Then there was a Cynic philosopher, who was to have succumbed to a dinner with Dame Hecate, eked out with sacrificial eggs and a raw cuttle-fish; where is he?

Cynic Here I stand this long time, my good Clotho. Now what had I done to deserve such a weary spell of life? You gave me pretty nearly a spindleful of it. I often tried to cut the thread and away; but somehow it never would give.

Clotho I left you as a censor and physician of human frailties: pass on, and good luck to you.

Cynic No, by Zeus! First let us see our captive safe on board. Your judgement might be perverted by his entreaties.

Clotho Let me see; who is he?

Hermes Megapenthes, son of Lacydes; tyrant.

Clotho Come up, Megapenthes.

Megapenthes. Nay, nay, my lady Clotho; suffer me to return for a little while, and I will come of my own accord, without waiting to be summoned,

Clotho What do you want to go for?

Megapenthes. I crave permission to complete my palace: I left the building half-finished.

Clotho Pooh! Come along.

Megapenthes. Oh Fate, I ask no long reprieve. Vouchsafe me this one day, that I may inform my wife where my great treasure lies buried.

Clotho Impossible. 'Tis Fate’s decree.

Megapenthes. And all that money is to be thrown away?

Clotho Not thrown away. Be under no uneasiness. Your cousin Megacles will take charge of it.

Megapenthes. Oh, monstrous! My enemy, whom from sheer good-nature I omitted to put to death?

Clotho The same. He will survive you for rather more than forty years; in the full enjoyment of your harem, your wardrobe, and your treasure.

Megapenthes. It is too bad of you, Clotho, to hand over my property to my worst enemy.

Clotho My dear sir, it was Cydimachus’s property first, surely? You only succeeded to it by murdering him, and butchering his children before his eyes.

Megapenthes. Yes, but it was mine after that.

Clotho Well, and now your term of possession expires.