6
Now bring in the output of the courts, I mean those who died by the scourge and the cross. And where are the sixteen who were killed by pirates, Hermes?
6
Here they are, these wounded men whom you see. Do you want me to bring in all the women together?
6
By all means, and also those lost at sea, for they died in the same way. And those who died of the fever, bring them in together, too, and their doctor Agathocles along with them.
7
Where is the philosopher Cyniscus, who was to die from eating the dinner of Hecate and the lustral eggs and a raw squid besides?The dinner of Hecate (mentioned also in Dialogues of the Dead, 1) was a purificatory offering made at cross-roads and,to judge from Aristophanes (Plutus 594), very well received by the poor. For the use of eggs in purification see Ovid, Ars Amat. ii. 329; Juv. vi. 517. The raw squid is mentioned because Diogenes is said to have died from eating one (Diog. Laert. 156 ap; cf. Philosophers for Sale, 10).
7
Ihave been standing at your elbow a long time, kind Clotho. What have I done that you should leave me on earth so long? Why, you nearly ran off your whole spindle for me! In spite of that, I have often tried to cut the thread and come, but somehow or other it could not be broken.
7
I left you behind to observe and prescribe for the sins of man. But get aboard, and good luck to you.:
7
No, by Heaven, not till we have put this man in fetters aboard. I am afraid he may come it over you with his entreaties.
8
Come, let’s see who he is.
8
Megapenthes,“Great woe.” son of Lacydes, a tyrant.
8
Aboard with you!
8
Oh no, good lady Clotho! Do let me go back to earth for a little while. Then [ll come of my own accord, you will find, without being summoned by anyone.
8
Why is it that you want to go back?
8
Let me finish my house first, for the building has been left half-done.
8
Nonsense! Come, get aboard.
