"Superb, monseigneur! a Syntax and the De Viris Illustribus for the men; the Explanation of Participles and the Cuisinière Bourgeoise for the ladies."
"The Auvergnats who win those will be well pleased!" said Edouard.
"What next, my dear friend?" said Robineau.
"Next, monseigneur, to take the place of tournaments, which we could not give for lack of knights, it occurred to me that you would not be sorry to have an imitation of the gymnastic games, as they used to be performed at the festival of Eleusis, and even before the Roman Emperors. Consequently, some Auvergnats, to whom I have given full instructions, will execute in the courtyard such sports as throwing the discus, foot-races, wrestling and boxing."
"You won’t serve them with anything to drink beforehand, I trust!"
"No, monseigneur! Next, flourishes, executed by the three musicians whom I have hired in the town, will announce that the banquet is served. At dessert, I shall sing couplets in your honor, and you will be kind enough to encore the last—that is always done."
"Very well, that is understood."
"Next, monseigneur, we shall go to the ball room, which will be decorated as the Greeks used to decorate the places devoted to such assemblages: flowers, garlands, and mottoes everywhere."
"You will have the mottoes written in French, won’t you, Monsieur Férulus?"
"No, monseigneur, in Latin and Greek, that is more dignified."