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Life of St Porphyry, Bishop of Gaza

Mark the Deacon, tr. Hill, 1913

Chapter 60

But some of the idolaters also, being unable to bear the calamity of the grievous marriages whereunto they had been led by the bidding of the demon of Aphrodite, were indignant and confessed the deceit. For even such are the demons, to deceive and say naught at all that is true; for it is not in them to know of a certainty, but by guesses they delude and win over the people which are enslaved unto them. For how can they speak truly who are fallen away from the truth? Even if they happen to prophesy aright in aught, it is by chance that this cometh about, even as among men it chanceth oftentimes that one foretelleth concerning a matter and it cometh about by chance. When therefore they foretell the event aright by chance, seeing that this is but seldom, we marvel; but though they err continually, of this we are silent. Thus much concerning demons and their error.