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 but we shall take another opportunity, and I shall effectually convince you. But * * *

XXVI.

Does not Niobe here seem to reason, and by that reasoning to bring all her misfortunes upon herself? But what a subtle expression is the following!

a maxim capable of leading us into all that is bad.

This, now, is reason; that reason which you say the divine goodness has denied to the brute creation, kindly to bestow it on men alone. How great, how immense the favor! Observe the same Medea flying from her father and her country:

Reflection, as well as wickedness, must have been necessary to the preparation of such a fact; and did he too, who prepared that fatal repast for his brother, do it without reflection?

XVII. Did not Thyestes himself, not content with having defiled his brother's bed (of which Atreus with great justice thus complains,