Kitap 7
2.17
At first, he answered, instead of asking the god for the particular favour I needed, I proceeded to put him to the test to see if he could tell the truth. And when even men, if they are gentlemen—to say nothing of a god—discover that they are mistrusted, they have no love for those who mistrust them.
2.18
However, as he knew even about the gross absurdities I was engaged in, far as I was from Delphi,See Index, s.v. Croesus, note. I then sent to him to inquire if I should have male issue.
2.19
And at first he did not even answer me; but when I had at last propitiated him, as I thought, by sending many offerings of gold and many of silver and by sacrificing very many victims, then he did answer my question as to what I should do to have sons; and he said that I should have them.
2.20
And I had; for not even in this did he speak falsely; but those that were born to me have been no joy to me. For the one has continued dumb until now, and the other, the better of the two, was killed in the flower of his youth. Then, overwhelmed by the afflictions I suffered in connection with my sons, I sent again and inquired of the god what I should do to pass the restThe secret of a happy life of my life most happily; and he answered me: Knowing thyself, O Croesus—thus shalt thou live and be happy.There is a reference to the famous inscription on the temple at Delphi—γνῶθι σεαυτόν.
