When the Master had enlarged upon this theme, he identified the Birth: "At that time the robber chief was I myself."

Footnotes

^264:1 The word implies a creature not born in the natural way, but taking shape without the need of parents.

^266:1 The scholiast adds the following lines:

The friend who robs another without ceasing;
He that protests, protests incessantly;
The friend who flatters for the sake of pleasing;
The boon companion in debauchery;--
These four the wise as enemies should fear,
And keep aloof, if there be danger near.

[j280]