15. THEON, on an appeal from SERAPION, pointed out the greater scandal of offerings made by Greeks for victories over Greeks. 16. One of the GUIDES reminded the company of the story of Croesus and the baker-woman. 17. DIOGENIANUS begged that, instead of more anecdotes, the original question might be discussed: ‘Why has the use of verse in oracular answers been discontinued?’ The company seated itself in a new position, and BOETHUS genially remarked on its appropriateness, the place of origin of the heroic metre. 18. SERAPION congratulated him on his improved tone, and PHILINUS agreed. Philosophers have dropped verse, yet we do not infer that Philosophy has died out. PHILINUS agreed. 19-end. THEON spoke to the original question. 19. He mentioned ancient oracles delivered in prose, 20. And modern oracles given in verse. 21. To sum up: Soul is the instrument of the God, body of soul; the result must partake in the infirmity of body. The cases of reflecting mirrors, and of the moon. Thus there are two separate emotions in the prophetess—inspiration and Nature. 22. Homeric instances of the choice of human instruments—Story of Battus. 23. Of the ancient oracles (1) many were delivered in prose, (2) the fashion of the times was for verse (cp. c. 18). 24. It is better that oracles should be given in current coin, not in the depreciated coin of verse. History of poetical usage. 25. In old times obscurity was thought dignified, now it provokes impatience; and it has become vulgarized through charlatans. 26. When cities and statesmen used to consult the oracle on questions of high policy, circumlocution was necessary. 27. Again, verse was a great help to memory, when intricate advice was given, as to Battus. 28. In these days of general rest, only homely questions are asked, and are best answered in homely prose. 29. Yet we fear lest the credit acquired in three thousand years by the straight concise answers of the oracle should be lost! We gush out with wealth, as the mythical Galaesus with milk. I am proud to have had some hand in this. 30. People who regret the old obscurity and bombast are like children who admire a rainbow more than the sun which makes it.