The Ferry (5)

And we, Charon, were just accusing Hermes of neglecting his duties!

Well, what are we waiting for now? Haven't we lost enough time already?

You are right; let them embark. I will take my note-book in my hand and sit by the gangway, as usual; and as each one of them comes aboard I will find out who he is and whence he comes, and what sort of ath he died by. Do you, Charon, receive them and stack them together in lots; and you, Hermes, put these new-born children aboard first. For how could they answer any of my questions?

See, ferryman, there are three hundred of these for you, counting those that were exposed.

Dear me, that is a large bag. You have brought us unripe dead.

Shall we put the unwept aboard next to these, Klotho?

Do you mean the aged? Yes, do so. Why should I trouble myself now to inquire into such ancient history? All you who are over sixty come forward at once. What is this? They do not hear me, because their ears are stopped with age. Probably you will have to lift these, too, and ship them.

Here is another lot, lacking two of four hundred. These are all soft and ripe, and gathered in their prime.

No, by Jove! they are all raisins already.