They wove the lotus band to deck

And fan with pensile wreath each neck;

And every guest, to shade his head,

Three little fragrant chaplets spread;[1]

And one was of the Egyptian leaf,

The rest were roses, fair and brief:

While from a golden vase profound,

To all on flowery beds around,

A Hebe, of celestial shape,

Poured the rich droppings of the grape!

[1] Longepierre, to give an idea of the luxurious estimation in which garlands were held by the ancients, relates an anecdote of a courtezan, who, in order to gratify three lovers, without leaving cause for Jealousy with any of them, gave a kiss to one, let the other drink after her, and put a garland on the brow of the third; so that each was satisfied with his favor, and flattered himself with the preference.