Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/478

448 448 LUCIAN

to be covered with dust and gasping for breath. I don't understand whence they got scent of the gold. Shall I then mount this rocky hill and drive them off by pelting them at a distance with these stones from overhead, or shall I transgress my law to this extent at least and consort with them for this once, in order that they may be more annoyed at being treated with contempt? This plan, I think, is even better than the other. So then let me show a bold front and re- ceive them on the spot. Come, let me see ! Who is that foremost one among them ? Gnathonides, the parasite, who, on my asking him lately for a friendly loan, handed me that halter, though he had often made himself sick when dining at my house by swill- ing down entire jars of wine. Well ! it was very kind of him to be the first to arrive. For he shall howl before the others.

Enter Gnathonides.

Gnathonides. Did n't I tell you the gods would n't be neglectful of so excellent a man as Timon ? Good- day, Timon ! What 's the good word with you, my heau ideal of grace and charm, jolliest of boon com. panions ?

Timon. Humph ! Good-day to you, too, Gna- thonides, the most gluttonous of the whole brood of vultures, and the biggest rogue among men !

Gnathonides. Really, you always did have a pen- chant for cracking jokes. But where do you keep wassail ? For I 've got here a brand-new lyric ode, made up of dithyrambs, only just brought out.

Timon. Yes, and, besides, I '11 make you chant an elegy right pathetically to the accompaniment of this mattock here. {Striking Gnathonides.)