9–11
MEGAPENTHES
I call you all to witness, the town wall and the docks remain unfinished. I could have finished them if I had lived only five days longer.
5
CLOTHO
Never mind; someone else will build the wall.
MEGAPENTHES
But this request at all events is reasonable.
MEGAPENTHES
To live only long enough to subdue the Pisidians and subject the Lydians to tribute, and to build myself a huge mausoleum and inscribe on it all the great military exploits of my life.
CLOTHO
Why, man, you are no longer asking for this one day, but for a stay of nearly twenty years!
10
MEGAPENTHES
But I tell you I am ready to give bail for my speedy return. If you wish, I’ll even surrender you my beloved as a substitute for myself.
CLOTHO
Vile wretch! Have not you often prayed that he night outlast you on earth?
MEGAPENTHES
That was long ago, but now I perceive whawi is for the best.
CLOTHO
He too will soon be here, you'll find, slain by the new ruler.
MEGAPENTHES
Well, at all events don't refuse me this, Lady of Destiny.
MEGAPENTHES
I want to know how things will turn out after my death.
CLOTHO
Listen, for it will vex you all the more to know. Midas, your slave, will have your wife; indeed, he has been her lover a long time.
MEGAPENTHES
Curse him, I set him free at her request!
5
CLOTHO
Your daughter will be enrolled among the concubines of the present tyrant, and the busts and statues which the city long ago set up in your honour will all be pulled down and will make everyone who looks at them laugh.
MEGAPENTHES
Tell meé, will none of my friends get angry at these doings?
