7–8
CLOTHO
Where is the philosopher Cyniscus, who was to die from eating the dinner of Hecate and the lustral eggs and a raw squid besides?The dinner of Hecate (mentioned also in Dialogues of the Dead, 1) was a purificatory offering made at cross-roads and,to judge from Aristophanes (Plutus 594), very well received by the poor. For the use of eggs in purification see Ovid, Ars Amat. ii. 329; Juv. vi. 517. The raw squid is mentioned because Diogenes is said to have died from eating one (Diog. Laert. 156 ap; cf. Philosophers for Sale, 10).
CYNISCUS
Ihave been standing at your elbow a long time, kind Clotho. What have I done that you should leave me on earth so long? Why, you nearly ran off your whole spindle for me! In spite of that, I have often tried to cut the thread and come, but somehow or other it could not be broken.
CLOTHO
I left you behind to observe and prescribe for the sins of man. But get aboard, and good luck to you.:
CYNISCUS
No, by Heaven, not till we have put this man in fetters aboard. I am afraid he may come it over you with his entreaties.
CLOTHO
Come, let’s see who he is.
CYNISCUS
Megapenthes,“Great woe.” son of Lacydes, a tyrant.
MEGAPENTHES
Oh no, good lady Clotho! Do let me go back to earth for a little while. Then [ll come of my own accord, you will find, without being summoned by anyone.
CLOTHO
Why is it that you want to go back?
5
MEGAPENTHES
Let me finish my house first, for the building has been left half-done.
CLOTHO
Nonsense! Come, get aboard.
