as Hesiod says? For as to my part, I think the same difference which
there is between one man and another, when they act in a tragedy or
comedy, is also to be found in this life in souls that are clothed with
bodies. So that there is nothing in this which is strange or contrary
to reason, if souls meeting with other souls do imprint on them
visions and apprehensions of future things, just as we show several
things already done and come to pass, and prognosticate of those which
have not yet happened, not only by the help of speech, but also by
letters and writings, or by a bare touch, or a single look;—unless
you, Lamprias, are of another opinion. For we heard but very lately,
that you discoursed at large upon this subject with the strangers that
came to Lebadea; but he that gave us this information could give us no
particular account of what passed. No wonder, replied I, for several
avocations and businesses intervening, occasioned by the oracle and
the solemn sacrifice that was then performing, made our discourse very
broken and interrupted. But now, says Ammonius, you have auditors at
leisure, that are inquisitive and desirous of instruction, so that you
may speak freely, and expect all the candor and consideration which you
can desire.
39. And the rest of the company making the like exhortations, having
paused a while, I began after this manner: It so happened, Ammonius,
that you did, without your knowledge, give occasion to the discourse
which was then held; for if the Daemons be souls and spirits separated
from bodies and having no communication with them, as you affirm, but
according to the divine poet Hesiod,