The Ferry (17-19)

Mikyllos

And he was not the only one. When I saw the money-lender Griphon groaning with remorse because he had not had the good of his money, but was dying without a taste of it, leaving his property to the spendthrift Rodochares-for he was next of kin

and chief legatee by law-I could not help laughing; most of all when I remembered how yellow and dirty he always was, his brow full of care and rich only with the fingers that counted his millions, gathering little by little what lucky Rodochares will send spinning presently. But why do we not proceed now? We will have the rest of our fun on the voyage watching the others bemoan themselves.

Klotho

Get in and let the ferryman draw up the anchor.

Charon

My friend, where are you going? The skiff is full already. Wait here till to-morrow. We will ferry you over early in the morning.

Mikyllos

It is a crime, Charon, for you to leave a dead man behind who is stale already. I will indict you before Rhadamanthos for illegal practices. Alas, alack! they are off already, and I shall be left here alone. But why not swim after them? I am not afraid of giving out and drowning, because I am dead already. Moreover, I have not even got the obol to pay the ferryman.

Klotho

What are you doing? Stay where you are, Mikyllos. It is not permitted to cross in that fashion.

Mikyllos

And yet I may possibly get into port before you do.

Klotho

Heaven forbid. Come up with him and catch him. You, Hermes, help pull him in.

Charon

Now, where shall he sit? Every seat is full, as you see.

Hermes

On the despot's shoulders, if you agree.

Klotho

Happy thought, Hermes.

Charon

Climb up, then, and set your foot on the villain's neck; and a fair voyage to us!

Kyniskos

Charon, it is fair to tell you the truth from this moment. I should not have an obol to pay you when I have got across, for I have nothing but this wallet, which you see, and this club. But if you want any baling done, I am ready, or even to take an oar. You will have no fault to find if only you give me a strong, wellbalanced oar.

Charon

Row, then; for even that is payment enough from you.

Kyniskos

Is it, or must I start a boat-song to give the time?

Charon

By all means, if you know some sailor's song.

Kyniskos

I know a number; but see, these others are wailing tearfully in opposition. They will put us out in our singing.