Page:The Poetical Works of Thomas Parnell (1833).djvu/270

142 during the time in which the Macedonian empire flourished. Who his parents were, is not certainly known; but if the appellation of Thracian Slave, which the world applied to him, be not merely an expression of contempt, it proves him of mean extraction. He was a disciple of one Polycrates a sophist, who had distinguished himself by writing against the great names of the ages before him; and who, when he is mentioned as his master, is said to be particularly famous for a bitter accusation or invective against the memory of Socrates. In this manner is Zoilus set out to posterity, like a plant naturally baneful, and having its poison rendered more acute and subtle by a preparation.

In his person he was tall and meagre, his complexion was pale, and all the motions of his face were sharp. He is represented by Ælian, with a beard nourished to a prodigious length, and his head kept close shaved, to give him a magisterial appearance: his coat hung over his knees, in a slovenly fashion; his manners were formed upon an aversion to the customs of the world. He was fond of speaking ill, diligent to sow dissension, and from the constant bent of his thought, had obtained that sort of readiness for slander or reproach, which is esteemed wit by the light opinion of some, who take the remarks of ill-nature, for an understanding of mankind, and the abrupt lashes of rudeness for the spirit of expression. This, at last, grew to such a heighthheight [sic] in him, that he became careless of concealing it; he threw off