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.

Hermes I dare say! A fine time I shall have of it, if I am to pay for the shades.

Charon I’m not going to let you off.

Menippus You can haul up your ship and wait, for all I care. If I have not got the money, I can’t pay you, can I?

Charon You knew you ought to bring it?

Menippus I knew that: but I hadn’t got it. What would you have? I ought not to have died, I suppose?

Charon So you are to have the distinction of being the only passenger that ever crossed gratis?

Menippus Oh, come now: gratis! I took an oar, and I baled; and I didn’t cry, which is more than can be said for any of the others.

Charon That’s neither here nor there. I must have my penny; it’s only right.