Chapter VI: Book I: Question 1. At a feast is it allowable to talk learnedly

and philosophize? 198. Long and tedious discourses would be out
of place: but there must be conversation: let it be on useful
subjects, 198-200. There are topics fit to be discussed at table,
200. Easy and pleasant discourse fits the occasion, 201. Disputation
and pedantry are out of place, 202. 2. Whether the entertainer
should seat the guests, or let every man take his own place, 203.
The order and respect due to age, station, and relationship, may
be observed without offence to any, the best man should have the
best place, 204-206. Custom and decency should guide, 206-208.
3. Upon what account is the place at the table, called Consular,
esteemed honorable? 210-212. Three reasons assigned, 211. 4. What
qualifications should the steward of a feast possess? 212-216.
He must be able to bear wine, have good nature, and suit his
ministrations to the wants and tastes of all, 213-215. He must keep
the company in good humor, and exclude every thing unpleasant, 216.
5. Why is it said that Love makes a man a poet? 217, 218. Poetry is
the language of strong passion, 218. 6. Whether Alexander was a great
drinker, 219-221. 7. Why old men love pure wine, 221. 8. Why old men
read best at a distance, 222-224. 9. Why fresh water washes clothes
better than salt, 224-226. 10. Why, at Athens, was it the privilege
of the tribe Aeantis, that their chorus should never be determined to
be the last? 226-228.