Page:The Deipnosophists (Volume 3).djvu/342

 

(Book vi. § 31, p. 374.)

A. There are two sorts of parasites; the one Of middle station, like ourselves, who are Much noticed by the comic poets

B.                               Ay, But then the other sort, say, what of them?

A. They are of higher rank, and proud pretensions, Provincial governors, who claim respect By sober and grave conduct; and though sprung From th' very dregs o' th' people, keep aloof, Affect authority and state and rule, And pride themselves on manners more severe Than others, on whose beetling brow there sits An awful frown, as if they would command At least a thousand talents—all their boast! These Nausinicus, you have seen, and judge My meaning rightly.

B.               I confess I do.

A. Yet they all move about one common centre; Their occupations and their ends the same, The sole contention, which shall flatter most. But, as in human life, some are depress'd, Whilst others stand erect on Fortune's wheel, So fares it with these men; while some are raised To splendid affluence, and wallow in Luxurious indolence, their fellows starve, Or live on scraps, and beg a scanty pittance, To save their wretched lives.—

(Book vi. § 32, p. 374.)

Think you that I can hear the parasite Abused? believe me, no; I know of none Of greater worth, more useful to the state. Whatever act is grateful to a friend, Who is more ready to stand forth than he? Are you in love, he'll stretch a point to serve you. Whate'er you do, he's ready at your call, To aid and to assist, as 'tis but just, He thinks, to do such grateful service for