Zeus These are nice questions! I see how it is,—you have been with the sophists; accursed race! who would deny us all concern in human affairs. Yes, these are just the points they raise, impiously seeking to pervert mankind from the way of sacrifice and prayer: it is all thrown away, forsooth! the Gods take no thought for mankind; they have no power on the earth.—Ah well; they will be sorry for it some day. Cyniscus Now, by Clotho’s own spindle, my questions are free from all sophistic taint. How it has come about, I know not;

 

but one word has brought up another, and the end of it is—
there is no use in sacrifice. Let us begin again. I will put you a few more questions; answer me frankly, but think before you speak, this time. Zeus Well; if you have the time to waste on such tomfoolery.