TIMOCLES At this point the scene becomes double; down below are the philosophers disputing in the Stoa, and up above are the gods, listening eagerly with occasional comments. 
Damis, you sacrilegious wretch, why do you say
that the gods do not exist and do not show providence in behalf of men?
 DAMIS No, you tell me first what reason you have for
believing that they do exist.
 TIMOCLES No, you tell me, you miscreant!
 DAMIS No, you!
 ZEUS So far our man is much better and more noisy in
his bullying. Good, Timocles! Pile on your abuse;
that is your strong point, for in everything else he
will make you as mute as a fish.
 TIMOCLES But I swear by Athena that I will not answer
you first.
 DAMIS Well then, put your question, Timocles, for you

 

have won with that oath of yours. But no abuse,
please.
 TIMOCLES Very well. Tell me then, you scoundrel, don’t
you think the gods exercise any providence?
 DAMIS Not in the least.
 TIMOCLES What’s that you say? Then is all that we see
about us uncared for by any providence?
 DAMIS Yes.
 TIMOCLES And the administration of the universe is not
directed by any god?
 DAMIS No.
 TIMOCLES And everything drifts at random?
 DAMIS Yes.
 TIMOCLES Men, do you hear that and put up with it? Aren’t
you going to stone the villain?
 DAMIS Why do you embitter men against me, Timocles?
And who are you to get angry on behalf of the gods,
especially when they themselves are not angry?
They have done me no harm, you see, though they
have listened to me long—if indeed they have ears.
 TIMOCLES Yes, they have, Damis, they have, and they will
punish you some day in the hereafter.