1892 The flowing bowl when and what to drink (1892, c1891)

Inscription of a (Sreek Banquet

BEFORE the invited guest went to the entertainment he made his toilette: that is, he bathed, perfumed him- and donned his best clothes and shoes. The table was usually spread in the andronitis, or reception room for men, and the guest, after exchang- ing salutations with his entertainers, took the place assigned to him, the most honorable being that at the side of the host. Servants removed the shoes of the guests and purified the feet from the dust of the streets. Then they reclined upon couches with bright coverings and hangings, resting the left arm upon a cushion, so as to leave the right hand free. As a rule, there were two guests to each couch. Before each the slaves placed a table spread with viands, and brought meat, fish, and sauces in dishes, and bread, cakes, and fruit in baskets. The guest had no plate nor knife for him- self, and as for forks, they were unknown, but a spoon was placed at his disposal. The meat was served cut into small pieces, which he took with the fingers of the right hand, and dipped into the sauces. After the meal, as before it, the servants carried around water to wash the hands, and during the meal the fingers were wiped, if necessary, on bread or a piece of dough placed for the purpose. The repast usually consisted of two courses, of which 75 self,