58. But they were written by
unlearned and ignorant men, and should not therefore be readily
believed. See that this be not rather a stronger reason for
believing that they have not been adulterated by any false statements,
but were put forth by men of simple mind, who knew not how to trick out
their tales with meretricious ornaments. But the language is mean
and vulgar. For truth never seeks deceitful polish, nor in that
which is well ascertained and certain does it allow itself to be led
away into excessive prolixity. Syllogisms, enthymemes,
definitions, and all those ornaments by which 430men seek to establish their statements, aid
those groping for the truth, but do not clearly mark its great
features. But he who really knows the subject under discussion,
neither defines, nor deduces, nor seeks the other tricks of words by
which an audience is wont to be taken in, and to be beguiled into a
forced assent to a proposition.