The works of Horace : with English notes, critical and ... - Cristo Raul

EXPLANATORY NOTES. BOOK I., SATIRE IV. 441
monly three gaests, sometimes four. As Varro directs that the gaests
honld never be below the number of the Graces, nor above that of the
Muses, four persons on a oouch vrould exceed this rule, and make what,
in the language of the day, would be called a large party. Hence the
present passage of Horace may be paraphrased as follows : " One may
often see a large party assembled at supper."—87. Imas. "He that occupies
the lowest seat." The allusion ia to the scurra, buffoon, or Jester,
who occupied the last seat on the lowest couch, immediately below the
entertainer. When we speak here of the lowest couch in a Bxjioan en-
tertftinmeut, the term must be taken ii? a pecaliar sense, and in accord
once with Koman usage. The following diagram will explain the subject
more fully ; and, for farther particulars, the student is referred to the Diet.
Antiq., t. V. Triclinium.
?
lectus medins.