The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1893-05-15
IN A ROMAN MANSION.
A Paper Read by Mrs. w. c. Weldon
to the Cousins Society.

But we are IN tne peIlSlyle, CnaIn'
ing and beautiful spot in the Roman
home. 1t is in reality a second atrium,
only reversed in style that is in the
covered and uncovered portions. The
atrium proper having most of its space
under cover, with but comparatively
small aperture above, while the per
istylium has much less roofing, is
broader, making the uncovered space
quite large, giving an outlook into the
clear blue Italian sky We would call
the peristyle a broad verandah enclos-
ing court or park In the center of
this stands a marble fountain, its sides
painted to represent fish and water
plants. 1t is surrounded by shrubs and
dwarf trees, and around these are taste
fully arranged beds of flowers Here
violets and lilies bloom-the narcissus
and amaranth. This lady tells us that
so fond are the Romans of a garden
that, where space is limited, they
often paint their walls representing
trees, fountains, birds, etc. The
spacious verandah itself is supported
by columns of Numidian and Taenar-
ian marble. The Numidian is of a
golden yellow, the Taenarian kind Of
green porphyry, Between these col
umns are statues. Upon the farther
most side of the peristyle is the tri-
clinium or dining saloon. 1t is separ
ated only by long windows, allowing a
full view of the court without. Upon
the side of this verandah are the cusi
Gull or sleeping apartments. The
curtains screening these rooms are Of
many coored tapestry, brought from
Alexandria. One being drawn aside
reveals an ivory bedstead almost con
cealed by the purple coverlet.
We now retrace our steps, as we
have not yet visited the saloons that
open from the atrium No doors OBJ
struct the passage; we simply lift the
curtain. In these we find what we
have not found in any other portion Of
the house-an abundance of the rich
est furniture Here are the CouChes
upon which guests recline. In no
other article, however, does the Roman
lavish so much expenditure as upon
tables. We would call it a hobby. In
these saloons we have ample oppor-
tunity to observe these articles of eX-
travagance Our hostess tells us "They
are brought from Asia, and are called
orbes, not from being round, but be-
cause they are massive plates Of wood,
cut off the stem in its whole diameter.
The most expensive are those cut off
nearest the root, not only because the
tree is broadcast there, but because the
wood down below is dappled and
speckled." These orbs or slabs rest on
columns of ivory. We would like very
much to know the probable cost of one
of these, but do not like to be SO rude
as to ask. We quietly do so, however,
of this slave passing. He points to one
and tells us 100000 sesterCes-eqiv-
alent to $50, 900 of our money. Cicero
owned such. The abaci or sideboards
are of marble, and on them appear the
gold and silver plate with other valu-
ables. These are regarded more valu
able for the beauty of workmanship
upon them than for the Costliness Of
the material.
We have, all through, had occasion
to notice the skill in workmanship o.
the floors. Though some are simply Of
white marble slabs, others have stars
flowers and geometric figures traced ir
Mosaic. In some, scenes are executed
So fine is the work that we learn that
there are as many as $50 pieces to the
square inch in some of them. One o.
these scenic representations, our hostes!
tells us, is the battle Of Issus, between
Alexander and Darius in this is traced
the Greek cavalry, making an irresist
IDLE attack upon the wavering lines o
the Persians. Both kings appear il
the scene, one standing upon his char
lot, ready for flight
The senator now joins our part,
again, but here the slave who has il
charge the time pieces, enters and an
nounces that the finger of the dial cast
its shadow upon the ninth hours PM.
which we infer is the dinner hour, ant
we are about to withdraw, but the lore
most cordially invites US to dine will
himself and family. We aim to b
polite and not show our eagerness t.
remain, but he takes no heed of that
and we follow him to the triclinum.
Here we find a number of tables
around which are arranged sofas @
touches, with cushions upon them t
separate the places of the guests Rattle
awkward we feel ourselves when invite
to recline, instead of the usual "b
seated" We see that those to whom it
habitual do so, leaning upon the lei
elbow, and we make the attempt, how
ever ungrdcefully to accomplish il
Water is then brought to each for tn
purpose of the washing of hands A
at a signal from our host then, which
given by making noise with the fiji
gers, slaves enter and place upon tn
tables-uncovered they are, that the
beauties be not hidden - the fir.
course, 1t consists of vegetables, wit
dressed snails and oysters. The vegC
tables are sorrel, lettice, mushroom
picked cabbage, etc, such as will whit
the appetite for the more solid dishC