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Often appears with: rank, class, and social order · custom and the manners of a people · the city and urban life · hospitality and the guest · poverty and wealth · religious persecution and toleration · diplomacy and embassies · trade, markets, and merchants · marriage and betrothal · labor, wages, and the division of work · justice as a virtue · fate, destiny, and necessity
Usually: narrative (66) · detachment (43) · wonder (19) · curiosity (17) · argument (10) · description (8) · humor (8) · irony (8) · dialogue (6) · temptation (6)
“And they will take care that their families do not exceed their means; having an eye to poverty or war.” Plato, The Republic · precept
“Tumble up! Tumble up*, and to *work, work,”_ is the cry; and, now, from twelve o’clock (mid-day) till dark, the human cattle are in motion, wielding their clumsy hoes; hurried on by no hope of reward...” Frederick Douglass, My Bondage and My Freedom · vivid
“...by accident the free one struck a bush, and its revolving motion being thus destroyed, it immediately fell to the ground, and, like magic, caught one hind leg of my horse.” Charles Darwin, The Voyage of the Beagle · vivid
“In short, all the preparations made for the wedding were in rustic style, but abundant enough to feed an army.” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · vivid
“Then spake the mighty Siegfried: “That were done but ill. Let them ride hence unhindered, but make each of the lordings give surety with his hand, that their noble knights henceforth forbear all hostile riding hither to your land.” Unknown (Middle High German epic tradition), The Nibelungenlied · insight
“But finally the king asked the knight The virtue of this courser, and the might, And prayed him to tell his governance.” Geoffrey Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems · observation
“He assured Johnson, who, I suppose, was then meditating to try his fortune in London, but was apprehensive of the expence, 'that thirty pounds a year was enough to enable a man to live there without being contemptible.” James Boswell, Life of Johnson, Volume 1 · insight
“He who does not mind his belly will hardly mind anything else” James Boswell, Life of Johnson, Volume 1 · precept
“Alas! Malinche, Malinche,” cried they, “how deeply we take your misfortune to heart, and lament the death of so many of your brothers, and of our countrymen, who have perished with them!” Bernal Díaz del Castillo, The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Cast · observation
“Hellenes, for this reason I assembled you together, because I desired to show you the senselessness of this leader of the Medes, who having such fare as this, came to us who have such sorry fare as ye see here, in order to take it away from us.” Herodotus, The History of Herodotus — Volume 2 · observation
“They are totally unacquainted with strong or spirituous liquours; and their principal beverage is palm wine... though I never saw any one intoxicated by it.” Olaudah Equiano (also known as Gustavus Vassa), The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equ · observation
“For her actual beauty, it is said, was not in itself so remarkable that none could be compared with her, or that no one could see her without being struck by it, but the contact of her presence, if you lived with her, was irresistible.” Plutarch, Plutarch: Lives of the noble Grecians and Romans · observation
At Bath’s Cross Bath Pepys soaks in the hot waters, watches high-status visitors and music, then travels in coach to Bristol, touring the quay and shipbuilding and giving to local poor.
expected, but yet pleasant; and the town most of stone, and clean, though the streets generally narrow. I home, and being weary, went to bed without supper; the rest supping. 13th. Saturday. Up at four o'clock, being by appointment called up to the Cross Bath; where we were carried after one another, myself and wife and Betty Turner, Willet, and W. Hewer. And by and by, though we designed to have done before comp…
Thucydides explains how Athenian settlement patterns in Attica from early kings through Theseus’s centralization shaped reluctance to abandon ancestral townships during the summer invasion.
Athens in the different departments when the Peloponnesian invasion was impending and hostilities were being commenced. Pericles also urged his usual arguments for expecting a favourable issue to the war. The Athenians listened to his advice, and began to carry in their wives and children from the country, and all their household furniture, even to the woodwork of their houses which they took down. Their sheep and c…
The heifer is killed and butchered for burning thigh bones and roasting meat, Telemachus is washed and dressed by Polycaste, and Nestor sends him off by chariot toward Lacedaemon with provisions and horses.
began with washing his hands and sprinkling the barley meal, and he offered many a prayer to Minerva as he threw a lock from the heifer’s head upon the fire. When they had done praying and sprinkling the barley meal32 Thrasymedes dealt his blow, and brought the heifer down with a stroke that cut through the tendons at the base of her neck, whereon the daughters and daughters in law of Nestor, and his venerable wife …
In a stormy, moonless night, Ulysses drinks and recounts a prior ambush at Troy where he lacked a cloak in freezing conditions; Eumaeus promises him clothing and temporary shelter until Telemachus returns.
when they had had enough to eat and drink, Mesaulius took away what was left of the bread, and they all went to bed after having made a hearty supper. Now the night came on stormy and very dark, for there was no moon. It poured without ceasing, and the wind blew strong from the West, which is a wet quarter, so Ulysses thought he would see whether Eumaeus, in the excellent care he took of him, would take off his own …
Athene appears in Ithaca disguised as Mentes at the palace entrance, where she finds the wooers feasting and arranging entertainments; Telemachus welcomes her as a stranger while the household prepares the meal.
and to sandy Pylos to seek tidings of his dear father’s return, if peradventure he may hear thereof and that so he may be had in good report among men.” She spake and bound beneath her feet her lovely golden sandals that wax not old, and bare her alike over the wet sea and over the limitless land, swift as the breath of the wind. And she seized her doughty spear, shod with sharp bronze, weighty and huge and strong, …
Telemachus privately questions the disguised Athene about the wooers’ violent ruin and his father’s loss, contrasting her household concern with the wooers’ songs and leisure, and explaining that they consume the estate.
and placed by them platters of divers kinds of flesh, and nigh them he set golden bowls, and a henchman walked to and fro pouring out to them the wine. Then in came the lordly wooers; and they sat them down in rows on chairs, and on high seats, and henchmen poured water on their hands, and maidservants piled wheaten bread by them in baskets, and pages crowned the bowls with drink; and they stretched forth their hand…
Telemachus tells Menelaus not to delay, declines horse gifts for Ithaca, and prefers livestock-friendly land, while in Odysseus’ palace the wooers train with spears and inquire about Telemachus’ departure.
car; and moreover I will give thee a goodly chalice, that thou mayest pour forth before the deathless gods, and be mindful of me all the days of thy life.” Then wise Telemachus answered him, saying: “Son of Atreus, nay, hold me not long time here. Yea even for a year would I be content to sit by thee, and no desire for home or parents would come upon me; for I take wondrous pleasure in thy tales and talk. But alread…
Nausicaa tells her parents about Athene’s dream, asks Alcinous for a wagon and mules to wash soiled garments, and prepares a load of raiment, food, wine, and olive oil, then rides to the river with attendants.
and the white light floats over it. Therein the blessed gods are glad for all their days, and thither Athene went when she had shown forth all to the maiden. Anon came the throned Dawn, and awakened Nausicaa of the fair robes, who straightway marvelled on the dream, and went through the halls to tell her parents, her father dear and her mother. And she found them within, her mother sitting by the hearth with the wom…
Odysseus’s surviving ship then reaches Aeaea, where Circe’s magic later turns some men into swine; Odysseus seeks her after days of exhaustion, guided to feed his crew first.
dread of death, and to my delight my barque flew forth to the high seas away from the beetling rocks, but those other ships were lost there, one and all. “Thence we sailed onward stricken at heart, yet glad as men saved from death, albeit we had lost our dear companions. And we came to the isle Aeaean, where dwelt Circe of the braided tresses, an awful goddess of mortal speech, own sister to the wizard Aeetes. Both …
The Ithacan wooers feast by the palace, while Medon urges them to eat in time; meanwhile Odysseus, disguised with Eumaeus, travels into town toward Odysseus’s house near the spring and altar to the Nymphs.
thy word may be accomplished! Soon shouldest thou be aware of kindness and of many a gift at my hands, so that whoso met with thee would call thee blessed.” Thus they spake one to the other. But the wooers meantime were before the palace of Odysseus, taking their pleasure in casting of weights and of spears on a levelled place, as heretofore, in their insolence. But when it was now the hour for supper, and the flock…
Douglass depicts Colonel Lloyd’s “Great House Farm” as a self-contained industrial village and explains how enslaved people treat selection for errands there as a coveted privilege, with songs expressing joy and sorrow.
Severe. His course was characterized by no extraordinary demonstrations of cruelty. He whipped, but seemed to take no pleasure in it. He was called by the slaves a good overseer. The home plantation of Colonel Lloyd wore the appearance of a country village. All the mechanical operations for all the farms were performed here. The shoemaking and mending, the blacksmithing, cartwrighting, coopering, weaving, and grain-…
Equiano portrays daily life as simple: plain food, handwashing, libations to spirits, palm wine as non-intoxicating, and perfumes made from fragrant wood and earth, all in a climate without heavy luxury.
also manufacture earthen vessels, of which we have many kinds. Among the rest tobacco pipes, made after the same fashion, and used in the same manner, as those in Turkey[C]. Our manner of living is entirely plain; for as yet the natives are unacquainted with those refinements in cookery which debauch the taste: bullocks, goats, and poultry, supply the greatest part of their food. These constitute likewise the princi…
Douglass describes slave field meals—ash cake and salt pork or herrings—followed by brief rest, songs, and mending, until the overseer forces work with the cry “Tumble up!” until dark.
and eat it in the field. This was so on the home plantation; probably, because the distance from the quarter to the field, was sometimes two, and even three miles. The dinner of the slaves consisted of a huge piece of ash cake, and a small piece of pork, or two salt herrings. Not having ovens, nor any suitable cooking utensils, the slaves mixed their meal with a little water, to such thickness that a spoon would sta…
Approaching the Lloyds’ great house, Douglass depicts elaborate luxuries: abundant meats, Chesapeake seafood, imported foods, and a large staff serving “purple and fine linen” luxury to enslaved people.
COMFORTS AND LUXURIES—ELABORATE EXPENDITURE—HOUSE SERVANTS—MEN SERVANTS AND MAID SERVANTS—APPEARANCES—SLAVE ARISTOCRACY—STABLE AND CARRIAGE HOUSE—BOUNDLESS HOSPITALITY—FRAGRANCE OF RICH DISHES—THE DECEPTIVE CHARACTER OF SLAVERY—SLAVES SEEM HAPPY—SLAVES AND SLAVEHOLDERS ALIKE WRETCHED—FRETFUL DISCONTENT OF SLAVEHOLDERS—FAULT-FINDING—OLD BARNEY—HIS PROFESSION—WHIPPING—HUMILIATING SPECTACLE—CASE EXCEPTIONAL—WILLIAM WILK…
Pericles is portrayed as deepening rivalry between “the people and the few” by granting frequent public entertainments and state-funded employment, including fleets, colonists, and settlement schemes that both relieve Athens’ idle crowd and control allies through garrisons.
apart by themselves and uniting them in one body, by their combined weight he was able, as it were upon the balance, to make a counter-poise to the other party. For, indeed, there was from the beginning a sort of concealed split, or seam, as it might be in a piece of iron, marking the different popular and aristocratical tendencies; but the open rivalry and contention of these two opponents made the gash deep, and s…
Cleopatra and Antony surpass each other in supper magnificence; their banter turns satirical, and Plutarch stresses Cleopatra’s irresistible presence, multilingual skill, and cosmopolitan audience.
of branches with lights in them so ingeniously disposed, some in squares, and some in circles, that the whole thing was a spectacle that has seldom been equaled for beauty. The next day, Antony invited her to supper, and was very desirous to outdo her as well in magnificence as contrivance; but he found he was altogether beaten in both, and was so well convinced of it, that he was himself the first to jest and mock …
Cleopatra is contrasted with earlier queens by how Antony, despite fighting politics in Rome, lets himself be carried to Alexandria and spends lavish days and nights with her and her circle.
was all the more surprising, because most of the kings her predecessors scarcely gave themselves the trouble to acquire the Egyptian tongue, and several of them quite abandoned the Macedonian. Antony was so captivated by her, that, while Fulvia his wife maintained his quarrels in Rome against Caesar by actual force of arms, and the Parthian troops, commanded by Labienus (the king's generals having made him commander…
At the arcade Don Quixote and Sancho find lavish wedding preparations—an ox roasting, heaps of faggots, huge wine stores, cheeses, honey, and cooks—while Sancho repeatedly asks for food and is told to eat from Camacho’s abundance.
all I liked, so long as it was not against my neighbour or your worship’s authority; and so far, it seems to me, I have not broken the said article.” “I remember no such article, Sancho,” said Don Quixote; “and even if it were so, I desire you to hold your tongue and come along; for the instruments we heard last night are already beginning to enliven the valleys again, and no doubt the marriage will take place in th…
After Basilio’s staged trick with Camacho’s marriage bargain, Camacho’s men and Basilio’s party separate; Basilio, his bride, and followers withdraw to Basilio’s village, while Sancho fumes over missing Camacho’s feast.
love for Basilio, she would have loved him too as a married woman, and that he ought to thank heaven more for having taken her than for having given her. Camacho and those of his following, therefore, being consoled and pacified, those on Basilio’s side were appeased; and the rich Camacho, to show that he felt no resentment for the trick, and did not care about it, desired the festival to go on just as if he were ma…
Don Quixote tells the inn girls his chosen names—Don Quixote of La Mancha and Rocinante—and asks for troutlet, then endures awkward feeding and drinking through his sealed visor.
there knight So served by hand of dame, As served was he, Don Quixote hight, When from his town he came; With maidens waiting on himself, Princesses on his hack-- or Rocinante, for that, ladies mine, is my horse's name, and Don Quixote of La Mancha is my own; for though I had no intention of declaring myself until my achievements in your service and honour had made me known, the necessity of adapting that old ballad…
He explains German intoxication practices with beer and compares them to Italian and Gaulish wine, arguing that thirst and appetite spurred invasions, and later claims long-term climate and agricultural change since Charlemagne.
32 (return) [ Id. 24. The Germans might borrow the arts of play from the Romans, but the passion is wonderfully inherent in the human species.] Strong beer, a liquor extracted with very little art from wheat or barley, and *corrupted* (as it is strongly expressed by Tacitus) into a certain semblance of wine, was sufficient for the gross purposes of German debauchery. But those who had tasted the …
Gibbon continues Ammianus’s picture of aristocratic life: senators and matrons race through Rome in fast carriages, command bath facilities, flaunt rings and linen, travel to estates, and compare their hunts and seaside galleys to Caesar and Alexander.
38 Followed by a train of fifty servants, and tearing up the pavement, they move along the streets with the same impetuous speed as if they travelled with post-horses; and the example of the senators is boldly imitated by the matrons and ladies, whose covered carriages are continually driving round the immense space of the city and suburbs. Whenever these persons of high distinctio…
At Don Juan Fuentes’s estancia Darwin witnesses cattle slaughter preparations and describes harsh domestic conditions, a meat-only supper, smoking and impromptu guitar music, and separate seating of women (“signoritas”).
spent in smoking, with a little impromptu singing, accompanied by the guitar. The signoritas all sat together in one corner of the room, and did not sup with the men. So many works have been written about these countries, that it is almost superfluous to describe either the lazo or the bolas. The lazo consists of a very strong, but thin, well-plaited rope, made of raw hide. One end is attached to the broad surcing…
On East Falkland, Darwin recounts Gauchos capturing and killing a wild cow with bolas and a lazo, then eating “carne con cuero” (meat roasted with the hide).
some trouble to cross. On the south side we came to the best country for wild cattle; we met, however, no great number, for they had been lately much harassed. In the evening we came across a small herd. One of my companions, St. Jago by name, soon separated a fat cow: he threw the bolas, and it struck her legs, but failed in becoming entangled. Then dropping his hat to mark the spot where the balls were left, whi…
Gunther welcomes the returning warriors, lodges and cares for wounded enemies, promises release under surety, and schedules another six-week feast, while Siegfried remains hoping to see Kriemhild.
me; therefore shalt thou have as guerdon rich attire. Likewise I'll have thee brought ten marks of gold." (5) Small wonder that such tales are gladly told to noble dames. They gave him then his guerdon, the garments and the gold. Then many a fair maid hied her to the casement and gazed upon the street, where many high-mettled warriors were seen riding into the Burgundian land. There came the champions, the wounded a…
The court prepares a feast and seating in Worms for visiting princes and ladies, with Gongther’s land receiving many guests, gifts, and preparations for Kriemhild’s celebration.
he thought to stay, if perchance he might espy her. Later it was done, and according to his wish he met the maid. He rode thereafter joyfully to Siegmund's land. At all times the host bade practice knighthood, and many a youthful knight did this right gladly. Meanwhile he ordered seats prepared upon the sand before the town of Worms for those who were to visit him in the Burgundian land. At the time when they should…
After daily festivities at Gunther’s hall, Siegfried negotiates peace with Denmark by requiring sureties instead of accepting gold; guests depart while Siegfried stays, distracted by love for Kriemhild.
"and while life shall last, never will I lay my head to rest till I have done their will; and this I do, my Lady Kriemhild, to win your love." A twelfth-night long, on each and every day, one saw the winsome maid beside the knight, when she should go to court to meet her kin. This service was done from sheer delight. A great rout of joy and pleasure was daily seen in front of Gunther's hall, without and eke within, …
Kriemhild furnishes Gunther and Siegfried’s party with luxurious silks and jewels for the journey to Brunhild; they travel by skiff, weeping at departure, as Siegfried vows to bring Giselher back safely.
"Now sit you down, dear brother," spake the royal maid, "and let me hear aright who these ladies be whom ye fain would woo in the lands of other kings." By the hand the lady took the chosen knights and with the twain she walked to where she sate afore upon a couch, worked, as well I wot, with dainty figures embossed in gold. There might they have fair pastime with the ladies. Friendly glances and kindly looks passed…
The struggle concludes with Siegfried forcing victory for Gunther, and Brunhild later calms into bridal life; Gunther and Brunhild consummate, the wedding feast lasts fourteen days, and gifts are lavishly distributed.
thought the knight, "if now I lose my life at a maiden's hands, then may all wives hereafter bear towards their husbands haughty mien, who would never do it else." The king heard it well and feared him for his liegeman's life. Siegfried was sore ashamed; wrathful he waxed and with surpassing strength he set himself against her and tried it again with Lady Brunhild in fearful wise. It thought the king full long, befo…
Gunther of Burgundy sends messengers to Siegfried’s court on the Rhine, urging Siegfried and Kriemhild to come to a Midsummer feast at Worms, and they travel for three weeks to Norway to deliver the news.
He had these come before him and bade them carry tidings to Siegfried's land. To their delight Brunhild did give them full lordly vesture. Then spake the king: "Ye knights must say from me all that I bid you to mighty Siegfried and the sister of mine; this must ye not conceal: that no one in the world doth love them more, and beg them both to come to us to the Rhine. For this I and my lady will be ever at your servi…
After Etzel’s wedding ends in Vienna, tournament guests are lodged and fed lavishly, including Kriemhild’s abundant gifts and Rüdeger’s lavish generosity, while the feast lasts seventeen days and honors the new queen.
there spake, I know not. In his right lay her snow-white hand; thus they sate in lover's wise, since Rudeger would not let the king make love to Kriemhild secretly. Then one bade the tourney cease on every side; in courtly wise the great rout ended. Etzel's men betook them to the booths; men gave them lodgings stretching far away on every side. The day had now an end; they lay at ease, till the bright morn was seen …
Etzel receives the visiting Burgundian kings and their knights at his court in Nibelungenlied; he welcomes them with feasting and Hagen and others remark on their chivalry and fealty.
land. Hawart and Iring, (5) two chosen men, were seen to walk together near the kings. Men saw Dankwart and Wolfhart, a peerless knight, display their chivalry before all eyes. When the lord of the Rhine had entered the hall, the mighty Etzel delayed no longer, but sprang from his throne when he saw him come. Never did so fair a greeting hap from any king. "Be welcome, Sir Gunther, and Sir Gernot, too, and your brot…
Cortes orders Mass in Tlascalla, receives gifts and provisions from elder Xicotencatl and Maxixcatzin, and hears their offer of daughters in marriage in hopes of peace and alliance.
_How mass was said in the presence of a great number of caziques, and of the present the latter brought us._ The next morning early Cortes ordered an altar to be constructed, and mass to be said, as we now again had a supply of wine and holy wafers. Father Olmedo lying ill of the fever, which had greatly weakened him, the priest Juan Diaz officiated for him: Maxixcatzin, the elder Xicotencatl, and several other …
The account continues with Motecusuma’s enormous meals, cacao drink, entertainment by jesters and dwarfs, service routines, and the claimed stopping of human-flesh dishes after Cortes reproaches him, followed by the monarch’s nap.
straightway, but had to show themselves for a considerable time outside the doors; as it would have been considered want of respect to the monarch if this had been omitted. Above 300 kinds of dishes were served up for Motecusuma's dinner from his kitchen, underneath which were placed pans of porcelain filled with fire, to keep them warm. Three hundred dishes of various kinds were served up for him alone, and above 1…
Díaz describes quarters taken in a temple building near Tlascalla, bathing and eating, trading for food in Gualiopar with gold and chalchihuis, and receiving Tlascallan chiefs who mourn the dead and promise help.
If, however, they should have turned against us, we were not therefore to lose courage, but to trust in our strong arm, which had the power to overcome any foe. We now continued our march with every military precaution, and arrived at a fountain on the slope of a hill, near to which were standing the walls and inclosures of ancient temples. These the Tlascallans said formed the boundaries between their territory and…
The old soothsayer interrupts to demand a timely meal, asking for wine rather than water, and despite objections Zarathustra promises a feast with meat, roots, fruits, and a cook’s labor even for kings.
Besides, all of you have thought too much about freezing, drowning, suffocating, and other bodily dangers: none of you, however, have thought of MY danger, namely, perishing of hunger—” (Thus spake the soothsayer. When Zarathustra’s animals, however, heard these words, they ran away in terror. For they saw that all they had brought home during the day would not be enough to fill the one soothsayer.) “Likewise peris…
After Hector and Ajax part, Agamemnon honors Ajax with a sacrifice and equal-feast, Nestor urges funeral rites and fortifying the ships, and Trojans hold a council disputing Helen’s fate.
Ajax. They led him, therefore, to the city as one that had been saved beyond their hopes. On the other side the Achaeans brought Ajax elated with victory to Agamemnon. When they reached the quarters of the son of Atreus, Agamemnon sacrificed for them a five-year-old bull in honour of Jove the son of Saturn. They flayed the carcass, made it ready, and divided it into joints; these they cut carefully…
Panic spreads among the Achaeans; Agamemnon proposes sailing home, but Diomed rebukes him and Nestor urges order—sentinels take positions and Agamemnon hosts a council feast.
The Embassy to Achilles. Thus did the Trojans watch. But Panic, comrade of blood-stained Rout, had taken fast hold of the Achaeans, and their princes were all of them in despair. As when the two winds that blow from Thrace—the north and the northwest—spring up of a sudden and rouse the fury of the main—in a moment the dark waves uprear their heads and scatter their sea-wrack in all dire…
Nestor arranges an embassy to Achilles with Phoenix, Ajax, and Ulysses, and they reach the Myrmidons’ ships where Achilles plays his lyre, receives them, and prepares shared food after sacrifice.
Atreus; and Nestor, looking first to one and then to another, but most especially at Ulysses, was instant with them that they should prevail with the noble son of Peleus. They went their way by the shore of the sounding sea, and prayed earnestly to earth-encircling Neptune that the high spirit of the son of Aeacus might incline favourably towards them. When they reached the ships and tents of the M…
On July 4th they celebrate Independence with gunfire and whiskey, name multiple creeks and lakes, report a snakebite cured with a poultice, and continue along prairies with growing grapes and deer tracks.
yards wide, which we called Independence creek, in honour of the day, which we could celebrate only by an evening gun, and an additional gill of whiskey to the men. The next day, 5th, we crossed over to the south and came along the bank of an extensive and beautiful prairie, interspersed with copses of timber, and watered by Independence creek. On this bank formerly stood the second village of the Kanzas; from the r…
It describes the tradition of theatrical performers and illusionists brought into banquet halls after dinner at Chinese festivities, comparing similar practices in Europe.
semed come a grim leoun; • • • • • Somtime a Castel al of lime and ston, And whan hem liketh, voideth it anon.” —*The Franklin’s Tale*, II. 454. Performances of this kind at Chinese festivities have already been spoken of in note 9 to ch. lxi. of Book I. Shah Rukh’s people, Odoric, Ysbrandt Ides, etc., describe them also. The practice of introducing such *artistes* into the dining-hall after dinner seems in …
The passage continues the index with entries around “Sp-” and “Springolds,” discussing topics such as sport and games, hot springs, and the use of spices, each referenced to pages.
49, 56, 66, 115, 116, 123, 202, 216, 234, 264, 272, 284, 389, 390n, 423, 438, 450 Spice wood, i. 405, 409n Spices in China, duty on, ii. 216 Spikenard, ii. 115, 272, 284, 287n, 390 Spinello Aretini, fresco by, i. 118n Spirit drawings and spiritual flowers, i. 460n Spirits haunting deserts, i. 197, 209n, 274 Spiritualism in China, i. 325n Spitoons, pocket, i. 458, 462n Spodium (Spodos), i…
Strabo lists cities above marshes—Patavium, Ravenna, Altinum, Butrium, and Spina—explaining their trade, sanitation effects of tides, vine lifespans, and rumored origins.
which is filled by the river Adda, and afterwards flows out into the Po. The sources of this river, as well as those of the Rhine, rise in Mount Adulas.[1611] 7. These cities are situated high above the marshes; near to them is Patavium,[1612] the finest of all the cities in this [CAS. 213] district, and which at the time of the late census[1613] was said to contain 500 equites. Anciently it could muster an army of …
Smith explains France’s personal taille as a tax on perceived profits in agricultural stock, rooted in feudal-era inequality between sovereign and powerful lords, contrasting real and personal versions.
What in France is called the personal taille, is perhaps, the most important tax upon the profits of stock employed in agriculture, that is levied in any part of Europe. In the disorderly state of Europe, during the prevalence of the feudal government, the sovereign was obliged to content himself with taxing those who were too weak to refuse to pay taxes. The great lords, though willing to assist him upon particular…
In winter AD 1017, Eyvind Urarhorn receives gifts at King Olaf’s Yule feast, Brynjolf Ulfalde is honored with a sword and farm Vettaland, and later Thrand White is killed by Swedish men after collecting scat in Jamtaland.
64. FALL OF GUDLEIK AND THORGAUT. There was a man called Gudleik Gerske, who came originally from Agder. He was a great merchant, who went far and wide by sea, was very rich, and drove a trade with various countries. He often went east to Gardarike (Russia), and therefore was called Gudleik Gerske (the Russian). This spring (A.D. 1017) Gudleik fitted out his ship, and intended to go east in summer to Russia. King Ol…
Sigurd’s feast at Constantinople is tested when firewood is unexpectedly sold out; his men use walnuts for fuel, impressing the queen and court with his extravagant honor.
14. KING SIGURD THE CRUSADER'S RETURN HOME. King Sigurd soon after prepared for his return home. He gave the emperor all his ships; and the valuable figureheads which were on the king's ships were set up in Peter's church, where they have since been to be seen. The emperor gave the king many horses and guides to conduct him through all his dominions. Then King Sigurd left Constantinople; but a great many Northmen re…
On Friday 1 July Boswell, Johnson, and Goldsmith supper together at the Mitre, where Johnson and Goldsmith exchange remarks on Churchill’s poetry, Johnson’s judgments, Miss Williams’s nightly tea ritual, and Johnson’s account of London’s immensity through lanes and courts.
wondered that he was very kind to a man of whom I had heard a very bad character, 'He is now become miserable; and that insures the protection of Johnson.' He talked very contemptuously of Churchill's poetry, observing, that 'it had a temporary currency, only from its audacity of abuse, and being filled with living names, and that it would sink into oblivion.' I ventured to hint that he was not quite a fair judge, a…
In London, Boswell visits Johnson at Mrs. Williams’s and later Streatham, noting Johnson’s generosity to Mrs. Desmoulins and to Tom Davies, and recounting arguments about luxury, housing, and the accuracy of storytelling.
and such his generosity, that Mrs. Desmoulins herself told me, he allowed her half-a-guinea a week. Let it be remembered, that this was above a twelfth part of his pension. His liberality, indeed, was at all periods of his life very remarkable. Mr. Howard, of Lichfield, at whose father's house Johnson had in his early years been kindly received, told me, that when he was a boy at the Charter-House, his father wrote …
During a March 30 dinner Boswell describes Cornish fishermen’s “Mahogany,” Johnson’s remarks on alcohol and names, jokes about Johnson learning to dance from Vestris, and a scaling of drinks from claret for boys to brandy for heroes.
Burke, Dean Marlay, Mr. Langton; a most agreeable day, of which I regret that every circumstance is not preserved; but it is unreasonable to require such a multiplication of felicity. Mr. Eliot mentioned a curious liquor peculiar to his country, which the Cornish fishermen drink. They call it Mahogany; and it is made of two parts gin, and one part treacle, well beaten together. I begged to have some of it made, whic…
Johnson’s London frugality is illustrated by stories of an Irish painter, Ofellus, who lives on about thirty pounds a year, while Boswell adds that Johnson may have abstained from fermented liquor and stresses social life on a small budget.
[Page 105: An Irish Ofellus. Ætat 28.] His Ofellus in the *Art of Living in London*, I have heard him relate, was an Irish painter, whom he knew at Birmingham, and who had practised his own precepts of oeconomy for several years in the British capital[308]. He assured Johnson, who, I suppose, was then meditating to try his fortune in London, but was apprehensive of the expence, 'that thirty pounds a year was enough …
At supper in 1763 Boswell depicts Johnson as intensely absorbed in good eating, praising cookery, criticizing imitations and French cooks, and explaining that he can restrain himself but cannot eat and drink moderately.
[Page 470: Studied behaviour. A.D. 1763.] At supper this night he talked of good eating with uncommon satisfaction. 'Some people (said he,) have a foolish way of not minding, or pretending not to mind, what they eat. For my part, I mind my belly very studiously, and very carefully; for I look upon it, that he who does not mind his belly will hardly mind anything else[1372].' He now appeared to me *Jean Bull philosop…
Michael shows a shift from war to luxury, riot, rape, and adultery, followed by Noah’s attempt to preach repentance and build the ark, culminating in the Flood that destroys all other dwellings.
The brazen throat of war had ceased to roar; All now was turned to jollity and game, To luxury and riot, feast and dance; Marrying or prostituting, as befel, Rape or adultery, where passing fair Allured them; thence from cups to civil broils. At length a reverend sire among them came, And of their doings great dislike declared, And testified against their ways; he oft Frequented their assemblies, whereso met, Triumph…
After the feast the company sleeps while the nurse of digestion and blood domininates, and Canace wakes early, takes her ring and mirror, and has a vision that prompts her to rise before sunrise.
rehearse their array? Each man wot well, that at a kinge’s feast Is plenty, to the most*, and to the least, *highest And dainties more than be in my knowing. At after supper went this noble king To see the horse of brass, with all a rout Of lordes and of ladies him about. Such wond’ring was there on this horse of brass, That, since the great siege of Troye was, There as men wonder’d on a horse also, Ne’er was there …
Further measures include discouraging expensive public entertainments by the people, assigning gainful posts to the poor in oligarchies, protecting the insulting poor with tougher punishment rules, and reserving principal offices for the most qualified.
It would be also better if the people would prevent them when they offer to exhibit a number of unnecessary and yet expensive public entertainments of plays, music, processions, and the like. In an oligarchy it is necessary to take great care of the poor, and allot them public employments which are gainful; and, if any of the rich insult them, to let their punishment be severer than if they insulted one of their own …
Tacitus continues by detailing German daily life—sleep, bathing, separate meals, fighting and feasting together—plus drink, gambling, and deliberations on peace, alliances, and leadership.
In gifts they delight, but neither claim merit from what they give, nor own any obligation for what they receive. Their manner of entertaining their guests is familiar and kind. The moment they rise from sleep, which they generally prolong till late in the day, they bathe, most frequently in warm water; as in a country where the winter is very long and severe. From bathing, they sit down to meat; every man apart, up…
As the city grows, Socrates adds retailers, hirelings, and then describes simple citizen life with modest food, communal feasting, garlands, and concern for not exceeding means (peace and health).
Very true. Then more husbandmen and more artisans will be required? They will. Not to mention the importers and exporters, who are called merchants? Yes. Then we shall want merchants? We shall. And if merchandise is to be carried over the sea, skilful sailors will also be needed, and in considerable numbers? Yes, in considerable numbers. Then, again, within the city, how will they exchange their productions?…
Boswell receives a note from Dr William Robertson urging Johnson’s arrival, then describes a dinner with Scottish figures and Johnson’s remarks on veal, Burke’s wit, and human nature comparisons.
When I read this sentence, delivered by my old Professor of Moral Philosophy, I could not help exclaiming with the Psalmist, 'Surely I have now more understanding than my teachers!' While we were talking, there came a note to me from Dr William Robertson. Dear Sir, I have been expecting every day to hear from you, of Dr Johnson's arrival. Pray, what do you know about his motions? I long to take him by the hand. I …
The society organizes an excursion to Inner-Lahn, with Grete tracking seating, social tensions, money spent on food and souvenirs, and a nap interrupted when “Hero Siegfried” teases her with a game.
her in looking up things in the encyclopedia. I think I should always feel that Mother would suddenly come in and stand behind us. No, I simply can’t do it. August 13th. Through that stupid copying I have been prevented writing about *my own* affairs, although they are far more important. Last Wednesday the Society for the Preservation of Natural Beauties had arranged a great excursion to Inner-Lahn in breaks. Dora …
Evelyn explains how acorns and oak mast fatten hogs and deer, mentions livestock and fish feeding practices, then turns to classical and poetic claims about acorns as former human food.
a venomous liquor or froth, wherein they lay and deposite their eggs, which bore and perforate these excrescences, when the worms are hatch’d, so as we see them in galls. What benefit the mast does universally yield (once in two years at least) for the fatting of hogs and deer, I shall shew upon another occasion, before the conclusion of this Discourse. A peck of acorns a day, with a little bran, will make an hog (’…
Glum’s wedding follows with witnesses, valued goods, and a feast where Thiostolf moves with axe in the air, after which Hallgerda and Glum live at Varmalek and later Thorarin and Glum divide lands.
with my brother Glum on this errand, to ask for Hallgerda thy daughter, at the hand of my brother Glum. Thou must know that he is a man of worth." "I know well," says Hauskuld, "that ye are both of you powerful and worthy men; but I must tell you right out, that I chose a husband for her before, and that turned out most unluckily for us." Thorarin answered, "We will not let that stand in the way of the bargain; for…