Chapter 4

_Reading at Meals, &c._--Lectores, among the Romans, were servants in great men's houses, who were employed in reading while their masters were at supper. They were called by the Greeks, Anagnostae. Acroama, was a name given by the Romans to amusing tales, which they recited at their repasts. The Emperor Severus read himself at table. Atticus never supped without reading. Charlemagne had the histories and acts of ancient kings read to him at table. This was a relic of the ancient Greeks, who had the praises of great men and heroes sung to them while at table. Celsus tells us, reading is bad, especially after supper, for those whose heads are weak; but he recommends reading with an audible voice, for such as have weak stomachs.

P.T.W.

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_Epigrams from the French._

"On peut, en vous voyant, devenir infidèle Mais c'est pour la dernière fois."

_Chaulieu_.

"At sight of thee--each lover false might prove, But having seen--no other e'er could love."

"Ce monde est plein de fous--et qui n'en veut pas voir Doit se renfermer seul, et casser son miroir."

"With fools the world abounds--who would their presence shun Must break his mirror--or he'll there see one."

T.R.P.

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