Daily Davenport Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1864-1874, 1864-12-03
A Roman Fenst i'm Adrian. villa.

Let us follow the emperor, and pass invis
IDLE through the guards at the portals and
the crowd Of Cici'ian cooks, .pantomimists
and slav IS in the outer hail. Guided by the
sound Of music, let us penetrate the coenac-
ulum itself. Here OH semi circle couches,
reclinc the emperor and hs guests, their
hair rcdolent Of fragrant ointments, their
fingers covered with rings, and their jewel
ed slippers lying beside them on the floor.i
Each man holds m his left hand a napkin
with gold and purple fringe. On the ta-
bic stand small images Of the gods. At the
lower end Of the room is an elevated stage,
on which party Of bufoons arc perform
ing comic prelude. The visitors play
dice between the courses. Now and then,
through revolving compartments in the cell
ing, flowers and perfumes are showered
down upon the feasters, while slaves stand
by whose duty it is to fan away the flies and
bring fresh towels and scented waters to the
guests after every dish.
The feast begins to the sound Of trum-
pets, and slaves carry round cups Of Faler-
wine favored with honey. Then came oys-
tiers from the Lucrine lake, cray fish from
Misenium, mullets from Bisc, lampreys,
and perhaps sturgeon, which is weighed
alive at the table, allowed to expire before
the eyes Of the guests, and then carried of
to the kitchen, presently to appear again,
cooked with rich sauce of wine and pickles.
Then come dishes OF nightingales, thrushes
and roasted shrimps, African cookies, Me-
liam cranes, Ambracian kid, and boar from
the umbrain forests, roasted whole and
stuffed with beef and veal. This is carved
by the carptor, with pantomimic gestures,
to the sound Of music. Next some lars CT
rare Massic and Chan wine are opened. q
liberation is poured out to the gods. and the
emperor pledges his guess. Thin enter
Jour music ans, playing on double fites,
followed by as many servants crowned with
flowers. They bring the royal dish Of the
entertainment, . peacock with all its plu
mage displayed, on salvcr garlandcd with
roses. At this sight the guests burst into
murmurs OF applause, and salute the en-
peror. The bufoons now retire. and !
couple Of gladiators make their appearance
upon the stage, armed with helmets. buck
lers, greaves and short swords. The ser;ons
business Of supper being now over. and des-
sert about to be brought on. the feasters
have leisure to enjoy this more exciting
amusement
ss'osa~t SuSutUliS UTe brought. SD1Ce0
wines are handed round. the tables are
cleared, fresh cloths are laid, the guests lean
back, the emperor gives the signal, and the
g'adlators begin the combat. Now pistachio
nuts, dates, Venetian olives. Martin apoles.
pears, grapes, dried figs, mushrooms, sweet.
cakes. preserves, and all kinds Of delicate
confectionery moulded into curious and
graceful devices are placed upon the table.
Converse ton becomes animated. A gladia-
Tor TAILS MORALLY wounded; the spectators
cry aloud .habet ?" A fresh combatant r..
places him, and the emperor deigns to BET
upon the victor. Thus amid bloodshed.
dic'ng, wine and feasting, the hours pass
~, and the entertainment draws to close.
Valuable presents are presented to the
guests. One gets . precious ring. one !
robe Of Tyrian dye, another = sketch by
Parrhasius, another bust of Adrian in COL
ored marbles; and thus each takes his leave
.;c ,1 - 80 . h .S.s'cc' ana pours iast ba-
honor Of the gods.