Run, Melos! (1) (1)

by Osamu Dazai · 2026-03-31

Melos was trembling with rage. He was determined to eliminate that evil and tyrannical king. Melos knew nothing about politics. He was just a village shepherd who had lived by playing the flute and frolicking with sheep. However, he was more sensitive to evil than anyone else.

Early this morning, Melos left his village, crossed fields and mountains, and arrived at the city of Syracuse, ten ri away. He had no father or mother. No wife either. He lived only with his shy sixteen-year-old sister. This sister was soon to marry a diligent shepherd from the village. The wedding was approaching, and Melos had come all the way to the city to buy the bride's attire and feast provisions for it.

First, he gathered the various goods, and then he was strolling along the main street of the capital. Melos had a childhood friend. His friend, named Selinuntius, was now a stonemason in the city of Syracuse. He was looking forward to visiting him, intending to meet him after a long time.

However, as he walked, Melos became uneasy about the state of the town. It was quiet. It was natural for the town to darken as the sun set, but it wasn't just that. The entire city was unusually desolate. Even the carefree Melos gradually grew more anxious. He called out to a young man passing by and asked what had happened. When he had come to this city two years ago, everyone had been singing and it had been lively even at night.

But the young man shook his head and did not answer. After walking a while, he met an old man, and this time he asked in a stronger tone. The old man did not answer. Melos shook the old man's body with both hands and repeated his questions. The old man, mindful of his surroundings, finally answered in a low voice.

"The King kills people."

"Why does he kill?"

"He says they harbor evil intentions, but no one has such evil intentions."

"Has he killed many people?"

"Yes, first the king's brother-in-law. Then, his own heir. Then, his sister. Then, his sister's child. Then, the empress. Then, the wise minister Alexius."

"I'm astonished. Is the King insane?"

"No, he's not insane. He just can't trust people. Lately, he even doubts the loyalty of his vassals, and he's ordered anyone living a slightly extravagant life to hand over one hostage each. If they refuse, they're crucified and killed. Six people were killed today."

Hearing that, Melos was furious. "What an outrageous king. He cannot be allowed to live."

Melos was a simple man. Still carrying his purchases, he lumbered into the royal castle. He was immediately caught by a patrolling guard. After being searched, a dagger was found in Melos's pocket, and the commotion grew. Melos was brought before the king.

"What were you planning to do with this dagger, speak!" The tyrant Dionis questioned quietly but with dignity. The king's face was pale, and the wrinkles between his brows were deeply etched.

"I am saving the city from the hands of a tyrant," Melos replied without apology.

"You?" The king scoffed. "You're a hopeless fellow. You don't understand my loneliness."

"Don't say that!" Melos retorted, agitated. "To doubt the human heart is the most shameful vice. The king even doubts the loyalty of his people."

"It was you who taught me that doubt is the proper mindset. The human heart is unreliable. Humans are, by nature, lumps of selfishness. One must not trust." The tyrant murmured calmly and let out a sigh of relief. "Even I wish for peace."

"Peace for what? To protect your own position?" This time, Melos scoffed. "What kind of peace is it to kill innocent people?"

"Silence, you lowly wretch." The king raised his face and retorted. "One can say anything pure with words. I can see through to the very depths of people's hearts. Even you, once you're crucified, crying and apologizing won't be heard."

“Ah, the king is wise. You may be conceited. I am fully prepared to die. I will never beg for my life. Only—,” Melos began, then cast his gaze down at his feet and hesitated for an instant. “Only, if you wish to show me mercy, please grant me a three-day reprieve before the execution. I wish to see my only sister married. Within three days, I will hold the wedding in my village and surely return here.”

“Nonsense,” the tyrant chuckled lowly with a hoarse voice. “What an outrageous lie. Do you mean to say a bird that has flown away will return?”

“Yes, it will return,” Melos insisted desperately. “I will keep my promise. Please, grant me just three days. My sister is waiting for my return. If you cannot trust me that much, then so be it. There is a stonemason in this city named Selinuntius. He is my dearest friend. I will leave him here as a hostage. If I escape and do not return by sunset on the third day, then strangle my friend. Please, I beg you to do so.”

Hearing this, the king smiled subtly with a cruel feeling. What impudence. He surely won't return anyway. It would be amusing to pretend to be deceived by this liar and let him go. And it would be satisfying to kill the substitute man on the third day. I want to make a sad face and crucify that substitute man, thinking, "This is why people cannot be trusted." I want to show it to those who are called honest people in the world.

“I have granted your wish. Call for your substitute. Return by sunset on the third day. If you are late, I will surely kill your substitute. It would be good if you were a little late. I will forgive your sin forever.”

“What, what are you saying?”

“Haha. If your life is precious, then be late. I understand your heart.”

Melos, frustrated, stamped his feet. He no longer wanted to say anything.