End of the Table, who had compos'd
thirteen Volumes, expatiating on every Property of the Griffin, took
this Affair in a very serious Light, which would greatly have
embarrass'd _Zadig_, but for the Credit of a Magus, who was Brother
to his Friend _Cador_. From that Day forward, _Zadig_ ever
distinguish'd and preferr'd good, before learned Company: He
associated with the most conversible Men, and the most amiable
Ladies in all _Babylon_; he made elegant Entertainments, which were
frequently preceded by a Concert of Musick, and enliven'd by the
most facetious Conversation, in which, as he had felt the Smart of
it, he had laid aside all Thoughts of shewing his Wit, which is not
only the surest Proof that a Man has none, but the most infallible
Means to spoil all good Company.

Neither the Choice of his Friends, nor that of his Dishes, was the
Result of Pride or Ostentation. He took Delight in appearing to be,
what he actually was, and not in seeming to be what he was not; and
by that Means, got a greater real Character than he actually aim'd
at.

Directly opposite to his House liv'd _Arimazes_, one puff'd up with
Pride, who not meeting with Success in the World, sought his Revenge
in railing against all Mankind. Rich as he was, it was almost more
than he could accomplish, to procure ev'n any Parasites about him.
Tho' the rattling of the Chariots which stopp'd at _Zadig's_ Door
was a perfect Nuisance to him; yet the good Character which every
Body gave him was still a higher Provocation. He would sometimes
intrude himself upon _Zadig_, and set down at his Table without any
Invitation; when there, he would most certainly interrupt the Mirth
of the Company, as Harpies, they say, infect the very Carrion that
they eat.

_Arimazes_ took it in his Head one Day to invite a young Lady to an
Entertainment; but she, instead of accepting of his Offer, spent the
Evening at _Zadig's_. Another Time, as _Zadig_ and he were chatting
together at Court, a Minister of State came up to them, and invited
_Zadig_ to Supper, but took no Notice of _Arimazes_. The most
implacable Aversions have frequently no better Foundations. This
Gentleman, who was call'd the _envious Man_, would have taken away
the Life of _Zadig_ if he could because most People distinguish'd
him by the Title of the _Happy Man_. "An Opportunity of doing
Mischief, says _Zoroaster_, offers itself a hundred Times a Day; but
that of doing a Friend a good Office but once a Ye