The sixth is the son of Alcmena by Jupiter; but by the third Jupiter, for there are many Jupiters, as you shall soon see.
XVII.

Since this examination has led me so far, I will convince you that in matters of religion I have learned more from the pontifical rites, the customs of our ancestors, and the vessels of Numa,[253] which Laelius mentions in his little Golden Oration, than from all the learning of the Stoics; for tell me, if I were a disciple of your school, what answer could I make to these questions?
If there are Gods, are nymphs also Goddesses?
If they are Goddesses, are Pans and Satyrs in the same rank?
But they are not; consequently, nymphs are not Goddesses.

Yet they have temples publicly dedicated to them.

What do you conclude from thence?
Others who have temples are not therefore Gods.

But let us go on.