Damocle's Sword

The tale of the Sword of Damocles has always been fascinating to me. It is normally used as a parable to describe the perils of ruling and positions of power.
Damocles was, according to the tale, a courtier in the palace of Dionysius the second. He always flattered the king in hopes to one day gain a position of greater power at court. Tired of his constant desire for power, Dionysius asked Damocles if he would like to trade places for a day to see what it would be like to rule. For that entire day Damocles enjoyed himself, until he realized he had a sword hanging by a thread over his head and never knowing when it may snap and end his life.
In a panic he asked Dionysius what was the meaning of this heavy sword. Dionysius proceed to tell him that, though being in the position of king may seem privileged, it came with a large dose of peril.