The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1864-11-19
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Let us follow the Emperor, and pass invisible
through the guards at the portals, and the crowd
Of Scilian cooks, pantomimis.s, slaves, aud de-
pendants in the outer hall Guided by the sound
of music, let US penetrate to the cunacuium ITSELF
Here, on semi.circular couches, recline the En-
perOr and his guests, their hair re1Olent of fra
grant Ointments their fingers covered with rings
ana their jeweled slippers lying beside them on
the floor. Each man holds in his left hand q
napkin with gold and purple fringe.
On The table stand small images of the gods
AT tie lower end Of the room is an elevated stage,
On which party OF buiiIOns are performing u
comic iHterlude. The visitors play as dice be-
tween the courses. Now and then, through re-
Noiving compartments in the ceiling, flowers and
perfumes are showered down upon the fels,ers,
while slaves stand by, whose duty IL is to fan
away the flies and bring fresh towels and scented
waters after every din.
The feast begins to the sound Of trumpets, and
slaves carry round cups OF Faleruian wine fla
yorod with honey. Then como oys er5 from the
luCIine lake cTayiish from hisenium, mulletS
the BaiT, lampreys, and perhaps sturgeon,
which is weighed alive at the table, allowed to
expire before the eyes of the guests, and then
carried oil 10 the kitchen, presently to appear
ggau cooked with rich sauce of wiue and
pickles. Then come dishes OF nightingales,
thIuGhes, roasted shrimps, African cookies
Mclinn cranes, AmbruCian kid, and boar from
the Umbian forests, roasted whole and stuffed
with beef and veal. This is carved by the carptor,
with Tantomimic gestures, to the sound of music.
Next some jars OF lare Ma>sic and Chan wines
are OlcI ed, a libatiOn is poured out to the gods
and the Emperor pledges his guests. Then enter
four musicians playing on douD ilnsoS, followed
~ as many servants crowned with flowers. They
bring the royal dish Of the entertainment-a pea
| cock, with al the plumage displayed on - salyer
CRrlaudCd with r, ses. At this sigh the guests
| burst into murmurs of applause, aud salute the
! Emperor. The bUtlOuns now retire, and couple
| OF gladiatUrs make their appearance upon the
| stage, armed with helmets, buCkers, greaves and
| short sworde The serious business Of supper
| being now over, and dessert about 70 be brought
on, the feasers have leisure to enjoy the more
! exciting amusement.
Additional cushions are brought, spioed wines
are handed round, the tables are cleared, fresh
ClOlhs are laid, the guests lean back, the EN-
peioT gives the signal, and the gladiasOrs begin
the combat Now plstaGhiO nuts, dates, Venairan
olives, Matin apples pears, grapes, dried figs
| mushrooms, sweet cakes, preserves, and all kinds
of delicate confectionery mouldsd into curious
aud graceful devices ore placed upon the table,
| COhNe1aauOn becomes animated,
gladiator falls, morlaly wounded the spec
taOIs cry aloud "hOJek" a fresh ComDatant re-
places him, and the Emperor himself deigns 70
bet upon the victor. Thus amid blOOdshed
diCDg, wine, and teasting, the hours pass by, and
the entertain ment draws 10 a close. Valuable
presents are presented TO the guests. One gets q
precious ring, one robe OF Tyrmn dye another
sketch by ParbASus, auolher a bust OF
| HadIian in yOlOred marbles and thus each takes
his leave enriched and ieasfed, aud pOurs las.
lbatOn 10 the health Of the Emperor and the
honor Of the gods