CLOTHO

Stop threatening and get aboard; it is already time for you to make your appearance in court.

MEGAPENTHES

And who will dare to pass judgement on a tyrant?

CLOTHO

On a tyrant, no one, but on a dead man, Rhadamanthus. You shall soon see him impose on every one of you the sentence that is just and fits the case. No more delay now!

MEGAPENTHES

Make me even a common man, Lady of Destiny, one of the poor people; make me even a slave instead of the king that once I was. Only let me come to life again!

CLOTHO

Where is the man with the club? You take hold of him too, Hermes, and pull him in by the leg, for he won’t go aboard willingly.

HERMES

Come along now, runaway. (To Charon.) Take this fellow, ferryman, and see here—mind you make sure—

CHARON

No fear! he shall be lashed to the mast.

MEGAPENTHES

But I ought to sit on the quarter-deck!

CLOTHO

For what reason?

MEGAPENTHES

Because I was a tyrant, God knows, and had a regiment of guardsmen.

CYNISCUS

Then wasn’t Cario justified in pulling your hair, if you were such a lout? But you'll get small joy of your tyranny if I give you a taste of my club!

MEGAPENTHES

What, will a Cyniscus make bold to shake his staff at me? Did I not come within an ace of tricing you up to a cross the other day because you were too free-spoken and sharp-tongued and censorious?

CYNISCUS

That is why you yourself will stay triced up to the mast.