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If the poets speak truly, why then we had better be unjust, and

offer of the fruits of injustice; for if we are just, although we

may escape the vengeance of heaven, we shall lose the gains of

injustice; but, if we are unjust, we shall keep the gains, and by

our sinning and praying, and praying and sinning, the gods will

be propitiated, and we shall not be punished. 'But there is a

world below in which either we or our posterity will suffer for

our unjust deeds.' Yes, my friend, will be the reflection, but

there are mysteries and atoning deities, and these have great

power. That is what mighty cities declare; and the children of

the gods, who were their poets and prophets, bear a like

testimony.