The _Gourd_ here is an Emblem of vain Pride and Ingratitude; and the
_Pine_ bids Princes and Great Men have a care what Favourites they
prefer, and what Friendships they Entertain; and this for their own
sakes, as well as for the sake of the Publick. He’s a Fool that takes
himself to be Greater, Richer, Fairer or Better then he is; or that
reckons any thing his own, which is either but borrow’d, or may be taken
away next Moment. He that lives barely upon Borrowing, is effectually
but a Beggar when his Debts are paid. This _Gourd_ in short, is a Proud
Upstart; his Growth is quick, but his Continuance short: He values
himself upon his Feather in his Cap; and in a word, upon those Fooleries
that a Man of Honour and Substance would blush at. And nothing else will
serve him neither, but to vye Excellencies with those that took him
out of the Dirt; nay, and to elevate himself (when all’s done) to the
Dishonour of the Supporters. And what’s the Issue at last of encouraging
these Minions, but his bringing of a Scandal upon Common Justice, by a
most pernicious Example, that ends in the very Starving, as well as the
Defaming of their Benefactors; for ’tis impossible but they must Pine
and Wither, that entertain such Hangers-on. This _Gourd_ in fine is the
true Emblem of a _Court-Leech_; he Fastens and Sucks, without either
Mercy or Measure, and when he has drawn his Master Dry, he very fairly
drops off, changes his Party, and so leaves him.