Source edition
Lucian, Vol. 1. Harmon, Austin Morris, editor. London: William Heinemann, Ltd.; Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1913.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This oration celebrates the power of eloquence (logos) and the maturity of wisdom in old age through the imagery of a Celtic myth. The author begins by describing a peculiar painting of Heracles, known to the Celts as Ogmios, depicted as an old man who draws a crowd by delicate chains connecting his tongue to their ears. A Celtic philosopher explains to the author that, in their culture, Heracles represents the power of speech, which reaches its peak of beauty and strength in old age. Inspired by this profound interpretation, the author overcomes his hesitation about his own advanced age. Ultimately, gaining courage from this allegory, he declares his firm resolve to return to the public stage and speak before his audience once more.