27–28
Rhadamanthus
Villain, what have you to say to this?
Megapenthes.
I committed the murders referred to. As for the rest, the adulteries and corruptions and seductions, it is all a pack of lies.
Cynic
I can bring witnesses to these points too, Rhadamanghus.
Rhadamanthus
Witnesses, eh?
Cynic
Hermes, kindly summon his Lamp and Bed. They will appear in evidence, and state what they know of his conduct.
5
Hermes
Lamp and Bed of Megapenthes, come into court. Good, they respond to the summons,
Rhadamanthus
Now, tell us all you know about Megapenthes. Bed, you speak first.
Bed
All that Cyniscus said is true. But really, Mr. Rhadamanthus, I don’t quite like to speak about it; such strange things used to happen overhead.
Rhadamanthus
Why, your unwillingness to speak is the most telling evidence of all!—Lamp, now let us have yours.;
Lamp
What went on in the daytime I never saw, not being there. As for his doings at night, the less said the better. I saw some very queer things, though, monstrous queer. Many is the time I have stopped taking oil on purpose, and tried to goout. But then he used to bring me close up. It was enough to give any lamp a bad character.
10
Rhadamanthus
Enough of verbal evidenee. Now, just divest yourself of that purple, and we will see what you have in the way of brands. Goodness gracious, the man’s a positive network! Black and blue with them! Now, what punishment can we givehim? A bathin Pyriphlegethon? The tender mercies of Cerberus, perhaps?
Cynic
No, no. Allow me,—I have a novel idea; something that will just suit him.
Rhadamanthus
Yes? I shall be obliged to you for a suggestion.
