we have always done, as we did in the beginning?
12
What fault have we to find with the good old customs, that we should make innovations, and that we should now set up a practice that has never existed among us since the city has been inhabited, since our god has given oracles, since the tripod has had a voice and since the priestess has been inspired—the practice of trying and cross-examining givers? In consequence of that fine old custom of unrestricted -access for all, you see how many good things fill the temple: all men give, and some are more generous to the god than their means warrant.
13
But if you make yourselves examiners and inquisitors upon gifts, I doubt we shall be in want of people to examine hereafter, for nobody has the courage to put himself on the defensive, and to stand trial and risk everything as a result of spending his money lavishly. Who can endure life, if he is pronounced unworthy to make an oblation?
