And Diphilus, in his Synoris (and Synoris is the name of a courtesan), mentioning Euripides (and Euripides is the name given to a particular throw on the dice), and punning on the name of the poet, says this at the same time about parasites:—
A. You have escaped well from such a throw.And in the amended edition of the same play, speaking of a parasite in a passion, he says—
S. You are right witty.
A. Well, lay down your drachma.
S. That has been done: how shall I throw Euripides?
A. Euripides will never save a woman.
See you not how he hates them in his tragedies?
But he has always fancied parasites,
And thus he speaks, you'll easily find the place:
"For every rich man who does not feed
At least three men who give no contribution,
Exile deserves and everlasting ruin."
S. Where is that passage?
A. What is that to you
'Tis not the play, but the intent that signifies.
Is then the parasite angry? is he furious?And immediately afterwards he adds—
Not he; he only smears with gall the table,
And weans himself like any child from milk.
A. Then you may eat, O parasite.And in the play, which is entitled The Parasite, he says—
B. Just see
[p. 389] How he disparages that useful skill.
A. Well, know you not that all men rank a parasite
Below a harp-player
A surly man should never be a parasite.
