# Simonides explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

> Chapter companion for Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

## 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.

## Themes 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.

## Character check-ins

### Perseus

Mentioned as the infant son of Danaë, rescued from the sea and later a famous hero.

### Danaë

Mentioned as the mother of Perseus, set adrift in a chest with her infant son.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/simonides
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters