deep edge of
purple and deeper fringe of gold, stood in the centre, and around it three
couches, nearly of the same height with the board, each the segment of a
circle, the three forming a horse-shoe.

The couches were of the finest rosewood, inlaid with tortoiseshell and
ivory and brass, strewed with the richest tapestries, and piled with
cushions glowing with splendid needlework. And over all, upheld by richly
moulded shafts of Corinthian bronze, was a canopy of Tyrian purple,
tasselled and fringed with gold.

The method of reclining at the table was, that the guests should place
themselves on the left side, propped partly by the left elbow and partly
by a pile of cushions; each couch being made to contain in general three
persons, the head of the second coming immediately below the right arm of
the first, and the third in like manner; the body of each being placed
transversely, so as to allow space for the limbs of the next below in
front of him.

The middle place on each couch was esteemed the most honorable; and the
middle couch of the three was that assigned to guests of the highest rank,
the master of the feast, for the most, occupying the central position on
the third or left hand sofa. The slaves stood round the outer circuit of
the whole, with the cupbearers; but the carver, and steward, if he might
so be termed, occupied that side of the table which was left open to their
attendance.

On this occasion, there being but six guests in all, each gentleman
assisted the lady under his charge to recline, with her head comfortably
elevated, near the centre of the couch; and then took his station behind
her, so that, if she leaned back, her head would rest on his bosom, while
he was enabled himself to reach the table, and help himself or his fair
partner, as need might be, to the delicacies offered in succession.

Curius and Fulvia, he as of senatorial rank, and she as a noble matron,
occupied the highest places; Paullus and Lucia reclined on the right hand
couch, and Catiline with Orestilla in his bosom, as the phrase ran, on the
left.

No sooner were they all placed, and the due libation made of wine, with an
offering of salt, to the domestic Gods--a silver group of statues occupying
the centre of the board, where we should now place the _plateau_ and
_epergne_, than a louder burst of music ushered in three beautiful female
slaves, in succinct tunics, like that seen in the sculptures of Diana,
with half the b