39. There are some, besides, who assert that those who from being men became gods, are denoted by this name,—as Hercules, Romulus, Æsculapius, Liber, Æneas. These are all, as is clear, different opinions; and it cannot be, in the nature of things, that those who differ in opinion can be regarded as teachers of one truth. For if Piso’s opinion is true, Ælius and Granius say what is false; if what they say is certain, Varro, with all his skill, 4047 is mistaken, who substitutes things most frivolous and vain for those which really exist. If they are named Novensiles because their number is nine, 4048 Cornificius is shown to stumble, who, giving them might and power not their own, makes them the divine overseers of renovation. 4049 But if Cornificius is right in his belief, Cincius is found to be not wise, who connects with the power of the dii Novensiles the gods of conquered cities. But if they are those whom Cincius asserts them to be , Manilius will be found to speak falsely, who comprehends those who wield another’s thunder under this name. 4050 But if that which Manilius holds is true and certain, they are utterly mistaken who suppose that those raised to divine honours, and deified mortals, are thus named because of the novelty of their rank. But if the Novensiles are those who have deserved to be raised to the stars after passing through the life of men, 4051 there are no dii Novensiles at all. For as slaves, soldiers, masters, are not names of persons comprehended under them, 4052 but of officers, ranks, and duties, so, when we say that Novensiles is the name 4053 of gods who by their virtues have become 4054 gods from being men, it is clear and evident that no individual persons are marked out particularly, but that newness itself is named by the title Novensiles. 4047     Lit., “the very skilful.” 4048     Lit., “if the number nine bring on the name of,” etc. 4049     Lit., “gives another’s might and power to gods presiding.” 4050     Lit., “the title of this name.” 4051     Lit., “after they have finished the mortality of life,” i.e., either as above, or “having endured its perishableness.” 4052     Lit., “lying under.” 4053     So most edd., following Gelenius, who reads esse nomen for the ms. si omnes istud. 4054     Lit., “who have deserved to,” etc.