Dialogues of the Dead (18.1)

It’s just like the proverb; the fawn’s caught the lion.

Why so angry, Cnemon?

You ask why I’m angry? I’ve been outsmarted, poor fool that I am, and have left an heir I didn’t want, passing over those I’d have preferred to have my property.

How did it happen?

I’d been showering my attentions on Hermolaus, the childless millionaire, in hopes of his death, and he was glad enough to have them. So I thought of another clever move, and decided to make my will public. I’ve left him all my property in it, hoping he in turn would emulate me, and do the same by me.

Well, what did he do?

What he put in his own will, I don’t know; I can only tell you that I myself died suddenly, when my roof fell down upon me, and now Hermolaus is in possession of my property, like a greedy bass that has swallowed both hook and bait.

Not only that, but he’s swallowed you the fisherman as well; you’ve been caught by your own cunning.

So it seems; that’s why I’m so sorry for myself.