[104]
I heard Lucius Flaccus,1 the high
priest of Mars, relate the following story: Metellus'
daughter, Caecilia, who was desirous of arranging a
marriage for her sister's daughter, went, according
to the ancient custom, to a small chapel to receive
an omen. A long time passed while the maiden
stood and Caecilia was seated on a chair without
[p. 337]
any word being spoken. Finally, the former grew
weary and said to her aunt: 'Let me sit awhile
on your chair.' ' Certainly, my child,' said Caecilia,
'you may have my place.' And this was an omen
of what came to pass, for in a short time Caecilia
died and the girl married her aunt's husband. I
realize perfectly well that the foregoing omens
may be lightly regarded and even be laughed at,
but to make light of signs sent by the gods is
nothing less than to disbelieve in the existence of
the gods.
1 Probably L. Valerius Flaccus, praetor 63 B.C., and defended for embezzlement by Cicero in 60.
Cicero: De Senectute De Amicitia De Divinatione. With An English Translation. William Armistead Falconer. Cambridge. Harvard University Press; Cambridge, Mass., London, England. 1923.
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