When the custom of burning the dead was introduced, a funeral pile was constructed in the shape of an altar, upon which the corpse was laid; the nearest relative then set fire to it:--perfumes and spices were afterwards thrown into the blaze, and when it was extinguished, the embers were quenched with wine. The ashes were then collected and deposited in an urn, to be kept in the mausoleum of the family. CHAPTER XXIII. _Customs at Meals._ The food of the ancient Romans was of the simplest kind; they rarely indulged in meat, and wine was almost wholly unknown. So averse were they to luxury, that epicures were expelled from among them. But when riches were introduced by the extension of conquest, the manners of the people were changed, and the pleasures of the table became the chief object of attention. Their principal meal was what they called _cœna_ or supper. The usual time for it was the ninth hour, or about three o'clock in the afternoon. While at meals, they reclined on sumptuous couches of a semicircular form, around a table of the same shape. This custom was introduced from the nations of the east, and was at first adopted only by the men, but afterwards allowed also to the women. The dress worn at table differed from that in use on other occasions, and consisted merely of a loose robe of a slight texture, and generally white. Before supper the Romans bathed themselves, and took various kinds of exercise, such as tennis, throwing the discus or quoit, riding, running, leaping, &c. Small figures of Mercury, Hercules and the penates, were placed upon the table, of which they were deemed the presiding genii; and a small quantity of wine was poured upon the board, at the commencement and end of the feast, as a libation in honor of them, accompanied by a prayer. As the ancients had not proper inns for the accommodation of travellers, the Romans, when they were in foreign countries, or at a distance from home, used to lodge at the houses of certain persons whom they in return entertained at their houses in Rome. This was esteemed a very intimate connexion, and was called _hospitium_, or _jus hospitii_: hence _hospes_ is put both for a host and a guest. CHAPTER XXIV. _Weights, Measures and Coins._ The principal Weight in use among the Romans, was the pound, called _As_ or _Libra_, which was equal to 12 oz. avoirdupoise, or 16 oz. 18 pwts. and 13-3/4 grains, troy weight. It was divided into twelve ounces, the names of which were as follow: _Uncia_, 1 oz.--_Sextans_, 2 oz.--_Triens_, 3 oz.--_Quadrans_, 4 oz.--_Quincunx_, 5 oz.--_Semis_, 1/2 lb.--_Septunx_, 7 oz--_Bes_, 8 oz.--_Dodrans_, 9 oz.--_Dextans_, 10 oz.--_Deunx_, 11 oz. The As and its divisions were applied to anything divided into twelve parts, as well as to a pound weight. The twelth part of an acre was called Uncia and half a foot, Semis, &c.