The Ferry (11)

Well, but do not refuse me this thing at any rate, Fate.

What is it?

I wish to know what the course of events will be after me.

You shall, for your knowledge will be an added torment. Midas the slave will have your wife; he has been her lover this long time.

The villain! It was by her persuasion that I gave him his freedom.

Your daughter will be counted among the harem of the present monarch. Your portraits and statues, which the city erected for you in times past, will all be overturned, a laughingstock to the beholders.

Tell me, is not one of my friends moved to anger by these acts?

Why, who was a friend to you? What reason had any one to be? You know that all of them, those who bowed before you and those who extolled your every word and deed, acted from fear or hope, being friendly to your office and having an eye to the main chance.

And yet they used to pour out their libations at the banquets, and pray with a loud voice that many good things might befall me, saying that every one of them was ready to die

Accordingly, it was after dining with one of them that you died yesterday. For that last cup that was handed to you sent you here.

That is why I tasted something bitter! What was his object in doing it?

You ask too many questions when you ought to be embarking.