The beasts included not only sheep, goats, and oxen, but also stags, asses, horses, and camels.

Among the feathered delicacies were poultry, geese, and ostriches.
The monarch himself rarely dined with his guests.

For the most part he was served alone.

Sometimes he admitted to his table the queen and two or three of his children.

Sometimes, at a "banquet of wine," a certain number of privileged boon companions were received, who drank in the royal presence, not, however, of the same wine, nor on the same terms.
The monarch reclined on a couch with golden feet, and sipped the rich wine of Helbon; the guests drank an inferior beverage, seated upon the floor.