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.
Menippus But not comeliest of all that come ’neath the earth, as far as I know. Your bones are much like other people’s; and the only difference between your two skulls is that yours would not take much to stove it in. It is a tender article, something short of masculine,
Nireus Ask Homer what I was, when I sailed with the Achaeans.
Menippus Dreams, dreams, I am looking at what you are; what you were is ancient history.
Nireus Am I not handsomer here, Menippus?
Menippus You are not handsome at all, nor any one else either. Hades is a democracy; one man is as good as another here.
Thersites And a very tolerable arrangement too, if you ask me.