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The Greeks tell many tales without due investigation, and among them
the following silly fable respecting Hercules: "Hercules," they
say, "went once to Egypt, and there the inhabitants took him, and
putting a chaplet on his head, led him out in solemn procession,
intending to offer him a sacrifice to Jupiter. For a while he
submitted quietly; but when they led him up to the altar and began the
ceremonies, he put forth his strength and slew them all." Now to me
it seems that such a story proves the Greeks to be utterly ignorant of
the character and customs of the people. The Egyptians do not think
it allowable even to sacrifice cattle, excepting sheep, and the male
kine and calves, provided they be pure, and also geese. How, then,
can it be believed that they would sacrifice men? And again, how
would it have been possible for Hercules alone, and, as they
confess, a mere mortal, to destroy so many thousands? In saying thus
much concerning these matters, may I incur no displeasure either of
god or hero!
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