Cataplus

Lucian of Samosata

Selections from Lucian. Smith, Emily James, translators. New York; Harper Brothers, 1892.

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

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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.

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    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.

    First Dead Man Alas for my goods!

    Second Dead Man Alas for my fields!

    Third Dead Man Woe is me, what a house I have left!

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    Fourth Dead Man How many thousands my heir will get to make ducks and drakes of!

    Fifth Dead Man Alas for my young children!

    Sixth Dead Man Who will gather grapes from the vines I planted for myself last year?

    Hermes Mikyllos, do you make no lament? It is impious for any one to cross without a tear.

    Mikyllos Nonsense. I have nothing to lament for on a prosperous voyage.

    Hermes Still, just join a little in the groaning for custom's sake.

    Mikyllos I will make my moan, then, since you think best, Hermes. Alas for my soles! Alas for my old lasts! Woe is me for my rotten sandals! Poor wretch, I shall never again go without food from daybreak to nightfall! Never again shall I stalk about in winter barefoot and half naked, my teeth chattering with the cold! Who, pray tell, will have my knife and my awl ?

    Hermes You have mourned enough; we have almost finished our voyage.