Page 74 - UTOPIA

them to hear it. From hence the old men take occasion to
entertain those about them with some useful and pleasant
enlargements; but they do not engross the whole discourse
so to themselves during their meals that the younger may
not put in for a share; on the contrary, they engage them to
talk, that so they may, in that free way of conversation, find
out the force of every one’s spirit and observe his temper.
They despatch their dinners quickly, but sit long at supper,
because they go to work after the one, and are to sleep af-
ter the other, during which they think the stomach carries
on the concoction more vigorously. They never sup without
music, and there is always fruit served up after meat; while
they are at table some burn perfumes and sprinkle about
fragrant ointments and sweet waters—in short, they want
nothing that may cheer up their spirits; they give them-
selves a large allowance that way, and indulge themselves
in all such pleasures as are attended with no inconvenience.
Thus do those that are in the towns live together; but in the
country, where they live at a great distance, every one eats
at home, and no family wants any necessary sort of provi-
sion, for it is from them that provisions are sent unto those
that live in the towns.

74 Utopia