The Downward Journey, or the Tyrant (11)

Well, at all events don't refuse me this, Lady of Destiny.

What?

I want to know how things will turn out after my death.

Listen, for it will vex you all the more to know. Midas, your slave, will have your wife; indeed, he has been her lover a long time.

Curse him, I set him free at her request!

Your daughter will be enrolled among the concubines of the present tyrant, and the busts and statues which the city long ago set up in your honour will all be pulled down and will make everyone who looks at them laugh.

Tell meé, will none of my friends get angry at these doings?

Why, what friend did you have, and how did you make him? Don’t you know that all those who bowed the knee and praised your every word and deed did so either from hope or from fear, being

But as they poured their libations at our drinking parties they used to pray at the top of their voices that many blessings might descend upon me, saying every one of them that he was ready to die for me if so might be; in a word, they swore by me.

Consequently, you died after dining with one of them yesterday: it was that last drink he gave you that sent you down here.

Then that is why I noticed a bitter taste. But what was his object in doing it?

You are asking me many questions when you ought to get aboard.