Book 6
37
And Axionicus, in his Chalcidian, says—] When first I wish'd to play the parasite With that Philoxenus, while youth did still Raise down upon my cheeks, I learnt to bear Hard blows from fists, and cups and dishes too, And bones, so great that oftentimes I was All over wounds; but still it paid me well, For still the pleasure did exceed the pain. And even in some sort I did esteem The whole affair desirable for me. Is a man quarrelsome, and eager too To fight with me? I turn myself to him; And all the blame which he does heap upon me, I own to be deserved; and am not hurt. Does any wicked man call himself good? I praise that man, and earn his gratitude. To day if I should eat some boiled fish I do not mind eating the rest to-morrow. Such is my nature and my principle. But Antidotus, in his play which is entitled Protochorus, introduces a man resembling those who in the Museum of Claudius still practise their sophistries; whom it is not even creditable to remember; and he represents him speaking thus— Stand each one in your place, and listen to me, Before I write my name, and take my cloak. If any question should arise to day About those men who live as parasites, I have at all times much esteem'd their art, And from my childhood have inclined to learn it.
