Long ago Dionysius was a rich and powerful king of Sicily.

He had fought his way to power against many men eager for glory. While fighting to power he had made many bitter enemies.

Among his courtiers was a man named Damocles.

Damocles always praised King Dionysius. "The gods have blessed you," Damocles used to say. "You ought to be very happy."

Dionysius used to listen to the flattery. Then he would look at Damocles. One day he said to Damocles, "How much do you want to be king instead of me?" Damocles was afraid that the king thought that he was plotting to seize the throne.
 

Damocles denied that he did. "I do not desire to be king," he said. "However I do wish to enjoy your wealth for one day,"said Damocles. "Splendid!" said Dionysius. "You shall enjoy the power of a king for one day."
 

The next day Damocles was led into the king's chamber.

Attendants dressed him in royal robes. Dionysius ordered his servants to give Damocles whatever he wanted.
 

Then Damocles reclined at a richly carved table. He ordered pleasant wines and food to be brought to him. He ordered singers and dancers to amuse him.
 

He reclined amidst silken cushions to enjoy the show. Then, terrified, he saw a large sword suspended over his head by a slender, silken thread. He was afraid that, if the thread broke, the sword would fall and kill him.
 

Damocles, pale and trembling, leaned back and kept looking at the sword. At that very time Dionysius entered the dining room.

Damocles because of his fear was unable to speak but pointed to the sword.

Finally, with a great effort, he shouted, "Why has the sword been hung above me by so slender a thread?"

Dionysius looked at the trembling Damocles and laughed. "Now you know what it means to be king," said Dionysius.

"I always live with a sword suspended over hy head," he said.

"A king," he said, "always is afraid of being killed." Damocles jumped back from the couch. "I don't want to have your wealth and power," he shouted.

Damocles said he preferred to be a poor peasant in a hut than to live in fear his whole life. From that time Damocles never envied the king.