Περὶ τοῦ Παρασίτου ὅτι Τέχνη ἡ Παρασιτική

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İngilizce İngilizce Yunanca

19–22

Further, while the rest have their teachers, no one teaches sponging; it is a gift from Heaven, as Socrates said of poetry.

Then do not forget that, while the others have to be suspended during a journey or a voyage, this may be in full swing under those circumstances too.

Tychiades No doubt about that.

Simon Another point that strikes me is that other arts feel the need of this one, but not vice versa.

Tychiades Well, but is the appropriation of what belongs to others no offence?

Simon Of course it is.

Tychiades Well, the sponger does that; why is he privileged to offend? 5

Simon Ah, I know nothing about that. But now look here: you know how common and mean are the beginnings of the other arts; that of sponging, on the contrary, is noble. Friendship, that theme of the encomiast, is neither more nor less, you will find, than the beginning of sponging.

Tychiades How do you make that out?

Simon Well, no one asks an enemy, a stranger, or even a mere acquaintance, to dinner; the man must be his friend before he will share bit and sup with him, and admit him to initiation in these sacred mysteries. I know I have often heard people say, Friend, indeed! by what right? he has never eaten or drunk with us. You see; only the-man who has done that is a friend to be trusted.