Chapter III

It was spring-time; around the bars of the tower the fragrant wisteria was in flower.

--One day we will go away, said the eagle.

--Really? cried Prometheus.

--Because I am now very strong and thou art thinner. I can carry thee.

--Eagle, my eagle!... Take me away.

And the eagle carried him away.

A CHAPTER WHILE WAITING THE NEXT ONE

That evening Cocles and Damocles met each other. They chatted together; but with a certain embarrassment.

--What can you expect? said Cocles, our points of view are so opposed.

--Do you think so? replied Damocles. My only desire is that we understand each other.

--You say that, but you only understand yourself.

--And you, you do not even listen to what I say.

--I know all that you would say.

--Say it then if you know it.

--You pretend to know it better than I do.

--Alas! Cocles, you get cross;--but for the love of God tell me what ought I to do?

--Ah! nothing more for me, I beg you; you have already given me a glass eye....

--Glass, in lack of a better, my Cocles.

--Yes--after having half blinded me.

--But it was not I, dear Cocles.

--It was more or less; and in any case you can pay for the eye--thanks to my blow.

--Cocles! forget the past!...

--No doubt it pleases you to forget.

--That’s not what I mean to say to you.

--But what do you mean to say then? Go on, speak!

--You do not listen to me.

--Because I know all that you would say!...

The discussion, for want of something new began to take a dangerous turn, when both men were suddenly arrested by an advertisement which ran as follows:

THIS EVENING AT 8 O’CLOCK
IN THE
HALL OF THE NEW MOONS
PROMETHEUS DELIVERED
WILL SPEAK OF
HIS
EAGLE

_At 8.30 the Eagle will be presented and will perform some tricks.
At 9 o’clock a collection will be made by the waiter on behalf of
Cocles’ hospital._

--I must see that, said Cocles.

--I will go with you, said Damocles.