Plutarch's Romane Questions · Plutarch
18.
_For what cause, were many rich men wont to consecrate and give unto_ Hercules _the Disme or tenth of all their goods_? WHY may it not be upon this occasion, that _Hercules_ himselfe being upon a time at [138]_Rome_, sacrifice the tenth cow of all the drove which he had taken from _Gerion_? Or for that he freed and delivered the Romans from the tax and tribute of the Dismes which they were wont to pay out of their goods unto the Tuskans. Or in case this may not go current for an authenticall historie, and worthie of credit; what and if we say that unto _Hercules_ as to some great bellie god, and one who loved good cheere, they offered and sacrificed plenteously and in great liberalitie? Or rather, for that by this meanes they would take downe and diminish a little, their excessive riches which ordinarily is an eie-sore and odious unto the citizens of a popular state, as if they meant to abate and bring low (as it were) that plethoricall plight and corpulency of the bodie, which being growen to the height is daungerous: supposing by such cutting off, and abridging of superfluities, to do honour and service most pleasing unto _Hercules_, as who joied highly in frugalitie: for that in his life time he stood contented with a little, and regarded no delicacie or excesse whatsoever.
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