1
Callidemides
That is the man; he had promised to leave me his heir, and I used to show my appreciation. However, it went on such a time; Tithonus was a juvenile to him; so I found a short cut to my property. I bought a potion, and agreed with the butler that next time his master called for wine (he is a pretty stiff drinker) he should have this ready in a cup and present it; and I was pledged to reward the man with his freedom.
Zenophantus
And what happened? this is interesting.
5
Callidemides
When we came from bath, the young fellow had two cups ready, one with the poison for Ptoeodorus, and the other for me; but by some blunder he handed me the poisoned cup, and Ptoeodorus the plain; and behold, before he had done drinking, there was I sprawling on the ground, a vicarious corpse! Why are you laughing so, Zenophantus? I am your friend; such mirth is unseemly.
Zenophantus
Well, it was such a humorous exit. And how did the old man behave?
Callidemides
He was dreadfully distressed for the moment; then he saw, I suppose, and laughed as much as you over the butler’s trick,
Zenophantus
Ah, short cuts are no better for you than for other people, you see; the high road would have been safer, if not quite so quick.
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.
