Chapter I

--You know that he is not at all well, said the waiter, seeing Prometheus a few days later.

--Who?

--Damocles--Oh! very bad:--it was coming out after your lecture that he was taken ill....

--But what is the matter?

--The doctors hesitate;--it is a very unusual illness ... a shrinkage of the spine....

--The spine?

--Yes, the spine.--At least, unless a miracle happens he must get worse. He is very low, I assure you, and you should go and see him.

--You go very often yourself?

--I? Yes, every day.--He is very anxious about Cocles; I bring him news every day.

--Why doesn’t Cocles go to see him himself?

--Cocles?--He is too busy. Don’t you remember your lecture? It has made an extraordinary effect upon him. He talks of nothing but self-devotion, and passes all his time looking in the streets for another blow, which may benefit some unknown Damocles. In vain he offers his other cheek.

--Why not tell the Miglionaire?

--I give him news every day. That is really the reason why I visit Damocles every day.

--Why does he not go and see Damocles himself?

--That is what I tell him, but he refuses. He does not wish to be known. And yet Damocles would certainly get well immediately if he knew his benefactor. I tell him all this, but he insists upon keeping his incognito--and I understand now that it is not Damocles but his illness which interests him.

--You spoke of introducing me?...

--Yes, at once, if you like.

They went off immediately.