17–18
Zeus
Surely you know, Cyniscus, what punishments await the evil-doers after death, and how happy will be the lot of the righteous?
Cyniscus
Ah, to be sure: Hades—Tityus—Tantalus. Whether there is such a place as Hades, I shall be able to satisfy myself when I die. In the meantime, I had rather live a pleasant life here, and have a score or so of vultures at my liver when I am dead, than thirst like Tantalus in this world, on the chance of drinking with the heroes in the Isles of the Blest, and reclining in the fields of Elysium.
Zeus
What! you doubt that there are punishments and rewards to come? You doubt of that judgement-seat before which every soul is arraigned?
Cyniscus
I have heard mention of a judge in that connexion; one Minos, a Cretan. Ah, yes, tell me about him: they say he is your son?
Cyniscus
Whom does he punish in particular?
Zeus
Whom but the wicked?, Murderers, for instance, and temple-robbers.
5
Cyniscus
And whom does he send to dwell with the heroes?
Zeus
Good men and God-fearing, who have led virtuous lives.
Zeus
Because they deserve punishment and reward respectively.
Cyniscus
Suppose a man commits a crime accidentally; does he punish him just the same?
10
Cyniscus
Similarly, if a man involuntarily performed a good action, he would not reward him?
Cyniscus
Then there is no one for him to reward or punish.
