11–12
CLOTHO
Why, what friend did you have, and how did you make him? Don’t you know that all those who bowed the knee and praised your every word and deed did so either from hope or from fear, being friends of your power, not of you, and keeping their eyes on the main chance?
MEGAPENTHES
But as they poured their libations at our drinking parties they used to pray at the top of their voices that many blessings might descend upon me, saying every one of them that he was ready to die for me if so might be; in a word, they swore by me.
CLOTHO
Consequently, you died after dining with one of them yesterday: it was that last drink he gave you that sent you down here.
10
MEGAPENTHES
Then that is why I noticed a bitter taste. But what was his object in doing it?
CLOTHO
You are asking me many questions when you ought to get aboard.
MEGAPENTHES
There is one thing that sticks in my throat above all, Clotho, and on account of it I longed to slip back again to the light of day, if only for a moment.
CLOTHO
What is that? It must be something tremendous.
