1832.] The Captives, of Pluutus. ] 1!) 



_, . .. .. , , . , ~ ... Jjk> a-uiv 



Ihis Parasite's profession ! Our young bloods 



Consort not now-a-days with us poor drolls ; 

 They care not for us humble hangers on, 

 Who are content to take the lowest seat 

 At table, who bear buffets like a Spartan, 

 And have no other fortune but our jests. 

 Their choice is to associate with their equals, 

 Who, having supt with them, return the favour 

 At their own houses. 



Human nature has altered but little since the clays of Plautus. 

 Hungry wits, who trust to their pleasantry alone for a supper, are not 

 in danger of having their digestion impaired by a surfeit. Although, 

 by the way, we might instance a few diners-out at the present day as 

 splendid exceptions. The Parasite continues : 



Buffoons they now 



Count nothing worth ; in fact they're all self-lovers. 

 For when I went from hence a while ago, 

 I went up to these youths in the forum. 

 " Good day," said I : "where shall we dine together r" 

 No answer. " Who speaks ?" says I : " Who now 

 Will promise me a dinner ?" Still silent all, 

 Not a word did they reply ; nay, not a single smile. 

 " Where shall we sup then ?" says I : still no invitation. 

 One of my best jests, such as heretofore 

 Have got me supper for a month, I then 

 Repeat them. Not a soul vouchsafed to smile. 

 I then found out, 'twas a conspiracy : 

 Not one e'en deigned to imitate a dog, 

 When he's provoked : But if they did not choose 

 To laugh outright, at least they might have shewn 

 Their teeth, as though they smiled. Finding myself 

 The scoff and mockery of these sparks, I leave them, 

 March up to others, others still, and others ; 

 But no, 'twas just the same ; all in confederacy, 

 Like the oil-merchants in the market. Well then, 

 Finding myself thus fooled, I came back hither. 

 There were more parasites sauntering in the forum, 

 And to as little purpose as myself. 

 But I'm determined that the law shall right me 

 Against all those who join in combination 

 To have me starved. I will appoint a day 

 For them to give me their answer. I will have 

 Large satisfaction. Dear as are provisions, 

 They shall be fined at least ten entertainments. 

 Now to the port where I have yet one hope 

 Of feasting : if that fail me, I'll return 

 To this old Hegio, and his scurvy supper. 



Hegio had previously invited Ergasilus, for such is the Parasite's 

 name, to sup with him, warning him, at the same time, that he would 

 have but an aspcra cocna, or homely supper. We shall see, by-and-by, 

 the result of Ergasilus's visit to the port. Hegio now appears on the 

 stage (with Aristophontes behind), giving an account of his yesterday's 

 proceedings, in which he tells us that, upon going to see bis other cap- 

 tives, and on asking if any one of them knew Philocrates of Elis, Aris- 

 tophontes cried out instantly, that he was his friend and intimate. 

 Tyndarus (who, as our readers will recollect, personates Philocrates), 



