xxxiv PROGNOSTICATION VALUES 83 



that the power of flame was greater than that of 

 smoke ; but flame has just the same power as 

 smoke, and no more, in giving indication of the 

 existence of fire. So if the statement is confined 

 to the assertion of the greater authority of lightning 

 on occasions when the entrails give one indication 

 and lightning a different one, I shall perhaps agree. 

 But if the statement go on to affirm that although 4 

 other signs have foretold the truth, yet the lightning 

 stroke has destroyed all that went before and claims 

 credit only for itself, then the statement is untrue. 

 And for this reason : the mere number of the 

 auspices makes no difference. Fate is but one. If 

 it was rightly understood through the first auspice, 

 it is not destroyed through the second ; it remains 

 just the same. And so I say again it does not 

 matter whether the means of our inquiry ( = auspice) 

 is the same or different, since the object of the 

 inquiry remains the same. 



XXXV 



FATE cannot be changed by lightning. And why ? i 

 Lightning is itself a part of fate. Well, then, it 

 may be asked, what is the good of expiation and 

 atonement if the fates are immutable ? Let me 

 uphold the rigid sect that takes exception to such 

 rites and regards vows as but comfort to a breast ill 

 at ease. The fates perform their function in a 

 far different way from that supposed ; they are not 

 moved by any prayer nor changed by pity nor by 

 favour. The course they hold is irrevocable ; once 2 

 they have entered upon it they flow on by unalter- 

 able decree. As the water of rushing cataracts 



