Damocles was a sycophant of the court of Dionysius. He continually flattered the monarch, calling him the happiest man in the world. In order to show him the cares of a sovereign, Dionysius caused him to sit upon a throne at a feast of unparalleled splendour. Damocles gazed in delight on the scene until, looking up he saw a sword hanging point-downwards directly over his head, suspended by only a hair. This symbol convinced him of the dangers of kingship. Research Damocles
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