1. The word ostracism comes from the Greek word signifying
"oyster-shell." 2. It has its present meaning because oyster-shells
or pieces of pottery were used for the voting. 3. The story about
Aristeides is interesting, but that about the sword of Damocles is also
interesting. 4. His friend, the Syracusan tyrant, had permitted all
sorts of injustices, against not only barbarians but even Greeks. 5.
His only bidding usually was "Let every inhabitant be sold as a slave!"
6. He thought "Let me make one sole empire out of Africa, Italy and
Sicily!" 7. Damocles said to him "Your royal highness ought to be very
happy!" 8. The tyrant answered, "Come to a feast tomorrow, and find
out. I will give you a seat (214, b) beside me." 9. Damocles willingly
consented, and went thither. 10. The tyrant advised "Let us eat and
drink until midnight, if that would be-pleasing to you. Then let us
discuss the problem about happiness." 11. After a few hours Damocles
heard a slight sound over his head, and the tyrant said to him, "Look
up and you will see what kind of happiness mine is." 12. "Heaven defend
me!" exclaimed Damocles, catching sight of a sharp sword hanging by a
single (sole) hair.