they anciently did quite the contrary,
[62]Gratáque nobilium Lactuca ciborum.
But of later Times, they were conſtant at the Ante-cœnia, eating plentifully of Sallet, eſpecially of Lettuce, and more refrigerating Herbs. Nor without Cauſe: For drinking liberally they were found to expell, and allay the Fumes and Vapors of the genial Compotation, the ſpirituous Liquor gently conciliating Sleep: Beſides, that being of a crude nature, more diſpos'd, and apt to fluctuate, corrupt, and diſturb a ſurcharg'd Stomach; they thought convenient to begin with Sallets, and innovate the ancient Uſage.
[63]——Nam Lactuca innatat acri
Poſt Vinum Stomacho——
For if on drinking Wine you Lettuce eat,
It floats upon the Stomach——
The Spaniards, notwithſtanding, eat but ſparingly of Herbs at Dinner, eſpecially Lettuce, beginning with Fruit, even before the Olio and Hot-Meats come to the Table; drinking their Wine pure, and eating the beſt Bread in the World; ſo as it ſeems the Queſtion ſtill remains undecided with them,
[64]Claudere quae cœnas Lactuca ſolebat avorum
Dic mihi cur noſtras inchoat illa dapes?