_Enter_ ERGASILUS.

ERG. Wretched is that man who is in search of something to eat, and
finds that with difficulty; but more wretched is he who both seeks with
difficulty, and finds nothing at all; most wretched is he, who, when he
desires to eat, has not that which he may eat. But, by my faith, if I
_only_ could, I'd willingly tear out the eyes of this day;--with
such enmity has it filled all people towards me. One more starved out I
never did see, nor one more filled with hunger [1], nor one who prospers
less in whatever he begins to do. So much do my stomach and my throat
take rest on these fasting holidays [2]. Away with the profession of a
Parasite to very utter and extreme perdition! so much in these days do
the young men drive away from them the needy drolls. They care nothing
now-a-days for _these_ Laconian men [3] of the lowest benches--
these whipping-posts, who hare their _clever_ sayings without
provision and _without_ money. They _now-a-days_ seek those
who, when they've eaten at their pleasure, may give them a return at
their own houses. They go themselves to market, which formerly was the
province of the Parasites. They go themselves from the Forum to the
procurers with face as exposed[4] as _the magistrates_ in court
[5], with face exposed, condemn those who are found guilty; nor do they
now value buffoons at one farthing [6]; all are _so much_ in love
with themselves. For, when, just now, I went away from here, I came to
some young men in the Forum: "Good morrow," said I; "whither are we
going together to breakfast?" On this, they were silent. "Who says,
'here, _at my house_,' or who makes an offer?" said I. Just like
dumb men, they were silent, and didn't smile at me. "Where do we dine?"
said I. On this they declined, said one funny saying out of my best bon
mots, by which I formerly used to get feasting for a month; not an