Thesauros Literature satire Ζεὺς Τραγῳδός

Ζεὺς Τραγῳδός

Ζεὺς Τραγῳδός Lucian of Samosata

34–36

Zeus
Heavens, what a crowd has gathered to hear them! But I am not very well satisfied with Timokles himself; he is trembling with confusion. He will ruin everything this day. Evidently he will not be able to stand against Damis. However, let us do what in us lies and pray for him. "Silence on our side, that Damis, at least, may not hear us."
Timokles
What is this you say, Damis, you looter of temples? That the gods do not exist or exercise providence for men?
Damis
That is what I say; but do you first answer me, and state what reason you have for believing in their existence.
Timokles
I will not, you wretch. You answer me.
Damis
I will not. Answer yourself.
Zeus
So far our man has been far more successfully and loudly abusive. That's right, Timokles, pour on the abuse. Your strength lies there, since in other lines he stops your mouth and makes you dumb as a fish. 5
Timokles
By Heaven, I will not answer you first if I know it.
Damis
Then put your question, for you beat me that time by swearing. But spare abusive language, if you please.
Timokles
Very well. Tell me, then, is it your opinion, accursed wretch, that the gods exert no providence?
Damis
They do not.
Timokles
What, is the universe, then, not the result of design?
Damis
It is not.
Timokles
And did no god arrange the whole superintendence of things either? 5
Damis
No.
Timokles
But all things are borne along haphazard by an unreasoning current?
Damis
Yes.
Timokles
Now can you men endure to hear this and not stone the guilty wretch?

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