His senses were at
intervals awakened, by the most exquisite music, to a variety of
delight. He often recreated his view with beholding, from a posture of
supineness and indolence, the frolic games, and the mazy dance.
Sometimes, in order to diversify the scene, he would mix in the sports,
and, by the graceful activity of his limbs, and the subtle keenness of
his wit, would communicate relish and novelty to that which before had
palled upon the performers. When he moved, every eye was fixed in
admiration. When he spoke all was tranquility of attention, and every
mouth was open to applaud. Then were set forth the luxuries of the
feast. Every artifice was employed to provoke the appetite. The viands
were savoury, and the fruits were blushing; the decorations were
sumptuous, and the halls shone with a profusion of tapers, whose rays
were reflected in a thousand directions by an innumerable multitude of
mirrors and lustres. And now the intoxicating beverage went swiftly
round the board. The conversation became more open and unrestrained.
Quick were the repartees and loud the mirth. Loose, meaning glances were
interchanged between the master of the feast and the mingled beauties
that adorned his board. With artful inadvertence the gauze seemed to
withdraw from their panting bosoms, and new and still newer charms
discovered themselves to enchant the eyes and inflame the heart.
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