--- **Damocles**, one of the courtiers of [Dionysius I](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dionysius-I) *[[10HE – Church & Castle – (1–1,000 CE)|(405-367 BCE)]]* was perpetually extolling with rapture the king's treasures, grandeur, the number of his troops, the extent of his dominions, the magnificence of his palaces, and the universal abundance of all good things and enjoyments in his possession. Everyday he lusted after the tyrant's possessions, desired filled his heart, and belief took root that there was no man happier than that of Dionysius. "How fulfilled you must be! You have here everything that any man could wish." "Since you are of that opinion," said the tyrant to him one day, "Perhaps you would like to change places with me?" "No, not that, my king!" said Damocles; "but I think, that, if I could only have your riches and your pleasures for one day, I should not want any greater happiness." "Very well," said the tyrant. "You shall have them." The offer was accepted with joy, and the following day Damocles was placed upon a golden couch, covered with carpets richly embroidered. The side-boards were loaded with vessels of gold and silver. The most beautiful slaves in the most splendid habits stood around, ready to serve him at the slightest signal. The most exquisite essences and perfumes had not been spared. The table was spread with proportionate magnificence. Damocles rested himself among soft cushions, and felt that he was the happiest man in all the world. Then he chanced to cast his eyes toward the ceiling. Beheld over his head the point of a sword, which hung from the roof only by a single horse-hair. The smile faded from the lips of Damocles. His face became ashy pale. His hands trembled. "What is the matter?" said the tyrant in a calm tone. "Would you perhaps like more wine, food or women?" Damocles, seeing the sword sway, began to panic. Quickly he tried to leave the seat, but the tyrants hand pressed into his shoulder, sinking him deeper into the chair. "The sword! the sword!" cried Damocles. "Yes," said Dionysius, "I know there is a sword above your head, and that it may fall at any moment. But why should that trouble you? I have a sword over my head all the time. I am every moment in dread lest something may cause me to lose my life." And so he looked neither at the waiters nor the wonderful silver work, nor did he stretch his hand to the table. Now the very wreaths slipped off. Finally he begged the tyrant that he should be allowed to depart because he no longer wanted to be fortunate. ![[Damocles-WestallPC20080120-8842A.jpg]]