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To this supposed deity, whom they call Fortuna, they ascribe so
much, indeed, that they have a tradition that the image of her, which
was dedicated by the Roman matrons, and called Fortuna Muliebris,
has spoken, and has said, once and again, that the matrons pleased
her by their homage; which, indeed, if it is true, ought not to
excite our wonder. For it is not so difficult for malignant demons to
deceive, and they ought the rather to advert to their wits and wiles,
because it is that goddess who comes by haphazard who has spoken, and
not she who comes to reward merit. For Fortuna was loquacious, and
Felicitas mute; and for what other reason but that men might not care
to live rightly, having made Fortuna their friend, who could make
them fortunate without any good desert? And truly, if Fortuna
speaks, she should at least speak, not with a womanly, but with a
manly voice; lest they themselves who have dedicated the image should
think so great a miracle has been wrought by feminine loquacity.
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