8
How much more fitting it would be, Hermes, if they should applaud me; for in a little while I shall seize Milo himself and heave him aboard the boat, when he comes to us after getting thrown by Death, the most invincible of all antagonists, without even knowing how he was tripped! Then we shall hear him wail, depend upon it, when he remembers these crowns of victory and this applause; but now he thinks highly of himself because of the admiration he is winning for carrying the bull. What! Are we to think that he expects to die some day?
8
Why should he think of death now, when he is so young and strong?
8
Never mind him; he will give us food for laughter before long when he makes his voyage and is no longer able to lift a mosquito, let alone a bull!
9
Tell me, Who is the other man yonder, the haughty one? Iliad3, 226 served as a model for this line also. Not a Greek, it seems, from his dress at least.
9
That is Cyrus, Charon, the son of Cambyses, who has already transferred to the Persians the empire that once belonged to the Medes. Moreover, he recently conquered the Assyrians and brought Babylon to terms, and now he appears to be meditating a campaign against Lydia, with the idea of overthrowing Croesus and ruling the world.
9
And Croesus, where is he?
9
Look over there towards the great acropolis with the triple wall. That is Sardis, and now you see Croesus himself sitting on a golden throne, talking with Solon of Athens. Would you like to listen to what they are saying?The conversation that follows is based on Herodotus 1.29-33.
9
By all means.
10
My friend from Athens, as you have seen my riches, my treasuries, all the bullion that I have and the rest of my splendor, tell me whom do you consider the most fortunate man in the world?
10
What will Solon say to that?
10
Never fear; nothing ignoble, Charon.
