Icaromenippus

Lucian of Samosata

Lucian, Vol. 2. Harmon, A. M., editor. London: William Heinemann, Ltd.; Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1915.

HERMES Then you have cheated Zeus, who thinks that you observe his decrees and enrich those who in his opinion deserve riches ?

RICHES Yes, and very properly, my friend, for although he

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knew that I was blind, he kept sending me to search for a thing so hard to find, which long ago became eclipsed in the world; even a Lynceus could not find it easily, so dim and tiny is its light. So, as the good men are few and wicked men in great numbers fill the cities, it is easier for me to fall in with then in my wanderings and to get into their nets.

HERMES Then how is it that when you leave them you escape easily, since you do not know the way ?

RICHES For some reason I become sharp of eye and swift of foot then, but only for the time of ny escape.

HERMES Now just answer me this one more question. How is it that although you are blind (pardon my frankness), and not only that but pale and heavy-footed, you have lovers in such number that all men regard you with adimiration and count themselves lucky if they win you, but cannot bear to live if they fail? In fact, I know a good many of them who were so desperately in love with you that they went and flung themselves “into the deep-bosomed sea” and “over the beetling crags”[*](Theognis 175.) because they thought you were cutting them when as a matter of fact you could not see them at all. But you yourself will admit, I am sure, if you know yourself, that they are crazy to lose their heads over such a beloved.