XXII.—The Dulness of the Age.

Alas, I grieve, citizens, that ye are thus blinded by the world.  One runs to the lot; another gazes on the birds; another, having shed the blood of bleating animals, calls forth the manes, and credulously desires to hear vain responses.  When so many leaders and kings have taken counsel concerning life, what benefit has it been to them to have known even its portents?  Learn, I beg you, citizens, what is good; beware of idol-fanes.  Seek, indeed, all of you, in the law of the Omnipotent.  Thus it has pleased the Lord of lords Himself in the heavens, that demons should wander in the world for our discipline.  And yet, on the other hand, He has sent out His mandates, that they who forsake their altars shall become inhabitants of heaven.  Whence I am not careful to argue this in a small treatise.  The law teaches; it calls on you in your midst.  Consider for yourselves.  Ye have entered upon two roads; decide upon the right one.4    [He defers to the Canon Law and notes the Duæ Viæ.]

XXII.---HEBETUDO SAECULI.

Heu doleo, cives, sic vos hebetari de mundo! Excurrit alius ad sortes, aves aspicit alter, Balantum cruore fuso, manus inspicit alter, Et cupit audire responsa vana credulus. Tot duces, et reges ubi sunt consulti de vita, 0217B Vel portenta sua scisse quid profuit illis? Discite quaeso bonum, cives, simulacra cavete: Omnipotentis enim in lege quaerite cuncti. Sic ipsi complacuit Domino dominorum in altis, Ad probationem nostram daemonas in mundo vagari 0218A Et tamen exalia parte mandata praemisit Caelestes fieri qui relinquunt aras eorum. Unde non hoc curo disputare parvo libello: Lex docet, in medio ciet, Consulite pro vobis. In duas intrastis vias, condicite rectam.