University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Enter SATURIO, the Parasite—
Sat.
The old and ancient trade of parasites,
I practice, study, and pursue with care—
Nor ever had I any ancestor,
But stuff'd his paunch, by fawning for a dinner.
My father, grandfather, great grandfather,
His father, grandfather, great grandfather,
Like mice they liv'd on victuals not their own,
And never were in gluttony exceeded—
From hence it was we got the name of hard-heads.
Their trade I follow, and fill up the place,
The station of my ancestors—Besides,
I would not turn informer—And I think
There is no credit in it, to obtain
Another's goods, and run no risk one's self—
Nor am I pleas'd with those who do—I speak
My mind—And he, who for the publick good
Informs, and not for private ends, I could
Persuade myself is a good man and true.
He who convicts a breaker of the laws,
Let him pay half his gains unto the publick.
Moreover, be't enacted in my law,
Whene'er to gain a fourth a man informs,
Let him be bound to pay to the accused
So much, if he should fail in proof, that both
May go before the judge on equal terms.
Was this a law in force we should not see
The white net spread to take our neighbour's goods.
But am I not a fool to regulate
The commonwealth?—When there are magistrates
Whose proper duty 'tis—Well—Now I'll in,
And visit the remains of last night's supper—
See if they've rested well or not—And whether
They have been fev'rish, or cover'd close—
That no one may have snap'd a bit—But see!
The doors are opening; I must stay my progress.