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Läsebok. N:o 76 — 77. 81
with gold and silver plate of immense value, were arranged
in the apartment. Pages of extraordinary beauty were
ordered to attend his table, and to obey his commands with the
utmost readiness, and the most profound submission.
Fragrant ointments, chaplets of flowers, and rich perfumes, were
added to the entertainment. The table was loaded with the
most exquisite delicacies of every kind. Damocles,
intoxicated with pleasure, fancied himself among superior beings.
But in tbe midst of all this happiness, as he lay indulging
himself in state, he sees let down from the ceiling, exactly
over his head, a glittering sword hung by a single hair. The
sight of impending destruction puts a speedy end to his joy
and revelling. The pomp of his attendants, the glitter of
the carved plate, and the delicacy of the viands, cease to
afford him any pleasure. He dreads to stretch forth his
hand to the table. He throws off the garland of roses. He
hastens to remove from his dangerous situation; and earnestly
entreats the king to restore him to his former humble
condition, having no desire to enjoy any longer a happiness so
terrible. By this device, Dionysius intimated to Damocles,
how miserable he was, in the midst of all his treasures; and
in possession of all the honours and enjoyments which royalty
could bestow.
84. Change of external condition often adverse
to virtue.
In the days of Joram, king of Israel, flourished the
prophet Elisha. His character was so eminent, and his fame so
widely spread, that Benhadad, the king of Syria, though an
idolater, sent to consult him concerning the issue of a
distemper which threatened his life. The messenger employed
on this occasion was Hazael, who appears to have been one
of the princes, or chief men, of the Syrian court. Charged
with rich gifts from the king, he presents himself before the
prophet; and accosts him in terms of the highest respect.
During the conference which they held together, Elisha fixed
his eye steadfastly on the countenance of Hazael; and
discerning, by a prophetic spirit, his future tyranny and cruelty, he
could not contain himself from bursting into a flood of tears.
When Hazael, in surprise, inquired into the cause of this
sudden emotion, the prophet plainly informed him of the
crimes and barbarities which he foresaw that he would
afterwards commit. The soul of Hazael abhorred, at this time,
the thoughts of cruelty. Uncorrupted, as yet, by ambition
or greatness, his indignation rose at being thought capable of
the savage actions which the prophet had mentioned; and,
with much warmth, he replies: »But what! is thy servant a
Löfving: Eng. läsebok. 6
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