17–19
Mikyllos
And he was not the only one. When I saw the money-lender Griphon groaning with remorse because he had not had the good of his money, but was dying without a taste of it, leaving his property to the spendthrift Rodochares-for he was next of kin and chief legatee by law-I could not help laughing; most of all when I remembered how yellow and dirty he always was, his brow full of care and rich only with the fingers that counted his millions, gathering little by little what lucky Rodochares will send spinning presently. But why do we not proceed now? We will have the rest of our fun on the voyage watching the others bemoan themselves.
Klotho
Get in and let the ferryman draw up the anchor.
Charon
My friend, where are you going? The skiff is full already. Wait here till to-morrow. We will ferry you over early in the morning.
Mikyllos
It is a crime, Charon, for you to leave a dead man behind who is stale already. I will indict you before Rhadamanthos for illegal practices. Alas, alack! they are off already, and I shall be left here alone. But why not swim after them? I am not afraid of giving out and drowning, because I am dead already. Moreover, I have not even got the obol to pay the ferryman.
Klotho
What are you doing? Stay where you are, Mikyllos. It is not permitted to cross in that fashion.
Mikyllos
And yet I may possibly get into port before you do.
Klotho
Heaven forbid. Come up with him and catch him. You, Hermes, help pull him in.
5
Charon
Now, where shall he sit? Every seat is full, as you see.
Hermes
On the despot's shoulders, if you agree.
