Chapter 19.—Concerning Fortuna
Muliebris.
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To this supposed deity, whom they
call Fortuna, they ascribe so much, indeed, that they have a
tradition that the image of her, which was dedicated by the Roman
matrons,
and called Fortuna Muliebris, has spoken, and has said,
once and again, that the matrons pleased her by their homage;
which, indeed, if it is true, ought not to excite our wonder. For
it is not so difficult for malignant demons to deceive, and they
ought the rather to advert to their wits and wiles, because it is
that goddess who comes by haphazard who has spoken, and not she who
comes to reward merit. For Fortuna was loquacious, and Felicitas
mute; and for what other reason but that men might not care to live
rightly, having made Fortuna their friend, who could make them
fortunate without any good desert? And truly, if Fortuna speaks,
she should at least speak, not with a womanly, but with a manly
voice; lest they themselves who have dedicated the image should
think so great a miracle has been wrought by feminine
loquacity.
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The feminine Fortune.