Chapter IV

--There, you see, said Cocles, coming down the stairs, the fate of a man who has grown rich by another’s suffering.

--But is it true that you suffer? asked Prometheus.

--From my eye occasionally, said Cocles, but from the blow, no more; I prefer to have received it. It does not burn any more; it has revealed to me my goodness. I am flattered by it; I am pleased about it. I never cease to think that my pain was useful to my neighbour and that it brought him £20.

--But the neighbour is dying of it, Cocles, said Prometheus.

--Did you not tell him that one must nourish one’s eagle? What do you expect? Damocles and I never could understand each other, our points of view are entirely opposed.

Prometheus said good-bye to Cocles and ran to the house of Zeus, the banker.

--For goodness’ sake, show yourself! he said, or at least make yourself known. The miserable man is dying. I could understand your killing him since that is your pleasure; but let him know at least who it is that is killing him--that he may be at peace.

The Miglionaire replied:--I do not wish to lose my prestige.