Commodian, Instructions dull
Alas, I grieve, citizens, that the world dulls you so. One runs to cast lots, another watches birds, another reads palms with Balantum's blood poured out, and, gullible, craves empty answers. So many leaders, so many kings — where are those who were consulted about life? What did knowing their portents profit them? Learn what is good, I beg you, citizens; beware idols. For let everyone seek the law of the Omnipotent. Thus it pleased the Lord of lords on high: for our testing, demons wander the world, yet from another quarter he sent heavenly commands ahead so that those who abandon their altars may become heavenly. Therefore I do not care to argue in a small book: the law teaches, it summons in the midst — consult for yourselves. You have entered two ways; choose the right one.
Latin
Heu doleo, cives, sic vos hebetari de mundo! Excurrit alius ad sortes, aves aspicit alter, Balantum cruore fuso, manus inspicit alter, Et cupit audire responsa vana credulus. Tot duces, et reges ubi sunt consulti de vita, Vel portenta sua scisse quid profuit illis? Discite quaeso bonum, cives, simulacra cavete: Omnipotentis enim in lege quaerite cuncti. Sic ipsi complacuit Domino dominorum in altis, Ad probationem nostram daemonas in mundo vagari Et tamen exalia parte mandata praemisit Caelestes fieri qui relinquunt aras eorum. Unde non hoc curo disputare parvo libello: Lex docet, in medio ciet, Consulite pro vobis. In duas intrastis vias, condicite rectam.