Diphilus. (Book vii. § 39, p. 458.)
'Tis not my custom to engage myself,
Till first I know how I'm to be employ'd,
And whether plenty is to crown the board.
I first inquire by whom the feast is given,
Who are the guests, and what the kind of fare;
For you must know I keep a register
Of different ranks, that I may judge at once
Whom to refuse, and where to offer service.
For instance now, with the seafaring tribe.