From the Eye of the Beholder
by Allen Ashley
What can I do for you, madam? Simple wash and set? No problem. Yes, I’m a highly-trained hairstylist. Been doing the job for aeons. No, the snakes don’t bother me. I’ve taken on a few commissions in my time – rinsed and combed the golden fleece, plaited the mane of Pegasus -- and he was a lively one, I can tell you. In fact, I’ve dealt with snakes on the skull before, another couple of ladies… oh, those were your sisters? Always nice to get to know the family.
So – Ms Medusa was it? – are you just keeping up appearances or getting ready for a special occasion? Oh, yes, I’ve heard of Perseus. The girls at the wine club say he’s a bit of a dish. A little on the young and brawny side for my tastes, if you’ll excuse my impertinence.
Yes, I can spray some lacquer if you like. It’ll calm down those charming little serpents.
Planning any holidays, my dear? Oh, that’s nice, a jaunt around the islands is always most refreshing.
Now, if I hold up a second mirror here, you can see how things shape up on top… and at the back. All good?
You ask whether you are beautiful, ugly, or striking, Madam Medusa? That’s not for me to say. You’re my customer and I value you.
Besides, perhaps parting company with Plato here, I’ve always believed that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Yes, it’s cash only. Athenian drachmas preferred. Please don’t be insulted if I bite the coins to check their solidity, I’ve had one or two clients try to pass off fake currency over the years. And there we are, the Parthenon on that side and the head of dear old Zeus on the obverse.
Oh, my dear lady, I’ve got no intention of turning to stone any time soon. Would be such a waste, as I’m a veritable mistress of the sense of touch. Had to become so. Been as blind as Tiresias for many a year.
Oh, a tip as well. Thank you. May Artemis bless all your battles.
So – Ms Medusa was it? – are you just keeping up appearances or getting ready for a special occasion? Oh, yes, I’ve heard of Perseus. The girls at the wine club say he’s a bit of a dish. A little on the young and brawny side for my tastes, if you’ll excuse my impertinence.
Yes, I can spray some lacquer if you like. It’ll calm down those charming little serpents.
Planning any holidays, my dear? Oh, that’s nice, a jaunt around the islands is always most refreshing.
Now, if I hold up a second mirror here, you can see how things shape up on top… and at the back. All good?
You ask whether you are beautiful, ugly, or striking, Madam Medusa? That’s not for me to say. You’re my customer and I value you.
Besides, perhaps parting company with Plato here, I’ve always believed that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Yes, it’s cash only. Athenian drachmas preferred. Please don’t be insulted if I bite the coins to check their solidity, I’ve had one or two clients try to pass off fake currency over the years. And there we are, the Parthenon on that side and the head of dear old Zeus on the obverse.
Oh, my dear lady, I’ve got no intention of turning to stone any time soon. Would be such a waste, as I’m a veritable mistress of the sense of touch. Had to become so. Been as blind as Tiresias for many a year.
Oh, a tip as well. Thank you. May Artemis bless all your battles.