Despite the celebrated black broth, the table seems to have been sufficiently, if not elegantly, furnished.

And the second course, consisting of voluntary gifts, which was supplied by the poorer members from the produce of the chase--by the wealthier from their flocks, orchards, poultry, etc., furnished what by Spartans were considered dainties.
Conversation was familiar, and even jocose, and relieved by songs.
Thus the public tables (which even the kings were ordinarily obliged to attend) were rendered agreeable and inviting by the attractions of intimate friendship and unrestrained intercourse.
IX.

The obscurest question relative to the Spartan system is that connected with property.

It was evidently the intention of Lycurgus or the earlier legislators to render all the divisions of land and wealth as equal as possible.

But no law can effect what society forbids.