Kitap 20
4
Very well. What else? I’ve thrown away everything, as you can see.
4
There remain your cruelty, folly, insolence, and temper; away with these too.
4
There you are; I’m stripped.
5
Now you may get in. You, the fat and fleshy one, who are you?
5
Damasias, the athlete.
5
Yes, you look like him. I know you, having often seen you in the ring.
5
Yes, Hermes; but let me in; I’m stripped to the skin.
5
No, you’re not, my good fellow, not while you have all that flesh on you. Well, take it off, for you’ll sink the boat, if you only put one foot aboard. Off too with those wreaths and proclamations of your prowess.
5
There you are; I’m really stripped now, as you see, and no heavier than the other dead.
6
It’s better that you should be light like that; get in then. You too, Craton, off with your wealth and your effeminacy too, and your luxury, and don’t bring your funeral trappings or your ancestors’ reputations, but leave behind family, fame, all public proclamations in your honour, and the inscriptions on your statues, and say nothing of the mighty tomb they raised over your body. Even the mention of such things weighs down the boat.
6
I don’t like it, but away they go. What choice have I?
7
Good gracious! You there—what do you want with all that armour? Why do you carry that trophy?
7
Because I was victorious, won the prize for valour, and was honoured by my city.
7
Leave your trophy on earth above; there’s peace in Hades and weapons won’t be needed.
8
But here’s an august personage, to judge by his appearance, and a proud man. Who can he be, with his haughty eyebrows, thoughtful mien, and bushy beard?
8
A Philosopher, Hermes, or rather an impostor, full of talk of marvels. Strip him too, and you’ll see many amusing things covered up under his cloak.
