Introduction
Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC) is the only classical writer to have passed onto us this memorable tale about the paradox of political power: that those who possess it have everything but the peace to enjoy it.
DIONYSIUS, lord of Syracuse, listened willingly enough as Damocles praised the king’s army, the splendour of his court, and the lavish hospitality of his table. But when the gushing courtier declared that Dionysius was the happiest of men, the king stopped him.
‘Would you like’ he asked ‘to experience for yourself this happiness in which I live each day?’ At once, he ordered a couch of gold and soft cushions for Damocles. Plates came from the kitchen, and cups from the cellars, and flowers from the gardens. Courteous and handsome servants awaited his command, and Damocles gazed all around this scene with unconcealed joy.
Then he noticed the ceiling.
There, directly over his head, he saw a heavy sword suspended from a single hair. In an instant, all else was wiped from his mind. All but that long, bright blade.
Presently, Damocles managed to whisper that he would like permission to move. It seemed he had no desire to be ‘happy’, after all.
Précis
When Dionysius, king of Syracuse, saw that Damocles imagined his lord was happy because he was rich, the tyrant gave him all kinds of luxuries, but added a twist: a sword hanging by a single hair right over him. Damocles understood that one cannot really enjoy something if you are constantly in fear that it will be taken away. (59 / 60 words)
When Dionysius, king of Syracuse, saw that Damocles imagined his lord was happy because he was rich, the tyrant gave him all kinds of luxuries, but added a twist: a sword hanging by a single hair right over him. Damocles understood that one cannot really enjoy something if you are constantly in fear that it will be taken away.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: besides, just, may, not, ought, unless, whereas, who.
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Word Games
Sevens Based on this passage
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
Variations: 1.expand your answer to exactly fourteen words. 2.expand your answer further, to exactly twenty-one words. 3.include one of the following words in your answer: if, but, despite, because, (al)though, unless.
Jigsaws Based on this passage
Express the ideas below in a single sentence. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
Spinners Find in Think and Speak
For each group of words, compose a sentence that uses all three. You can use any form of the word: for example, cat → cats, go → went, or quick → quickly, though neigh → neighbour is stretching it a bit.
This exercise uses words found in the accompanying passage.
1 Cup. Like. There.
2 Court. Over. Present.
3 Desire. Live. Sword.
Variations: 1. include direct and indirect speech 2. include one or more of these words: although, because, despite, either/or, if, unless, until, when, whether, which, who 3. use negatives (not, isn’t, neither/nor, never, nobody etc.)
High Tiles Find in Think and Speak
Make words (three letters or more) from the seven letters showing below, using any letter once only. Each letter carries a score. What is the highest-scoring word you can make?
Your Words ()
