cr own readers

132 A DI~ ~ E R PARTY IN ANCIE NT THEBES.
and a number of finger-rings. The Indy by his side
also wears a lin en robe over another of a richlycolour
ed stuff Her hair falls to her shoulders in crisp
and glossy braids. Cha rms , in the form of beetles,
dragons, asps, and strange symbolic eyes, dangle from
her gold ear-rings, bracelets, necklace, and anklets.
5. Having saluted his host and hostess, the newcomer
seats him self on a low stool, where a serv ant
anoints his head with a sweet perf ume, hands him a
lot us blossom, hangs garlands of flowers on his neck
and head, an d offers him wine. The servant, as he
receives back the empti ed cup and offers a napkin,
politely remarks, " )Iay it benefit you ." Th is completes
the formal reception.
6. Every lady is attended , in the same manner, by
a female slave. \Vhile the guests are arriving, the
musicians and da ncers belonging to the household
amuse the company, who sit on chairs in rows, the
ladies commenting on one anoth er's jewellery, and, in
complim ent, exchanging lotu s flowers.
7. The room is furnished with couches, arm-chairs,
and footstools, made of '~h e native acacia, or of ebony
and oth er rare imported woods, inlaid with ivory,
carved in animal forms, and cushioned and covered
with leopard ski ns. Th e ceilings are st uccoed and
painted , and the panels of the walls are adorned with
coloured designs. The tables are of various sizes and
fanciful patterns. Th e floor is covered with a palmleaf
matting or wool carpet.
S. And now the ox, kid, geese, and ducks, which,
according to custom, were hurried into th e cooki ng
pots as soon as they were killed, ar e ready to be
served. After hand-washing, the gu ests tak e th eir