Origen

“ Now, to him who would give to these lines a grave allegorical meaning (whether any such meaning be contained in them or not) , we would say: Are the Greeks alone at liberty to convey a philosophic meaning in a secret covering? or perhaps also the Egyptians, and those of the Barbarians who pride themselves upon their mysteries and the truth (which is concealed within them) ; while the Jews alone, with their lawgiver and historians, appear to you the most unintelligent of men? ”

“ He would not even have it appear that the words were used allegorically, although he says afterwards, that “the more modest among Jews and Christians are ashamed of these things, and endeavour to give them somehow an allegorical signification.” Now we might say to him, Are the statements of your “inspired” Hesiod, which he makes regarding the woman in the form of a myth, to be explained allegorically, in the sense that she was given by Jove to men as an evil thing, and as a retribution for the theft of “the fire;” ”

“ For if, because of the mere phraseology, we are to find fault with what is intended to have a secret meaning, see whether the following lines of Hesiod, a man, as you say,” inspired,” are not better fitted to excite laughter:—
“‘Son of Iapetus!’ with wrathful heart
Spake the cloud-gatherer: ‘Oh, unmatched in art! ”