[121]
I say nothing about
religion, or religious ceremonies; I do not deny that I am ignorant of those
matters, of which I should conceal my knowledge, even if I were acquainted
with them, that I might not appear troublesome to others, and over curious
to you; although many particulars of your usages do escape, and often reach
the ears of the laity. I think, for instance, that I have heard that at the
dedication of a temple, a door-post must be taken hold of. For the door-post
is there where the entrance to the temple and its folding-door are. But no
one ever took hold of the posts of a promenade in dedicating that; but if
you have dedicated a statue or an altar, that cannot be moved from its place
afterwards without impiety. But you will not be able now to allege this,
since you have said that the priest did lay hands on the post.
Although, why do I say anything about the dedication? or why do I discuss
your right and the religious features of the case, contrary to my original
intention?
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M. Tullius Cicero. The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, literally translated by C. D. Yonge, B. A. London. George Bell & Sons, York Street, Covent Garden. 1891.
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