Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Simonides explained
The chapter recounts the story of the Greek poet Simonides, known for his elegies and hymns, and his narrow escape from death at the court of King Scopas.
What happens
The chapter recounts the story of the Greek poet Simonides, known for his elegies and hymns, and his narrow escape from death at the court of King Scopas. After composing a poem that included praise of Castor and Pollux alongside Scopas, the king paid him only half the promised reward, jesting that the twin gods would pay the rest. Simonides was later called outside by two young men on horseback—whom he recognized as Castor and Pollux—and moments later the roof of the banqueting hall collapsed, killing Scopas and all his guests.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional peak of Tristram’s brief reunion with…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Hospitality and Its Violation
Scopas violates the expected hospitality and respect due to a poet by mocking and underpaying Simonides, leading to his downfall.
- Fate and Free Will
Simonides' piety and the intervention of Castor and Pollux demonstrate the role of fate and divine will in sparing him from the collapse.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Here is payment for my portion of thy performance; Castor and Pollux will doubtless compensate thee for so much as relates to them.”
Scopas paid Simonides only half the promised reward, sarcastically suggesting that the twin gods would pay the rest for the verses about them.
This quote illustrates Scopas' vanity and his violation of hospitality, leading to the divine punishment.
