TYCHIADES It seems to me that you have put al] this very well. But how do you prove that philosophy is inferior to your art in other ways?

SIMON Well, it must first be mentioned that no parasite ever fell in love with philosophy; but it is on record that philosophersin great number have been fond of Parasitic, and even to-day they love it!

TYCHIADES Why, what philosophers can you mention that have been eager to play parasite?

SIMON What philosophers, Tychiades? Though you know them yourself, you pretend not to, and try to pull the wool over my eyes, as if it brought them disgrace instead of honour!

TYCHIADES No, by Zeus, Simon; I am very much at a loss as to whom you can find to mention.

SIMON My dear fellow, you seem to be unfamiliar with their biographers, as otherwise you would certainly be able to recognize whom I mean.

TYCHIADES Well, anyhow, by Heracles, I long to find out now who they are.

SIMON I shall give you a list of them, and they are not the riff-raff, but in my opinion the best, and those whom you would least expect.