Chapter V

The end of Damocles was admirable; he pronounced a little while before his last hour some words which drew tears from the most unbelieving and made pious people say: How edifying! The most notable sentiment was the one expressed so well in these words: I hope at any rate that he will not have felt the loss of it.

--Who? asked some one.

--He, said Damocles, dying; he who gave me ... something.

--No! it was Providence, cleverly replied the waiter.

Damocles died after hearing these comforting words.

THE FUNERAL

--Oh! said Prometheus to Cocles, leaving the chamber of death,--all that is horrible! The death of Damocles upsets me. Is it true that my lecture can have been the cause of his illness?

--I cannot say, said the waiter, but I know that at any rate he was greatly moved by all that you said of your eagle.

--Of our eagle, replied Cocles.

--I was so convinced, said Prometheus.

--That is why you convinced him.... Your words were very strong.

--I thought that no one paid any attention and I insisted.... If I had known that he would listen so attentively....

--What would you have said?

--The same thing, stammered Prometheus.

--Then?

--But I would not say the same thing now.

--Are you no longer convinced?

--Damocles was too much so.... I have other ideas about my eagle.

--By the way, where is he?

--Do not fear, Cocles. I have my eye on him.

--Good-bye. I shall wear mourning, said Cocles. When shall we see each other again?

--But ... at the funeral, I suppose. I will make a speech there. I ought to repair in some way the damage I have done. And afterwards I invite you to the funeral feast in the restaurant exactly where we saw Damocles for the first time.