How was dinner with Nasidienus, the blessed?
Trying to get you as my guest yesterday I was told
You’d been drinking there since lunch-time. ‘Yes, and had
The time of my life.’ Tell me, if it’s no bother,
What dish was first to assuage your raging appetites?
‘The first was Lucanian wild-boar: caught, as the head
Of the feast kept saying, when a soft southerly blew.
Round it spiced turnips, lettuce, radishes, things that tease
A jaded palate, with water-parsnips, pickled-fish,
The lees of Coan wine. When they were cleared away
A girded lad wiped the maple board with a bright cloth,
While a second swept away whatever scraps remained
Or whatever might offend the diners: then in came
Dusky Hydaspes with the Caecuban wine, just like
An Attic maiden carrying Ceres’ sacred emblems,
And Alcon with a Chian needing no added brine.
Then said our host: “Maecenas, if Alban is more
Pleasing to you, or Falernian, well, we have both.”’
The miseries of riches! But Fundanius
I’m eager to know who enjoyed the meal with you.