But in this, custom and the established rules of decency must guide; or else let us abolish all those modes of respect expressed by drinking to or saluting first; which we do not use promiscuously to all the company but according to their worth we honor every one With better places, meat, and larger cups, ("Iliad," xii.

311.) as Agamemnon says, naming the place first, as the chiefest sign of honor.

And we commend Alcinous for placing his guest next himself:-- He stout Laomedon his son removed, Who sat next him, for him he dearly loved; ("Iliad," xx.

15.) for to place a suppliant stranger in the seat of his beloved son was wonderful kind, and extreme courteous.

Nay even amongst the gods themselves this distinction is observed; for Neptune, though he came last into the assembly, sat in the middle seat, ("Odyssey," vii.