early noon
The modern ornaments of epergne or plateau were supplied by images of the gods , wrought in bronze , ivory , and silver . The sacred salt-cellar and the familiar Lares were not forgotten . Over the table and the seats a rich canopy was suspended from the ceiling . At each corner of the table were lofty candelabra -- for though it was early noon , the room was darkened -- while from tripods , placed in different parts of the room , distilled the odor of myrrh and frankincense ; and upon the abacus , or sideboard , large vases and various ornaments of silver were ranged , much with the same ostentation -LRB- but with more than the same taste -RRB- that we find displayed at a modern feast . The custom of grace was invariably supplied by that of libations to the gods ; and Vesta , as queen of the household gods , usually received first that graceful homage . This ceremony being performed , the slaves showered flowers upon the couches and the floor , and crowned each guest with rosy garlands , intricately woven with ribands , tied by the rind of the linden-tree , and each intermingled with the ivy and the amethyst -- supposed preventives against the effect of wine ; the wreaths of the women only were exempted from these leaves , for it was not the fashion for them to drink wine in public . It was then that the president Diomed thought it advisable to institute a basileus , or director of the feast -- an important office , sometimes chosen by lot ; sometimes , as now , by the master of the entertainment .