Trouble with Papyrus that bans divination
Posted: October 21st, 2015, 1:15 pm
I am doing research on the use of περιεργος word group in the sense of "meddling in magic". A search turned up this "Papyrus letter from 198 CE, containing a Roman edict in Egypt that which outlaws magic. From P. Coll. Youtie 1.30".
Having encountered in many places those who are deemed (εντυχω takes dative object οἰηθεῖσιν?) to be deceived by prophecies
[or "those who seek prophecies in order to be deceived"]
straightaway I ordered prison without trial
for the one who manifestly followed their folly in everything, hence
declares (διαγορευω) to be kept away from (passive εργαζομαι + gen) this misleading (ἐπισφαλοῦς is genitive) magic.
Any thoughts?
I think the general idea is clear, but the specific language definitely escapes me. So far I think I have:Ἐντυχὼν πολλοῖς οἰηθεῖσιν μαντείας τρόποις ἐξαπατᾶσθαι
εὐθέως ἀναγκαῖον ἡγησάμην περὶ τοῦ μηδένα κίνδυνον
τῇ ἀνοίᾳ αὐτῶν ἐπακολουθηση σαφῶς πᾶσιν ἐνταῦθα
διαγορεῦσαι εἴργεσθαι τῆς ἐπισφαλοῦς ταύτης περιεργίας.
Having encountered in many places those who are deemed (εντυχω takes dative object οἰηθεῖσιν?) to be deceived by prophecies
[or "those who seek prophecies in order to be deceived"]
straightaway I ordered prison without trial
for the one who manifestly followed their folly in everything, hence
declares (διαγορευω) to be kept away from (passive εργαζομαι + gen) this misleading (ἐπισφαλοῦς is genitive) magic.
Any thoughts?