Two of a trade can never agree, each of them fearing to be excelled by his rival. This passion might be turned to their mutual advantage, if they should be thence induced to labour to excel each other in their art. It would then become, «Cos ingeniorum», a whetstone to their wit. But it more often expends itself in envying and endeavouring to depress their rivals.
«The potter hates another of the trade,
If by his hands a finer dish is made;
The smith, his brother smith with scorn doth treat,
If he his iron strikes with brisker heat».

«Etiam mendicus mendico invidet».

«It is one beggar's woe,
To see another by the door go».

The passion is found also among animals, «Canes socium in culina nullum amant», or «Una domus non alit duos canes», the dog will have no companion in the kitchen, and «Mons cum monte non miscebitur», two proud and haughty persons are seldom found to agree.