The Sword of Damocles (A Greek Myth for Jaylin the Greek)
The Sword of Damocles
There once was a king whose name was Dionysius. He was so unjust and cruel that he won himself the name of tyrant. He knew that almost everybody hated him, and so he was always in dread lest some one should take his life. But he was very rich, and he lived in a fine palace where there were many beautiful and costly things, and he was waited upon by a host of servants who were always ready to do his bidding.
One day a friend of his, whose name was Damocles, said to him, "How happy you must be! You have here everything that any man could wish."
"Perhaps you would like to trade places with me," said the tyrant.
"No, not that, O king!" said Damocles; "but I think that, if I could only have your riches and your pleasures for one day, I should not want any greater happiness." "Very well," said the tyrant. "You shall have them."
And so, the next day, Damocles was led into the palace, and all the servants were bidden to treat him as their master. He sat down at a table in the banquet hall, and rich foods were placed before him. Nothing was wanting that could give him pleasure. There were costly wines, and beautiful flowers, and rare perfumes, and delightful music. He rested among soft cushions, and felt that he was the happiest man in all the world.
Then he chanced to raise his eyes toward the ceiling. What was it that was dnagling above him, with it's point almost touching his head? It was a sharp sword, and it was hung by only a single horsehair. What if the hair should break? There was danger every moment that it would do so.
The smile faded from the lips of Damocles. His face became very pale. His hands trembled. He wanted no more food; he could drink no more wine; he took no more delight in the music. He longed to be out of the palace, and away, he cared not where.
"What is the matter?" said the tyrant.
"That sword! That sword!" cried Damocles. He was so badly frightened that he dared not move.
"Yes," said Dionysius, "I know there is a sword above your head, and that it may fall at any moment. But why should that trouble you? I have a sword over my head all the time. I am every moment in dread lest something may cause me to lose my life."
"Let me go," said Damocles. "I now see that I was mistaken, and that the rich and powerful are not so happy as they seem. Let me go back to my old home in the poor little cottage amon the mountains."
And so long as he lived, he never again wanted to be rich, or to change places with the king.
And so I now pass the crown to you as Gardiner had passed it to kloh, and as I had mercilessly wrested it from kloh. Beware that wanting and having are two different things entirely. Trust not a person, not your most trusted friend, lest he be the means of your undoing.
----GZ
__________________
Now I'm just laid bad - G35Princess
R.I.P. MBC
Do you mean Dionysus, because if so, he is the Greek God of wine and fertility...
Have you been in the South too long? It isn't D's sword, he already knows the dangers of being the man. Dammit man!!!! Do you guys now pronounce Greek as "Grick?"
Damn postwhore you need to read for content.
__________________
Now I'm just laid bad - G35Princess
R.I.P. MBC
Do you mean Dionysus, because if so, he is the Greek God of wine and fertility...
Have you been in the South too long? It isn't D's sword, he already knows the dangers of being the man. Dammit man!!!! Do you guys now pronounce Greek as "Grick?"
Damn postwhore you need to read for content.
I was just stating that the story says he is a tyrant, when in fact he is a Greek God....just stating the mythology of it...
Do you mean Dionysus, because if so, he is the Greek God of wine and fertility...
Have you been in the South too long? It isn't D's sword, he already knows the dangers of being the man. Dammit man!!!! Do you guys now pronounce Greek as "Grick?"
Damn postwhore you need to read for content.
I was just stating that the story says he is a tyrant, when in fact he is a Greek God....just stating the mythology of it...
Most hold that the spelling of the god in question is Dionysius. However after a quick web search I do see others (mis)pelling without the "i", so I do see how there could be confusion.
However keep in mind that this little story has nothing to do with the God of the Drink.
__________________
Now I'm just laid bad - G35Princess
R.I.P. MBC
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The Sword of Damocles (A Greek Myth for Jaylin the Greek)
