POVERTY. As for behaviour, I will prove to you that modesty dwells with me and insolence with Plutus.
CHREMYLUS. Oh! the sweet modesty of stealing and breaking through walls.[774]
BLEPSIDEMUS. Aye, the thief is truly modest, for he hides himself.
POVERTY. Look at the orators in our republics; as long as they are poor, both State and people can only praise their uprightness; but once they are fattened on the public funds, they conceive a hatred for justice, plan intrigues against the people and attack the democracy.
CHREMYLUS. That is absolutely true, although your tongue is very vile. But it matters not, so don't put on those triumphant airs; you shall not be punished any the less for having tried to persuade me that poverty is worth more than wealth.
POVERTY. Not being able to refute my arguments, you chatter at random and exert yourself to no purpose.
CHREMYLUS. Then tell me this, why does all mankind flee from you?
POVERTY. Because I make them better. Children do the very same; they flee from the wise counsels of their fathers. So difficult is it to see one's true interest.
CHREMYLUS. Will you say that Zeus cannot discern what is best? Well, he takes Plutus to himself …
BLEPSIDEMUS. … and banishes Poverty to earth.