full of sorrow
To know that a neighbour may call at your door,
With a claim you must settle to-morrow
Oh! take my advice--it is good, it is true!
But, lest you may some of you doubt it,
I'll whisper a secret now, seeing 'tis you--
I have tried it, and know all about it,
_The chain of a debtor is heavy and cold.
Its links all corrosion and rust;
Gild it o'er as you will, it is never of gold,
Then spurn it aside with disgust_.

2616. Carving, Ceremonies of the Table, &c.

A dinner-table should be well laid, well lighted, and always afford a
little spare room. It is better to invite one friend less in number,
than to destroy the comfort of the whole party.

2617. The Laying out of a Table.

The laying out of a table must greatly depend upon the nature of the
dinner or supper, the taste of the host, the description of the
company, and the appliances possessed. It would be useless, therefore,
to lay down specific rules. The whiteness of the table-cloth, the
clearness of glass, the polish of plate, and the judicious
distribution of ornamental groups of fruits and flowers, are matters
deserving the utmost attention.

2618. A Sideboard.

A sideboard will greatly relieve a crowded table, upon which may be
placed many things incidental to the successive courses, until they
are required.

2619. Menu.

A bill of fare or Menu at large dinner parties, where there are
several courses, should be provided neatly inscribed upon small
tablets, and distributed about the table, that the diners may know
what there is to come.

2620. Napkins.

Napkins should be folded neatly. The French method, which is very
easy, of folding the napkin like a fan, placing it in a glass, and
spreading out the upper part, is very pleasing. But the English method
of folding is like a slipper, and placing the bread inside its folds
is convenient as well as neat.

[AS THE VIRTUE IS IN THE TREE, SUCH IS THE FRUIT.]

2621. Bread.

Bread should be cut into thick squares, the last thing after the table
is laid. If cut too early it becomes dry. A tray should he provided,
in which there should be a further supply of bread, new, stale, and
brown. For cheese, pulled bread should be provided.

2622. Carving-knives.

Carving-knives should be "put in edge" before the dinner commences,
for noth