You are wrong; this power in words is not pernicious: life without its illusions would be full of melancholy; and you cannot give them up without some new gifts to supply their place. Besides which, if the charm and deception of words were taken away, there would be nothing left in the minds of the generality of men by which they could be guided. Words cause faction and tumult, but they also effect order and government. The webs, too, are absolutely necessary; but I have not time to explain all the reasons why men must be divided into parties.
I will now show you something far more wonderful than what you have seen yet. But I see you are going to leave me; your body requires you. Farewell.
[ A DISPUTE BETWEEN THE MIND
AND THE BODY.]
Translated from a Greek Manuscript lately discovered.
BODY.
Since you and I first became associates, you have never ceased to revile me. I have, till now, borne your injurious language in silence, but at length venture to inquire what offence you can charge me with, for I have not hitherto been able to guess from your invectives what it is that you complain of.