This office of the parasite was held,
How sanction'd by the laws, of origin
Clearly divine; while other useful arts
Are but th' inventions of the human mind,
This stands preeminent the gift of gods,
For Jupiter the friend first practised it.
Whatever door was open to receive him,
Without distinction, whether rich or poor,
He enter'd without bidding; if he saw
The couch well spread, the table well supplied,