must face the fact that in agriculture nine matters out of ten are
beyond man's calculation. Since at one time hailstones and another
frost, at another drought or a deluge of rain, or mildew, or other
pest, will obliterate all the fair creations and designs of men; or
behold, his fleecy flocks most fairly nurtured, then comes murrain,
and the end most foul destruction.[23]

[23] See Virg. "Georg." iii. 441 foll.: "Turpis oves tentat scabies,
ubi frigidus imber."

To which Socrates: Nay, I thought, Critobulus, you full surely were
aware that the operations of husbandry, no less than those of war, lie
in the hands of the gods. I am sure you will have noted the behaviour
of men engaged in war; how on the verge of military operations they
strive to win the acceptance of the divine powers;[24] how eagerly
they assail the ears of heaven, and by dint of sacrifices and omens
seek to discover what they should and what they should not do. So
likewise as regards the processes of husbandry, think you the
propitiation of heaven is less needed here? Be well assured (he added)
the wise and prudent will pay service to the gods on behalf of moist
fruits and dry,[25] on behalf of cattle and horses, sheep and goats;
nay, on behalf of all their possessions, great and small, without
exception.

[24] See "Hell." III. i. 16 foll., of Dercylidas.

[25] "Every kind of produce, succulent (like the grape and olive) or
dry (like wheat and barley, etc.)"