Arnobius

“ For—that you may learn what are our sentiments and opinions about that race—we think that they—if only they are true gods, that the same things may be said again till you are wearied hearing them [1] —should have all the virtues in perfection, should be wise, upright, venerable,—if only our heaping upon them human honours is not a crime,—strong in excellences within themselves, and should not give themselves [2] up to external props, because the completeness of their unbroken bliss is made perfect; should be free from all agitating and disturbing passions ”

“ For it belongs to a mortal race and human weakness to act otherwise; [3] and the maxims and declarations of wise men state distinctly, that those who are touched by passion live a life of suffering, [4] and are weakened by grief, [5] and that it cannot be but that those who have been given over to disquieting feelings, have been bound by the laws of mortality. ”