Thus, it would be very generous to lend our ears and eyes, nay, if possible, our reason and understanding, to others, whilst we are idle or asleep.

Besides, consider whether to stir up men to gratitude these minute observances were practised.

The ancients did not act absurdly when they highly reverenced an oak.

The Athenians called one fig-tree sacred, and forbade any one to cut down an olive.

For such observances do not (as some fancy) make men prone to superstition, but persuade us to be communicative and grateful to one another, by being accustomed to pay this respect to these senseless and inanimate creatures.