Book 6
33
And Antiphanes, in his Twins, says— For look, the parasite, if you judge aright, Shares both the life and fortune of his friends. There is no parasite who'd wish his friends To be unfortunate; but on the contrary His constant prayer will be, that all may prosper. Has any one a fortune? he don't envy him; He'd rather always be at hand to share it. He is a genuine friend, and eke a safe one, Not quarrelsome, ill-humour'd, peevish, sulky, But skill'd to keep his temper. Do you mock him? He laughs himself; he's amorous or mirthful, Just as his friend is i' th' humour. He's a general, Or valiant soldier, only let his pay Be a good dinner, and he'll ask no more.
