The Sword of Damocles

This story might have come from a historical event because King Dionysius (431?~367BC) actually governed the ancient Italian city during the 4th century BC as a tyrant (405~367BC) of Syracuse—the richest city in Sicily. A host of servants attended his every need and wish.

Though swathed in luxuries of a spectacular palace, with rich clothing and jewelry, rare perfumes and spices and the best foods, and surrounded with beautiful women, King Dionysius felt so insecure—so much so that he employed court flatterers or ass-kissers to buoy his ego.

Damocles was one of such sycophants, constantly praising King Dionysius. Indeed, many in Syracuse envied Dionysius his wealth and power.

Damocles would regularly say to Dionysius, “How lucky you are! You have everything that anyone could wish for. You must be the happiest man on the face of the earth.”

One day this persistent comment made Dionysius come up with an idea. The king thought that it was about time for him to teach Damocles something. Dionysius said to Damocles, “Look, perhaps you’d like to trade places with me.”
      “Your Majesty, you are certainly making fun of me.”
      “Oh, no. I’m quite serious.”
      “Are you?” Damocles looked into his gleaming eyes, and sensed his seriousness. So the sycophant said, “Well, if I could only enjoy the riches and pleasures of the palace for only one day, I would never want any greater happiness.
      King Dionysius therefore said, in effect, “you’re right on.”

The next day, in the midst of enjoying the ultimate in royal treatment, Damocles became deliriously happy, entertained by beautiful women while enjoying the sumptuous dinner.

As he raised his cup to his lips, his face beaming with mirth, his eyes looked to the ceiling and then he stiffened. There above him was a razor sharp sword, its edge glistening in the light, suspended by the haft with a single horse hair. It pointed at right between his eyes. He’d have bolted from the room unless any sudden movement might send the sword falling.
      “What’s the matter?” Dionysius asked. “You seem to have lost your appetite.”
      “The sword,” he whispered, ashen-faced “The sword . . . don’t you see it?”
      “Of course I see it,” said the king. “I see it every day. It always hangs over my head. Perhaps some day one of my advisors will grow jealous and try to kill me. Or someone may spread lies about me, turning the people against my rule. Or a neighboring king may send an army to seize my 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 these risks. The weight of responsibility comes with leadership.”
      “I see,” said Damocles. And never again would he want to trade places with the king. Realizing that he had been mistaken, Damocles rejected riches and fame, and was glad to go back to his own humble home.