Book 6
39
Corydus also was one of the most notorious parasites. And he is mentioned by Timocles, in his The Man who Rejoices at Misfortunes of others, thus— To see a well-stock'd market is a treat To a rich man, but torture to a poor one. Accordingly once Corydus, when he Had got no invitation for the day, Went to buy something to take home with him. And who can cease to laugh at what befel him?— The man had only fourpence in his purse; Gazing on tunnies, eels, crabs, rays, anchovies, He bit his lips till the blood came in vain; Then going round, How much is this? said he— Then frighten'd at the price, he bought red herrings. And Alexis, in Demetrius or Philetærus, says— I fear to look at Corydus in the face, Seeming so glad to dine with any one; But I will not deny it; he's the same, And never yet refused an invitation. And in his Nurse he says— This Corydus who has so often practised His jokes and witticisms, wishes now To be Blepæus, and he's not far wrong, For mighty are the riches of Blepæus. And Cratinus the younger in his Titans says— Beware of Corydus the wary brassfounder; Unless you make your mind up long before To leave him nothing. And I warn you now Never to eat your fish with such a man As Corydus; for he's a powerful hand, Brazen, unwearied, strong as fire itself. But that Corydus used to cut jokes, and was fond of being laughed at for them, the same Alexis tells to in his Poets— I have a great desire to raise a laugh, And to say witty things, and gain a fame Second alone to that of Corydus. And Lynceus the Samian repeats several of his sayings, and asserts that his proper name was Eucrates. And he writes thus concerning him—Eucrates, who was called Corydus, when he was once feasting with some one whose house was in a very shabby condition, said, 'A man who sups here ought to hold up the house with his left hand like the Caryatides.
