gods' liking for the hunt

Indeed ancient tales affirm that the very gods themselves take joy in this work [hunting] as actors and spectators. So that, with due reflection on these things, the young who act upon my admonitions will be found, perchance, beloved of heaven and reverent of soul, checked by the thought that some one of the gods is eyeing their performance.

These are the youths who will prove a blessing to their parents, and not to their parents only but to the whole state; to every citizen alike and individual friend.

Source: On Hunting, A Sportsman's Manual, commonly called Cynegeticus Xenophon Translated by H. G. Dakyns

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