The Cynic Menippus, introduced to us in this amusing dialogue,—"a dog of the real old breed," as Lucian calls him, "always ready to bark and bite"[1]—is a great favourite with the author, and reappears very frequently in these imaginary conversations. He was a disciple of Diogenes, and had been a usurer in earlier life, but having lost his wealth by the roguery of others, at last committed suicide. The banter with which he treats Charon in the little dialogue which follows is very humorous.
CHARON AND MENIPPUS.
Charon (calling after Menippus, who is walking off). Pay me your fare, you rascal!
Menippus. Bawl away, Charon, if it's any satisfaction to you.
Cha. Pay me, I say, for carrying you across!
Men. You can't get money from a man who hasn't got it.
Cha. Is there any man who has not got an obolus?
Men. I know nothing about anybody else; I know I haven't.
Cha. (catching hold of him). I'll strangle you, you villain! I will, by Pluto! if you don't pay.
Men. And I'll break your head with my staff.
Cha. Do you suppose you are to have such a long trip for nothing?
- ↑ The term "Cynic," applied to that school of philosophy, is derived from the Greek for "dog."
