Festivities

"As much valour is to be found in feasting as in fighting, and some of our city captains and carpet knights will make this good, and prove it."

"Let us have wine and woman, mirth and laughter, Sermons and soda-water the day after."

"There was a sound of revelry by night, And Belgium's capital had gather'd then Her Beauty and her Chivalry, and bright The lamps shone o'er fair women and brave men."

"This night I hold an old accustom'd feast, Whereto I have invited many a guest, Such as I love; and you among the store, One more, most welcome, makes my number more."

"We keep the day. With festal cheer, With books and music, surely we Will drink to him, whate'er he be, And sing the songs he loved to hear."

"On such an occasion as this, All time and nonsense scorning, Nothing shall come amiss, And we won't go home till morning."

"Why should we break up Our snug and pleasant party? Time was made for slaves, But never for us so hearty."

"The music, and the banquet, and the wine— The garlands, the rose odors, and the flowers, The sparkling eyes, and flashing ornaments— The white arms and the raven hair—the braids, And bracelets; swan-like bosoms, and the necklace, An India in itself, yet dazzling not."

"Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry."

"Neque pauciores tribus, neque plures novem."

"The service was of great array, That they were served with that day. Thus they ate, and made them glad, With such service as they had— When they had dined, as I you say, Lordis and ladies yede to play; Some to tables and some to chess, With other games more and less."

"Non ampliter, sed munditer convivium; plus sails quam sumptus."

"Oh, leave the gay and festive scenes, The halls of dazzling light."

"Feast, and your halls are crowded; Fast, and the world goes by."