--It is so long ago, stammered Prometheus. --Never mind, never mind, continued the waiter. Anyway, his lordship need not be uneasy; in introducing I only say the name, if you like; but the occupation never. Come, tell me: his lordship’s occupation is...? --Making matches, murmured Prometheus, blushing. There followed a painful silence, the waiter understanding that he should not have insisted, Prometheus feeling that he should not have answered. In a consoling tone: Well! after all his lordship does not make them any more ... said the waiter. But then, what? I must write down something, I cannot write simply: Prometheus. His lordship has perhaps an avocation, a speciality.... After all, what can his lordship do? --Nothing, again said Prometheus. --Then let us say: Journalist.--Now, if his lordship will come into the restaurant; I cannot serve dinner outside. And he cried:--A table for three! one!... By two doors two gentlemen entered; they could be seen giving their names to the waiter; but the introductions not having been asked for, without more ado the two men both sat down. And when they had sat down: II --Gentlemen, said one of them,--if I have come to this restaurant, where the food is bad, it is only to talk. I have a horror of solitary meals, and this system of tables for three pleases me, as with two one might wrangle.... But you look taciturn? --It is quite unintentional, said Prometheus. --Shall I continue? --Yes, please do. --It seems to me quite possible that during lunch three people have time to become very well known to each other,--not losing too much time eating,--not talking too much; and avoiding trite topics; I mean to say mentioning only strictly individual experiences. I do not pretend that one is obliged to talk, but why come to this restaurant, where the food is bad, if conversation does not suit you? Prometheus was very tired: the waiter leant over and whispered: That is Cocles. The one who is going to speak is Damocles. Damocles said: THE HISTORY OF DAMOCLES