pect that this opinion rests on the error of the ignorant, and should be classed among the fables, let us listen to those universal testimonies of erudite men, who have, as it were, seen with their eyes those things to the knowledge of which we can hardly attain by report.
What men do you mean? said Lælius.
Those, replied Scipio, who, by the investigation of nature, have arrived at the opinion that the whole universe [is animated] by a single Mind.[1] * * *
XXXVII. But if you please, my Lælius, I will bring forward evidences which are neither too ancient nor in any respect barbarous.
Those, said Lælius, are what I want.
Scipio. You are aware that it is now not four centuries since this city of ours has been without kings.
Lælius. You are correct; it is less than four centuries.
Scipio. Well, then, what are four centimes in the age of a state or city? is it a long time?
Lælius. It hardly amounts to the age of maturity.
Scipio. You say truly; and yet not four centuries have elapsed since there was a king in Rome.
Lælius. And he was a proud king.
Scipio. But who was his predecessor?
Lælius. He was an admirably just one; and, indeed, we must bestow the same praise on all his predecessors as far back as Romulus, who reigned about six centuries ago.
Scipio. Even he, then, is not very ancient.
Lælius. No; he reigned when Greece was already be coming old.
Scipio. Agreed. Was Romulus, then, think you, king of a barbarous people?
Lælius. Why, as to that, if we were to follow the example of the Greeks, who say that all people are either Greeks or barbarians, I am afraid that we must confess that he was a king of barbarians; but if this name belongs rather to manners than to languages, then I believe the Greeks were just as barbarous as the Romans.
Then Scipio said: But with respect to the present question, we do not so much need to inquire into the nation as into the disposition. For if intelligent men, at a period so
- ↑ Here four pages are lost
