The ground is swept, and the triclinium clean, The hands are purified, the goblets too Well rinsed, each guest upon his forehead bears A wreathed flow'ry crown; from slender vase A willing youth presents to each in turn A sweet and costly perfume; while the bowl, Emblem of joy and social mirth, stands by, Fill'd to the brim; another pours out wine Of most delicious flavour, breathing round Fragrance of flowers, and honey newly made; So grateful to the sense, that none refuse; While odoriferous gums fill all the room. Water is served too, cold, and fresh, and clear; Bread, saffron tinged, that looks like leaves of gold. The board is gaily spread with honey pure, And savoury cheese. The altar, too, which stands Full in the centre, crown'd with flow'ry wreaths; The house resounds with music and with song, With songs of grateful praise, such as become The wise and good to offer to the gods, In chaste and modest phrase. They humbly ask, Pouring their free libations, to preserve A firm and even mind; to do no wrong, But equal justice to dispense to all; A task more easy, more delightful far, Than to command, to slander, or oppress. At such repasts each guest may safely drink As much as suits his sober appetite, Then unattended seek his home, unless His feeble age requires assistance. Him Above all others let us praise, who while The cheerful cup goes round, shall charm the guests With free recital of acts worthy praise, And fit to be remember'd; that inspire The soul to valour, and the love of fame, The meed of virtuous action. Far from us The war of Titans; or the bloody strife Of the seditious Centaurs; such examples Have neither use nor profit—wiser far To look to brighter patterns that instruct, And lead the mind to great and good pursuits.—ANON. * * * * * ALEXIS. (Book xi. § 9, p. 731.)