MDDM Ch. 68

[Terrance]

Otto wrote:
> >
> 
> 663.23 `Cheat is the Rubicon, Monongahela is the Styx.' The
> Monongahela crosses the line about 20 miles beyond the Western border
> of Maryland, Cheat a few miles earlier. The comparisons are telling:
> the Rubicon once crossed, alea jacta est, no turning back; crossing
> the Styx leads to Death.
> http://waste.org/mail/?list=pynchon-l&month=9805&msg=26684

I don't think crossing the Styx **leads** to death.  But anyway, it
seems that the battle with the Titans (another connections with GR
maybe) might be something P has in mind here. Also, the description in
M&D sounds like the river at  Mount Aroanius, modern day Chelmos. What
is Mason sworn not to tell? 


All reminds me of Slothrop as tourist on the ride through Nazi
architecture underground. 




Anyway, we were taught never to go out of the house "indigent." I tell
my daughter the same thing, "Kid,  never go out without a few bucks and
some quarters!"  Of course she does. She wants a cell-phone! 

Never buried a relative or friend with a coin in the mouth or on the
eyes, but with cases of whiskey, instruments, golf shoes, gold coins in
the pockets or shoes. 

Hell down in hades you could buy a horse, so why not bring a few gifts
for St. Pete's sake or to barter with dearly departed souls? 

http://sxws.com/charis/relics6.htm