34–36
Zeus
Upon my word, what a vast gathering! And I do not quite like the looks of Timocles; he is trembling; he has lost his head; he will spoil everything; it is perfectly plain, he will not be able to stand up to Damis. Well, there is one thing left us: we can pray for him Inwardly, silently, lest Damis hear.
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.
5
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.
Timocles
Done. Tell me, then, and be damned to you, do you deny that the Gods exercise providence?
Timocles
What, are all the events we see uncontrolled, then?
Timocles
And the regulation of the universe is not under any God's care?
5
Timocles
And everything moves casually, by blind tendency?
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.
10
Timocles
They do hear you; they do; and some day their vengeance will find you out.
