as in the case of the Romans, who willingly accepted and venerated Phrygian, Egyptian, and other foreign gods.  Hence it is the monotheistic religions alone that furnish us with religious wars, persecutions, and heretical tribunals, and also with the breaking of images, the destruction of idols of the gods; the overthrowing of Indian temples and Egyptian colossi, which had looked on the sun three thousand years; and all this because a jealous God had said:  “Thou shalt make no graven image,” etc.  To return to the principal part of the matter:  you are certainly right in advocating the strong metaphysical needs of mankind; but religions appear to me to be not so much a satisfaction as an abuse of those needs.  At any rate we have seen that, in view of the progress of morality, its advantages are for the most part problematical, while its disadvantages, and especially the enormities which have appeared in its train, are obvious.  Of course the matter becomes quite different if we consider the utility of religion as a mainstay of thrones; for in so far as these are bestowed “by the grace of God,” altar and throne are closely related.  Accordingly, every wise prince who loves his throne and his family will walk before his people as a type of true religion; just as even Machiavelli, in the eighteenth chapter of his book, urgently recommended religion to princes.  Moreover, it may be added that revealed religions are related to philosophy, exactly as the sovereigns by the grace of God are to the sovereignty of the people; and hence the two former terms of the parallel are in natural alliance.

Demop.  Oh, don’t adopt that tone!  But consider that in doing so you are blowing the trumpet of ochlocracy and anarchy, the arch-enemy of all legislative order, all civilisation, and all humanity.

Phil.  You are right.  It was only a sophism, or what the fencing-master calls a feint.  I withdraw it therefore.  But see how disputing can make even honest men unjust and malicious.  So let us cease.

Demop.  It is true I regret, after all the trouble I have taken, that I have not altered your opinion in regard to religion; on the other hand, I can assure you that everything you have brought forward has not shaken my conviction of its high value and necessity.

Phil.  I believe you; for as it is put in Hudibras: 

  “He that complies against his will
  Is of his own opinion still.”

I find consolation, however, in the fact that in controversies and in taking mineral waters, it is the after-effects that are the true ones.

Demop.  I hope the after-effect may prove to be beneficial in your case.

Phil.  That might be so if I could only digest a Spanish proverb.

Demop.  And that is?

Phil. Detras de la cruz esta el Diablo.

Demop.  Which means?

Phil Wait—­“Behind the cross stands the devil.”