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[38]
Therefore, as at present
its glory has waned because it is no longer noted
for the truth of its prophecies, so formerly it would
not have enjoyed so exalted a reputation if it had
not been trustworthy in the highest degree. Possibly, too, those subterraneous exhalations which
used to kindle the soul of the Pythian priestess with
divine inspiration have gradually vanished in the
long lapse of time; just as within our own knowledge some rivers have dried up and disappeared,
while others, by winding and twisting, have changed
their course into other channels. But explain the
decadence of the oracle as you wish, since it offers
a wide field for discussion, provided you grant what
cannot be denied without distorting the entire
record of history, that the oracle at Delphi made
true prophecies for many hundreds of years.
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