Epistle VI. To Avitus
by
the Same. [Mr. Henley.]
IT would be too long, and of no Consequence to repeat, on what Occasion it befel me,
tho' no great Acquaintance, to Sup with one that look'd upon himself as Master of a very handsome and nice Table,
while I view'd him as one that was both sordid and lavish. For some choice things were set before himself and a few others;
while the rest were put off with lower Fare. He parted his Wine in three Divisions,
each in Vessels of the smallest Size; not to debar a Right of refusing it:
One kind was allotted to himself, and us, another to his inferior Friends (for even his Friends are rank'd in Order,
and take their Degrees) another for the Freedmen, that belong'd to all of us.
He that lay next to me on the Couch, observ'd it, and asked me, how I liked the Method?
I expressed a Distaste at it. Then replies he, What is your Practice?
I set the same Things before all Persons; for I invite them to a Supper not to an Auction;
and it is my Custom to put my Guests upon
a Level, as at Bed and Board, so in every Particular. What, your Freedmen too?
Certainly; for I look upon them at those Hours, as Companions, not as Servants.
Then pursues he, This must be very costly to you: Not at all; How is that possible,
for my Freedmen do not drink the same as I do, but I drink the same as they?
And really, if you have the Skill of managing your Palate, it would not be dissatisfactory to share with many,
what you appoint for your private Use. Therefore that is to be repress'd and reduc'd to Order,
if you would spare a Charge, which sometimes you may adjust more properly by your own self-denial,
than an Insult upon another. But you will allege, what is the Aim of all this?
Why, that you, who are a young Fellow of a very promising Nature, may not be imposed upon by the immense Luxury of some Men,
under a Show of good Husbandry. Not it suits my Affection towards you,
when any Incident of this kind happens, to admonish you by some Pattern,
what you ought to decline.
Remember then, that nothing more is to be avoided, than this odd Conjunction of Luxury and Penury;
which are very mean and odious, when they are distinct and separate, but far more,
when they meet together.
