But the Epicureans, or the Platonists, [158] might say that it is they, in truth, who make two and two equal four, while you make them five or seven.

Is it not so, when you think virtue the only good, and the Epicureans pleasure; when you hold all things to be material, while the Platonists admit something immaterial?
As I said, you resolve offhand, in favour of the Stoics, the very point which needs a critical decision.

If it is clear beforehand that the Stoics alone make two and two equal four, then the others must hold their peace.

But so long as that is the very point of debate, we must listen to all sects alike, or be well-assured that we shall seem but partial in our judgment.
-- I think, Lucian! that you do not altogether understand my meaning.

To make it clear, then, let us suppose that two men had entered a temple, of Aesculapius,--say! or Bacchus: and that afterwards one of the sacred vessels is found to be missing.