In our own shadowy and tremendous Typhon, the Egyptians image a similar demon.

Perplexing blunder that yet more bewilders us!--folly that arose from the vain delusion that makes a palpable, a corporeal, a human being, of this unknown power--that clothes the Invisible with attributes and a nature similar to the Seen.

No: to this designer let us give a name that does not command our bewildering associations, and the mystery becomes more clear--that name is NECESSITY.

Necessity, say the Greeks, compels the gods.

Then why the gods ?--their agency becomes unnecessary--dismiss them at once.