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.
Cnemon Why, ’tis the proverb fulfilled! The fawn hath taken the lion.
Damasias What’s the matter, Cnemon?
Cnemon The matter! I have been fooled, miserably fooled. I have passed over all whom I should have liked to make my heirs, and left my money to the wrong man.
Damasias How was that?
Cnemon I had been speculating on the death of Hermolaus, the millionaire. He had no children, and my attentions had been well received by him. I thought it would be a good idea to let him know that I had made my will in his favour, on the chance of its exciting his emulation.
Damasias Yes; and Hermolaus?
Cnemon What his will was, I don’t know. I died suddenly,— the roof came down about my ears; and now Hermolaus is my heir The pike has swallowed hook and bait.
Damasias And your anglership into the bargain. The pit that you digged for other....
Cnemon That’s about the truth of the matter, confound it.