Page:The Deipnosophists (Volume 3).djvu/343

 The patron who provides his daily meal. And then he speaks so warmly of his friend! You say for this he eats, and drinks scot-free; Well, and what then? what hero or what god Would disapprove a friend on such conditions? But why thus linger out the day, to prove That parasites are honour'd and esteem'd? Is't not enough, they claim the same reward That crowns the victor at the Olympic games, To be supported at the public charge? For wheresoe'er they diet at free cost, That may be justly call'd the Prytaneum.—

(Book vi. § 33, p. 375.)

If duly weigh'd, this will, I think, be found The parasite's true state and character, The ready sharer of your life and fortunes. It is against his nature to rejoice At the misfortunes of his friends—his wish Is to see all successful, and at ease; He envies not the rich and the luxurious, But kindly would partake of their excess, And help them to enjoy their better fortune. Ever a steady and a candid friend, Not quarrelsome, morose, or petulant, And knows to keep his passions in due bounds. If you are cheerful, he will laugh aloud; Be amorous, be witty, or what else Shall suit your humour, he will be so too, And valiant, if a dinner's the reward.—

(Book vi. § 34, p. 376.)

If I'm at once forbid to eat or drink, I'm a Tithymallus or Philippides. If to drink water only, I'm a frog— To feed on leaves and vegetable diet, I am at once a very caterpillar—