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!
--You do not listen to me.
--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
EAGLE
_At 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.