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 Year."