20. 32703270Do they on this account wreak their wrath
on you too, in order that, roused by your own private wounds, you may
rise up for their vengeance? It seems, then, that the gods seek
the help of mortals; and were they not protected by your strenuous
advocacy, they are not able of themselves to repel and to
avenge32713271 the insults
offered them. Nay rather, if it be true that they burn with
anger, give them an opportunity of defending themselves, and let them
put forth and make trial of their innate powers, to take vengeance for
their offended dignity. By heat, by hurtful cold, by noxious
winds, by the most occult diseases, they can slay us, they can
consume32723272 us, and they
can drive us entirely from all intercourse with men; or if it is
impolitic to assail us by violence, let them give forth some token of
their indignation,32733273 by which it may be clear to all that
we live under heaven subject to their strong
displeasure.