Dialogi mortuorum

Lucian of Samosata

The Works of Lucian of Samosata, complete, with exceptions specified in thepreface, Vol. 1. Fowler, H. W. and Fowlere, F.G., translators. Oxford at the Clarendon Press, 1905.

Diogenes I see. You’re a dummy; he palms you off upon Pluto, instead of coming himself. And here are you, enjoying his mortality!

Heracles 'Tis somewhat as thou hast said.

Diogenes Well, but where were Aeacus’s keen eyes, that he let

v.1.p.135

a counterfeit Heracles pass under his very nose, and never knew the difference?

Heracles I was made very like to him.

Diogenes I believe you! Very like indeed, no difference at all! Why, we may find it’s the other way round, that you are Heracles, and the phantom is in Heaven, married to Hebe!