Nasturtium seeds, capers and olives were among the relishes. Great brick ovens hid many a fruit confection and pastry, and there were stacks of tortillas fresh from the hands of the baker. Fresh curds and honey were in liberal allowance on each table, while large wicker baskets groaned with their burden of ripe peaches, pears, apples, guavas, bananas, tunas and pineapples.
On clean grass mats were water-melons, cantaloupes and grapes while oranges, lemons, pomegranates and quinces were among the candied and preserved fruits.
Walnuts, peanuts, filberts and pine-nuts by the bushel, were at hand for service, while immense jars were filled with pulque, metheglin, tequila and koumiss. These drinks were called “zadar” meaning to spin, as the head feels after indulging in them. For the more soberly inclined there was chocolate flavored with vanilla, and piled high with whipped cream, served either hot or cold.
Cotton napkins and pottery ewers filled with water were beside each earthenware plate. Despite their impatience, the children were compelled to perform ablutions the same as their elders, before sitting to eat. For their use, lacquerware dishes were provided.
Gay-colored silk lanterns hung from the trees, which were also garlanded overhead with ropes of flowers, filling all gaps for the nonce and excluding the too-searching sunlight. All made haste to sit, while lips moved in silent thank-offerings.
The musicians played softly as Kerœcia passed rapidly along the lines, hospitably sprinkling ashes of aloes and rosewater over the people. Many kissed the hem of her garments, or murmured blessings or good wishes for her health and happiness.
With a bound she was up the steps of the canopied dais upon which the tables were laid for herself and special guests. Civil and military officers filled the outer seats, while the priests and healers faced them.
At the inner table, Yermah sat on the right of Kerœcia, and Cezardis on the left. Facing them at the opposite end was Alcyesta, with Zoyara and Ben Hu Barabe. The intervening spaces were occupied by Setos, Rahula, Alcamayn, Ildiko, Zombra, Suravia, Hanabusa and Mineola.
Fragrant blossoms in the form of globes, stars and crescents hung from the blue domelike canopy, while fern brakes and loose bracken wound around the supporting columns. Vases of silver, gold and onyx, set with jewels, supported the daintier blooms that adorned the table, and plates and spoons of tortoise-shells, inlaid with mother-of-pearl, contrasted sharply with the white cloth.
Drinking-cups of polished horn, ewers of gold and silver inlaid together, and hand basins of bright enamel, made the table both elegant and luxurious.