4. He suggested special properties in the air of Delphi—density and rarity—and quotes Homer for the combination of such opposites.
5. A verse inscription catching the eye of Diogenianus caused him to ask why the verses of oracles are so poor. Serapion suggested that perhaps our standard ought to be revised by that of the God. Boethus told a story about Pauson the painter. He added that there is no excuse in the subject-matter, witness Serapion, who wrote excellent poetry on dry science!
6. Serapion agreed that our standards are wrong—they lack severity. Pleasure was cast out, once for all, from the seat of the Sibyl.
7. Theon disclaimed the false theory of inspiration. The verses are not the God’s, he only gives the impulse. But there is no pleasing the Epicureans, whether the prophetess uses verse or prose. Diogenianus protested against levity on a subject of profound interest to all Greeks. Theon asked that the question might be reserved, and the round continued.
8. Instances from Hiero’s statue, and others, of the jealous care of Providence for human affairs. Boethus thought Chance, or Spontaneity, sufficient to account for all, and was answered by Philinus, who continued,
9. And referred to the history of the first Sibyl. Boethus mocked, and was met by Diogenianus with instances of prophecies verified,
10. Which Boethus would explain as successful guesses.
11. Serapion called for a distinction to be made between prophecies made in general terms, and those which go into details.
12. Diogenianus asked the emblematic import of the frogs on the Corinthian brazen bowl. Serapion suggested a reference to the Sun rising out of water. Philinus here detected an intrusion of the Stoic ‘Conflagration’ into the discussion. A casual remark raised the question of the identity of the sun with Phoebus. ‘They are as different’, said Diogenianus, ‘as the sun and the moon, only the sun has permanently eclipsed the God, the sensible, the spiritual.’
13. Serapion asked a question which the guides had already answered: ‘No wonder if they are bewildered by our high-flown talk.’