To Florus 4.28
Even if we pretend that this is uncertain, the thickest cloud of doubt will immediately envelop you. For this phrase, “desire of the flesh,” contains absolutely no indication of the reproductive organs. I can therefore say that this expression strikes at ears thirsting for different songs; I can say that Saint John rebukes the glutton’s palate; I can say that he blames nostrils dying for perfumes. In short, I can say anything except what you suppose. The choice is open when no specific word imposes a restriction. Either deny, then, that people desire the things I have named, and contradict everyone’s awareness, as you usually do; or, if your shamelessness has not yet hardened enough to resist these facts, admit that a condemnation of sexual pleasure is not found even in the words.
Latin
Sed si hoc fingatur ambiguum, te continuo crassissima dubii nubes involvet. Hac quippe concupiscentia carnis nullum absolute genitalium tenetur indicium. Dicam ergo aures hoc vocabulo variorum sitientes carminum verberari, dicam castigari a sancto Ioanne helluonum palatum, dicam culpari immorientes odoribus nares; totum postremo praeter id quod tu arbitraris; libera est electio, ubi specialis verbi nulla pressura est. Aut ergo nega illa quae diximus concupisci; et inficiare, ut soles, omnium conscientiae; aut si necdum eo usque impudentia incalluit, ut his conetur obniti, assentire damnationem genitalis iucunditatis nec in sermonibus inveniri.
About this text
Julian’s six preserved books to Florus, quoted section by section in Augustine’s unfinished reply. Augustine’s refutations are omitted. Latin of Julian’s words is on each section.
Julian’s own books do not survive as a separate manuscript. English follows his words as Augustine quotes them in the Unfinished Work Against Julian. Augustine’s replies are omitted. We do not restore a Julian text independent of Augustine.
Witnesses
- Copy-text Augustine, Unfinished Work Against Julian (Latin · Julian’s words as quoted, Books 1–6)
- Checked print Augustinus.it Latin of the Unfinished Work (Latin · Same work)
- Checked print Migne PL 45 (Latin · Hard cases)
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. Open Latin on each section (or the Latin source witness link) for the source text. This is not a complete critical edition.