5
The fabular relations of the poets are so careful of decorum, that they never leave a Hercules destitute of necessaries; but those still spring, as out of some fountain, as well for him as for his companions. But he that hath received of the Stoics Amalthaea becomes indeed a rich man, but he begs his victuals of other men; he is a king, but resolves syllogisms for hire; he is the only man that hath all things, but yet he pays rent for the house he lives in, and oftentimes buys bread with borrowed money, or else begs it of those that have nothing themselves.
6
The king of Ithaca begs with a design that none may know who he is, and makes himself As like a dirty sorry beggarOdyss. XVI. 273. as he can. But he that is of the Portico, while he bawls and cries out, It is I only that am a king, It is I only that am a rich man, is yet many times seen at other people’s doors saying: On poor Hipponax, pray, some pity take, Bestow an old cast coat for heaven’s sake; I’m well nigh dead with cold, and all o’er quake.
