That was one of his devices, and a very clever
one—belated oracles to make amends for those in
which he had made bad predictions and missed the
mark. Often he would promise good health to sick



 

men before their demise, and when they died
another oracle would be ready with a recantation:

 Seek no more for assistance against thy bitter
affliction; Death now standeth in view; ’tis beyond thy power
to’scape him.