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The decision of the Pythia may perhaps be historic; Gyges' gifts were probably given for a good reason (cf. ἀπέπεμψε, ‘he duly sent,’ 14. 1); but the prophecy of future vengeance is clearly post eventum. H.'s simple faith (λόγον οὐδένα κτλ.) might almost be irony. Cf. viii. 96. 2 for a similar instance of an oracle, if not conveniently remembered, at least only understood, after fulfilment.

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