There was once a king

named Dionysius who

ruled Syracuse, the

richest city in Sicily.

He lived in a fine place where there

were many beautiful and costly

things and he was waited upon by a

host of servants who were always

ready to do his bidding.

He lived in a finePlace where there were many beautifuland costly things and he was waited upon by a host of servants whowere always ready to do his bidding

Damocles was one of these.  He was one of Dionysius's best friends and was always saying to him, 'How lucky you are! 

Naturally, because Dionysius had so much wealth and power, there were many in Syracuse who envied his good fortune. 

You have everything anyone

could wish for. 

You must be the happiest

man in the world.'

One day Dionysius grew tired ofhearing such talk.  Come now,he said, do you really think I am happier than everyone else?

'But of course you are,' Damoclesreplied. 'Look at the great treasuresyou possess, and the power youhold.  You have not a single worryin the world.  How could life beany better?'

Perhaps you would like to change places

with me', said Dionysius.

'Oh! I would never dream of that; but if I could only have your riches and your pleasures for one day, I should

never want any greater happiness',

said Damocles. 

• Very well, trade places with me for just one day, and you shall have them. And so the next day, Damocles was lead to the palace, and all the servants were instructed to treat him as their master. 

• They dressed him in royal robes, and placed on his head a crown of gold.  He sat down at a table in the banquet hall, and rich foods were set before him.  Nothing was wanting that could give him pleasure. 

There were costly wines and beautiful flowers, and

Rare perfumes and delightful music.  He rested

Himself among soft cushions, and felt that he was

the happiest man in the world.

'Ah, this is life', he sighed toDionysius, who sat at theother end of the long table. 

'I have never enjoyed myselfso much.'

And as he raised a cup tohis lips, he lifted his eyestowards the ceiling. 

What was that dangling above him with its point almost touching above his head?

• Damocles stiffened.  The smile faded from his lips, and his face turned ashy pale.  His hands trembled.  He wanted no more food, no more wine , no more music. 

• He only wanted to be out of the palace, far away he cared not where.  For directly above his head hung a sword, held to the ceiling by only a single horse hair.  Its sharp blade glittered as it pointed right between his eyes. 

• He started to jump up and run but stopped himself, frightened that any sudden move might snap the thin thread and bring the sword down.  He sat frozen to his chair. 

'What is the matter, my friend?'

Dionysius asked.  'You seem to

have lost

your appetite.'

'That sword! That sword! whispered' Damocles.  'Don’t you see it?'

• 'Of course I see it,' said Dionysius.  'I see it every day.  It always hangs over my head, and there is always a chance that someone or something may cut the slim thread.  Perhaps one of my own advisers may grow jealous of my power and try to kill me.  Or someone may spread lies about me to turn the people against me.  It may be that a neighboring kingdom will send an army to seize this throne.  Or I might make an unwise decision that will bring my downfall.  If you want to be a leader, you must be willing to accept those risks.  They come with the power you see.'

'Yes I do see', said Damocles. 

'I see now that I was mistaken, and that you have much to think about besides your riches and fame.  Please take your place and let me go back to my own house'.

And as long as he lived Damocles never again wanted to change places, even for a moment, with the king.

Life is beautifulonly if you learn to

enjoy every minute of it and be happy with

what you have…!