The Sword of Damocles, an adventure novel by Anna Katharine Green, is inspired by the classical story of Damocles, the courtier who envies the tyrant Dionysius. It reflects on how hidden danger can hang over apparent good fortune. It is worth listening to for its suspense and moral reflection on the limits of happiness.
ТО MY FATHER I DEDICATE THIS BOOK AS EXPRESSING SOME OF THE PRINCIPLES OF JUSTICE AND MERCY WHICH, BY PRECEPT AND EXAMPLE, HE HAS INSTILLED INTO MY BREAST FROM EARLY CHILDHOOD.
“When all else fails love saves.”
Damocles, one of the courtiers of Dionysius, was perpetually extolling with rapture that tyrant’s treasures, grandeur, the number of his troops, the extent of his dominions, the magnificence of his palaces, and the universal abundance of all good things and enjoyments in his possession; always repeating, that never man was happier than Dionysius. “Since you are of that opinion,” said the tyrant to him one day, “will you taste and make proof of my felicity in person?” The offer was accepted with joy; Damocles was placed upon a golden couch, covered with carpets richly embroidered. The sideboards were loaded with vessels of gold and silver. The most beautiful slaves in the most splendid habits stood around, ready to serve him at the slightest signal. The most exquisite essences and perfumes had not been spared. The table was spread with proportionate magnificence. Damocles was all joy, and looked upon himself as the happiest man in the world; when unfortunately casting up his eyes, he beheld over his head the point of a sword, which hung from the roof only by a single horsehair.
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