Book 20
10
Good. Loose the hawsers, then, let’s pull in the gangway, raise anchor and spread the sail, and you, Charon, take the rudder and see to the steering, and good luck to us.
11
Why are you groaning like that, you fools, and you, in particular, the Philosopher just despoiled of the beard?
11
Because, Hermes, I thought my soul was immortal.
11
He’s lying; something else seems to be grieving him.
11
What?
11
That he’ll have no more expensive dinners, or go out at night, unknown to all, with his cloak wrapped over his head, and go the round of the brothels, and never again take money next morning for cheating the young men with his show of wisdom. That’s what grieves him.
11
Aren’t you sorry to die yourself, Menippus?
11
How so, when I was eager for death According to Diogenes Laertius, VI. 100, Menippus hanged himself. and needed no invitation?
12
But, as I speak, don’t I hear the noise of what seems to be shouting on earth?
12
Yes, Menippus, and coming from several quarters. In one place they’ve all flocked to the assembly, glad and laughing over the death of Lampichus, while the women have got hold of his wife, and his tiny children too are being pelted by the other children with showers of stones. Then there are others, in Sicyon, applauding Diophantus, the Rhetorician, for his funeral speech over Craton here; and, upon my word, there’s the mother of Damasias wailing with the other women, and leading the dirge over him. But nobody weeps for you, Menippus; you’re the only one lying in peace.
13
Not so; soon you’ll hear the dogs howling most piteous laments over me, and the ravens flapping their wings in mourning, when they gather and perform my burial.
13
You’re a man of spirit, Menippus. But, now that we’ve reached port, off to the court with you along that straight path, while the ferryman and I go for another lot.
