44–46
MOMUS
I tell you, Zeus, you'll find few that are guiltless among us, and possibly as he continues the man will soon fasten on a certain person of prominence.
TIMOCLES
Then can’t you even hear Zeus when he thunders, Damis, you god-fighter?
DAMIS
Why shouldn’t I hear thunder, Timocles? But whether it is Zeus that thunders or not, you no doubt know best, coming as you do from some place or other where the gods live! However, the people who come here from Crete tell us a different tale, that a grave is pointed out there with a tombstone standing upon it which proves that Zeus cannot thunder any more, as he has been dead this long time.
MOMUS
I knew far in advance that the fellow would say that. But why have you become so pale, Zeus, and why do you tremble till your teeth chatter? You should be bold and despise such mannikins.
ZEUS
What’s that you say, Momus? Despise them? don’t you see how many are listening, and how they have already been persuaded against us and he is leading them after him tethered by the ears?
MOMUS
But whenever you like, Zeus, you can let down a cord of gold and Sway them aloft, with the earth and the sea, too, into the bargain. Iliad8, 24.
5
TIMOCLES
Tell me, you scoundrel, have you ever made a voyage?
DAMIS
Yes, often, Timocles.
TIMOCLES
Well, you were kept in motion then, were you not, either by-the wind striking the canvas and filling the sails, or else by the rowers, but the steering was done by a single man in ‘command, who kept the vessel safe?
