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!
—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
EAGLEAt 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.