Book 6
38
And among the parasites these men are commemorated by name: Tithymallus, who is mentioned by Alexis in his Milesian Woman, and in his Ulysses the Weaver. And in his Olynthians he says— This is your poor man, O my darling woman; This is the only class, as men do say, Who can put death to flight. Accordingly This Tithymallus does immortal live. And Dromon in his P???altria says— A. I was above all things ashamed when I Found that I was again to have a supper For which I was to give no contribution. B. A shameful thing, indeed. Still you may see Our Tithymallus on his way, more red Than saffron or vermilion; and he blushes, As you may guess, because he nothing pays. And Timocles, in his Centaur or Dexamenus, says— Calling, him Tithymallus, parasite. And in his Caunians he says— A. Will any other thing appear? Be quick, For Tithymallus has return'd to life, Who was quite dead, now that he well has boil'd Eightpennyworth of lupin seed. B. For he Could not persist in starving himself, but only In drinking wine at other men's expense. And in his Epistles he says— Alas me, how I am in love! ye gods! Not Tithymallus did so long to eat, Nor Cormus ever to steal another's cloak, Nor Nilus to eat cakes, nor Corydus To exercise his teeth at other's cost. And Antiphanes says in his Etrurian— A. For he will not assist his friends for nothing. B. You say that Tithymallus will be rich, For as I understand you, he will get Sufficient pay, and a collection suitable From those within whose doors he freely sups.
