d by Norman
Lockyer, "Nature," August 31. 1893.

It is so (he answered).

Soc. And let us not forget that the moon herself not only makes clear to
us the quarters of the night, but of the month also?

Certainly (he answered).

Soc. And what of this: that whereas we need nutriment, this too the
heavenly powers yield us? Out of earth's bosom they cause good to spring
up (8) for our benefit; and for our benefit provide appropriate seasons
to furnish us in turn not only with the many and diverse objects of
need, but with the sources also of our joy and gladness? (9)

(8) Cf. Plat. "Laws," 747 D.

(9) Or, "pleasure."

Yes (he answered eagerly), these things bear token truly to a love for
man. (10)

(10) Cf. Plat. "Laws," 713 D; "Symp." 189 D. "These things are signs
of a beneficient regard for man."

Soc. Well, and what of another priceless gift, that of water, which
conspires with earth and the seasons to give both birth and increase to
all things useful to us; nay, which helps to nurture our very selves,
and commingling with all that feeds us, renders it more digestible, more
wholesome, and more pleasant to the taste; and mark you in proportion to
the abundance of our need the superabundance of its supply. What say you
concerning such a boon?

Euth. In this again I see a sign of providential care.

Soc. And then the fact that the same heavenly power has provided us with
fire (11)--our assistant against cold, our auxiliary in darkness, our
fellow-workman in every art and every instrument which for the sake of
its utility mortal man may invent or furnish himself withal. What of
this, since, to put it compendiously, there is nothing serviceable to
the life of man worth speaking of but owes its fabrication to fire? (12)

(11) Lit. "and then the fact that they made provision for us of even
fire"; the credit of this boon, according to Hesiod, being due to
Prometheus.

(12) Or, "no life-aiding appliance worthy of the name."

Euth. Yes, a transcendent instance of benevolent design. (13)

(13) Or, "Yes, that may be called an extreme instance of the divine
'philanthropy.'" Cf. Cic. "de N. D." ii. 62.

Soc. Again, consider the motions of the Sun, (14) how when he has
turned him about in winter (15) he again draws nigh to us, ripening some
fruits, and causing others whose time is past to dry up; how when he has
fulfilled his work he comes no closer, but turns away as if in fear to
scorch