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Damocles was a courtier of Dionysus the
Elder. According to a legend, Damocles on one occasion
commented to his ruler on the grandeur and happiness of
rulers. Dionysus soon thereafter invited his courtier to
a luxurious banquet, where Damocles enjoyed the delights
of the table until his attention was directed upward and
he saw a sharp sword hanging above him by a single
horsehair. By this device Dionysus made Damocles realize
that insecurity might threaten those who appeared to be
the most fortunate. |
 
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