And when they came before him he ordered those who had more than two months' rations in their quarters to sit down on the ground, and then those who had provisions for one month.

[36] Thereupon very few were left standing.

[37] Having thus got the information he needed, he spoke to them as follows: "Gentlemen, if any of you dislike hard blows and desire gentle treatment at our hands, make it your business to provide twice as much meat and drink in every tent as you have been wont to do, with all things that are needed for a fine repast.

The victors, whoever they are, will be here anon, and will expect an overflowing board.

You may rest assured it will not be against your interests to give them a welcome they can approve." [38] At that the stewards went off at once and set to work with all zeal to carry out their instructions.