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The president turned to a junior member of the council and said, “See that all is done

as he commands.”

“The sheep are here,” said the messenger meekly. Epimenides, drowsy with sleep,
emerged from his resting place and followed him to the foot of the grassy slopes of
Mars Hill. The sun was just rising and two flocks were waiting – one of black and white

sheep and one of shepherds, councilmen and stonemasons. Hundreds of citizens had
heard the news and had climbed the surrounding hills to watch.

“Learned elders,” Epimenides began, “you have already expended great effort in

offering sacrifices to your numerous gods and all have proved futile. I am about to
offer sacrifices based upon three assumptions rather different from yours.” Every
eye was fixed upon Epimenides as he spoke again.

“My first assumption is that there is another god concerned in the matter of the

plague – a god whose name is unknown to us and who therefore is not represented by
any idol in your city. Secondly, I am going to assume that this god is great enough,
and good enough, to do something about this plague if only we ask him. The third and

last assumption is this, that any god great enough and good enough to do something
about the plague is probably also great and good enough to forgive our ignorance of
his existence if we acknowledge our ignorance and call upon him.”

The murmurs of the elders’ approval mingled with the bleating of the hungry sheep,

but everyone was still puzzled as to why the sheep must be of different colours.

“Now!” Epimemides called, “Prepare to release the sheep! Once they are released,
let each animal graze where it will, but let a man follow each sheep and watch it

closely.”
Epimenides looked up to heaven and prayed confidently, “O thou unknown god, behold
the plague is afflicting this city. If you feel compassion to forgive and help us, look
on this flock of sheep. Reveal your willingness to respond by causing any sheep that
pleases you to lie down upon the grass instead of grazing. Choose white if white

pleases, black if black delights. Those you choose we will sacrifice to you,
acknowledging our ignorance of your name.”

Epimenides sat down on the grass, bowed his head and gave a signal to the
shepherds guarding the flock. Slowly the shepherds stepped aside and the hungry
sheep spread out across the hillside and began to graze. Epimenides remained as
still as a statue. “It’s hopeless,” said a doubtful councillor. “It’s early morning and

(Greek Grandeur, Hebrew Heart) 20