The First Apology

But as for us, we have learned that exposing newborn children is the behavior of wicked men; and this we have learned to avoid harming anyone and sinning against God. First, because we see that almost all exposed children (not just the girls, but also the boys) end up in prostitution. And just as the ancients are said to have raised herds of oxen, goats, sheep, or grazing horses, so now we see you raising children for this disgraceful purpose. As a result of this corruption, many females and hermaphrodites, as well as those committing unspeakable iniquities, are present in every nation. You collect payment, duties, and taxes from them, whom you ought to remove from your realm. Anyone who engages with such persons, besides the godless and shameful impurities, might unknowingly be involved with their own child, relative, or sibling. There are some who even prostitute their own children and wives, and some are openly mutilated for the purpose of sodomy; these acts are attributed to the mother of the gods, and with each deity you honor, there is depicted a serpent, symbolizing a great secret and mystery. Indeed, the things you do openly and celebrate, as if divine light were overturned and extinguished, you accuse us of; but in truth, this does not harm us, who refuse to do such things, but only those who commit them and bear false witness against us.