The Ferry (26-29)

Kyniskos There is no need of words at all, for you will very speedily know him for what he is from his brands. However, I, too, will unveil the man for you and exhibit him still more plainly by what I say. The deeds this accursed wretch committed while he was a private citizen I think it best to omit; but when he banded himself with the most daring spirits and collected a bodyguard, and, revolting, imposed himself on the State as a tyrant, he slew thousands without trial, and by taking possession of their property amassed enormous wealth, and left no form of excess untried. No; he treated the wretched citizens with every sort of insolence. He seduced the maidens, debauched the young men, and bore himself in every way offensively to his subjects. And you could not even punish him adequately for his suspicion, his vanity, and his overbearing manner

to those who happened in his way, for a man would more easily have looked at the sun without winking than at him. And who could describe his inventiveness in the way of punishments to gratify his cruelty? He did not keep his hands. off even his next of kin. And you will know immediately that these things are not an empty slander against him if you summon those that were murdered by him. In fact, they are here unbidden, as you see, crowding about him and throttling him. All these, Rhadamanthos, died by the wretch's hand. Some he plotted against for the sake of their beautiful wives. Some gave way to anger at his insolence when their sons were led astray. Some died because they were rich, and some because they were honest and well-conducted, and in no way complacent of his actions.

Rhadamanthos Enough already of witnesses! But strip him of his purple, too, so that we may know how many brand-marks he has. Dear me, he is perfectly livid and covered with marks, or, rather, he is black and blue with them. Now, how should he be punished? Shall we cast him into the fiery stream or hand him over to Kerberos?

Kyniskos Not at all, but, with your permission, I will suggest a new and fitting punishment for him.

Rhadamanthos Speak; I shall be deeply grateful to you.

Kyniskos It is the custom, I believe, for all, when they die, to drink of the water of Lethe.

Rhadamanthos Certainly.

Kyniskos Then let him alone of all men have no taste of it?

Rhadamanthos Why?

Kyniskos In this way he will undergo the worst punishment, remembering what he was and what power he had on earth, and pondering on his lost splendors.

Rhadamanthos You are right. Let him be sentenced and carried off and bound along with Tantalos, remembering the deeds he did while he was alive.