THE SWORD OF DAMOCLES

Dionysius, ihe tyranl of Sicily, was far from being happy, though he possessed great riches, and ail the pleasures which weallh and power could procure. Damocles, one of his flalterers, deceived by ihese specious appearances of happiness, look occasion to compliment him on the extent of his power, his treasures and royal magnificence;

and declared Ihal no monarch had ever been greafer or happier than Dionysius. a Hasl iliou a miud, Damocles, » says (lie king, « lo taste Ihis happiness, and to know, by expérience, what Ihe enjoyments are, of which lliou bast so high an idea? Damocles, with joy, accepled the offer. The king ordered tbat a royal banquet should be prepared, and a gilded sofa, covered wilh rich embroidery, placed for his favourile. Sideboards,Ioaded wilh gold and silver plaie of immense value, were arranged in the apartment. Pages of extraordinary beauly were ordered to attend his table, and to obey his commands with the utmost readiness, and the most profound submission. Fragranl ointmenls, chaplels of flowers, and rich perfuraes, were added to the entertainment. The table was loaded with the mosl exquisite delicacies of every kind. Damocles, intoxicaled with pleasure, fancied himself amongst superior beings. But in the midst of ail this happiness, as he lay indulging himself in stale, he sees let down from the ceiling, exactly over his head, a glittering sword hung by a single hair. The sight of impending destruction put a speedy end to his joy and reveliing. The pomp of his attendants, the glitter of the carved plate, and the delicacy of ihe viands, ceased to afford him any pleasure. He dreads to stretch forth his hand to the table. He throws oflf the garland of roses. He hastens to remove from his dangerous situation , and earneslly entreats the king to restore him to his former humble condition, having no désire to enjoy any longer a happiness so terrible.

By this device, Dionysius intimaled to Damocles, how misérable he was in the midst of ail his Ireasures; and in possession of ail the honours and enjoyments which royalty could bestow. (Cicero.)