This is a cause which, while I have life, I think I cannot abandon without impiety.
There is nothing, replied Cotta, which I desire more than to be confuted.

I have not pretended to decide this point, but to give you my private sentiments upon it; and am very sensible of your great superiority in argument.

No doubt of it, says Velleius; we have much to fear from one who believes that our dreams are sent from Jupiter, which, though they are of little weight, are yet of more importance than the discourse of the Stoics concerning the nature of the Gods.

The conversation ended here, and we parted.

Velleius judged that the arguments of Cotta were truest; but those of Balbus seemed to me to have the greater probability.[292] ON THE COMMONWEALTH.
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