73. How then ;—for good men would have done this, had they happened (to be circumstanced as just mentioned): — did the Gods (act), being present with the Greeks and conversant among them, and honoured by all ? Did they neglect their Friends, giving them up to bloodshed, desolation, and mutual slaughter? and, Why? Because they were unable to help them? or, being able, were unwilling ? For if, when able, they were unwilling; it was no office of helpers which they performed for those who honoured them, but of enemies and deceivers ! For those, who can deliver from calamities, but do it not, are in nothing better than enemies. But if, when willing, they were unable ; they merited desertion on account of their weakness. And, if they were thus circumstanced, the reputation of their being Gods was superfluous: nor did men truly ascribe to these the title of helpers; inasmuch as they did not help them to salvation, because of the weakness of their own nature.