The doors of the supper-room now flew open.

Two lovely, fair-haired boys, holding myrtle-wreaths, stood on each side of the entrance, and in the middle of the room was a large, low, brilliantly polished table, surrounded by inviting purple cushions.
[It was most probably usual for each guest to have his own little table; but we read even in Homer of large tables on which the meals were served up.

In the time of Homer people sat at table, but the recumbent position became universal in later times.] Rich nosegays adorned this table, and on it were placed large joints of roast meat, glasses and dishes of various shapes filled with dates, figs, pomegranates, melons and grapes, little silver beehives containing honey, and plates of embossed copper, on which lay delicate cheese from the island of Trinakria.

In the midst was a silver table-ornament, something similar to an altar, from which arose fragrant clouds of incense.
At the extreme end of the table stood the glittering silver cup in which the wine was to be mixed.
[The Greeks were not accustomed to drink unmingled wine.

Zaleukus forbade to all citizens the pure juice of the grape under penalty of death, and Solon under very severe penalties, unless required as medicine.