_consil. 24._ for a noble matron enjoins her
one dish, and by no means to drink between meals. The like, _consil. 229._
or not to eat till he be an hungry, which rule Berengarius did most
strictly observe, as Hilbertus, _Cenomecensis Episc._ writes in his life,

------"cui non fuit unquam
Ante sitim potus, nec cibus ante famem,"

and which all temperate men do constantly keep. It is a frequent solemnity
still used with us, when friends meet, to go to the alehouse or tavern,
they are not sociable otherwise: and if they visit one another's houses,
they must both eat and drink. I reprehend it not moderately used; but to
some men nothing can be more offensive; they had better, I speak it with
Saint [2947]Ambrose, pour so much water in their shoes.

It much avails likewise to keep good order in our diet, [2948]"to eat
liquid things first, broths, fish, and such meats as are sooner corrupted
in the stomach; harder meats of digestion must come last." Crato would have
the supper less than the dinner, which Cardan, _Contradict. lib. 1. tract.
5. contradict. 18._ disallows, and that by the authority of Galen. _7. art.
curat. cap. 6._ and for four reasons he will have the supper biggest: I
have read many treatises to this purpose, I know not how it may concern
some few sick men, but for my part generally for all, I should subscribe to
that custom of the Romans, to make a sparing dinner, and a liberal supper;
all their preparation and invitation was still at supper, no mention of
dinner. Many reasons I could give, but when all is said _pro_ and _con_,
[2949]Cardan's rule is best, to keep that we are accustomed unto, though it
be naught, and to follow our disposition and appetite in some things is not
amiss; to eat sometimes of a dish which is hurtful, if we have an
extraordinary liking to it. Alexander Severus loved hares and apples above
all other meats, as [2950]Lampridius relates in his life: one pope pork,
another peacock, &c.; what harm came of it? I conclude our own experience
is the best physician; that diet which is most propitious to one, is often
pernicious to another, such is the variety of palates, humours, and
temperatures, let every man observe, and be a law unto himself. Tiberius,
in [2951]Tacitus, did laugh at all such, that thirty years of age would ask
counsel of others concerning matters of diet; I say the same.

These few rules of diet he that keeps, shall surely find great ease and
speedy rem