Warren sheaf., 1881-07-06
Social Life Among the Old Greeks.

From the COrnEill.
My first impression Of an Athenian gentle.
man ct home was picturesque and pleasant
In small room hung with pictorial tapestry,
and lighted by single lamp placed on a tripod
near the door, was q low, broad couch of dark
wood inlaid with ivory. On this, the white
folds OF his dress in striking contrast with the
rich coverlets and the bright banded colors OF
the pillow he was resting on, lay dark, hand
some man, of clear but sun tanned complexion;
anu IN front OF him was standing boy, with
long black hair, whose little figure was we'll set
off by simple flannel tunic, belted around the
waist with a red scarf. Close by him was
small low table, on which were silver goblet
and jug, and near them small flute. This was
; the picture that met my eye as. I entered; and
the door it was plain that / had surprised
father dellghtng, himself after dinner III his
sons essays in music and recitation MY hosts
ready smile told me, before he spoke, that
was expected and welcome. With kiss and
friendly pat on the; head he dismissed the lad,
who, though from shyness he hardly ventured
to look up, bowed low to me as he took up his
flute and ran Off After the interchange of a
few clvillties l was conducted to my quarters
Two guest-rooms were assigned me, both open
ing on covered cloister which bordered-as
did the dining room I had left-on court in
the center of which stood rude, weather-worn
statue of the tutelar deity of the family, facing
an altar from which rose q tiny fountain of
smoke. These rooms were very small, and had
no other entrance for light than the doorway,
which was closed only by curtain. In one
was bedstead, supporting woollen mattress
laid on girths, on which were lying loosely
blankets of ,colered wool In the other was q
chair, stool, cushion and lamp. This sim
pie furniture was of singularly rich workman
ship and most graceful in design. I felt in lux
ury, though there were two or three articles
absent which was accustomed to require, one
of which was certainly table It had been
explained by my friend to whom owed this
introduction, that being Hospitality entertaineds
at Athens would mean having separate rooms
given me in the house, together with light,
pretty frequently to the family dinner, and to
receive from the family some occasional pres
ents OF wine, or fruit, or vegetables; but that
L must cater for myself, and should enjoy en-,
tire liberty, of action. This was exactly the
position in which found myself for some
weeks, though my host, as time went on, asked
permission to treat me more as brother than
as guest That evening was summoned
back to the dining room, where supper had in
the meantime been served on light portable
table. An hour was spent in conversation. and
went to my couch.
At daybreak was aroused by the entrance
OF slave bringing bread and wine, which he
placed on small table by the side of my bed.
This took as hint to rise. Twas fortunately
in one of the few wealthy houses that could
DO6Sb VI y private Ddtu, 30 tuSI VIC tucs1Io O-
wards the tub was pretty literally met
found my host up and carefully dressed. He
had already been out to make call on a friend,
and wac now ready for the usual morning walk
Before leaving England had been told by MI.
Mahafty, who had been in ancient Greece some
time before, that should find many ways of
thought at Athens strikingly modern. was
reminded of tins when my host without hint
from me, or any knowledge whatever Of my
tastes, supposed as . matter of course that I
should like to see the sights Of Athens, the
Pantheon and the other temples and public
buildings, and asked me if cared for statues
and painting and architecture Under his guild
ance had my fret acquaintance with the
masterpieces Of iPhidias and Polygnotus He
was not learned in art, but he was proud of the
glories of his city, and had q genuine delight
In beauty. Breakfast was awaiting our return,
andI was not sorry to find it . substantial meal
Fresh fish. soup, vegetables, bread, cheese,
brought tin in; and there, lying @ beside them in the
cool, dark little dining room, my host and Idis-
cussed the rival merits of the statues Of Ath-