s symbols of, or even charms to ensure,
the return of the sun's power after the solstice. The most remarkable and
typical feature, however, of the _Saturnalia_ was the mingling of all
classes in a common jollity. Something of the character of the
celebration (in a Hellenized form) may be gathered from the "Cronia" or
"Saturnalia" of Lucian, a dialogue between Cronus or Saturn and his
priest. We learn from it that the festivities were marked by "drinking
and being drunk, noise and games and dice, appointing of kings and
feasting of slaves, singing naked, clapping of tremulous hands, an
occasional ducking of corked faces in icy water," and that slaves had
licence to revile their lords.{9}

The spirit of the season may be judged from the legislation which Lucian
attributes to Cronosolon, priest and prophet of Cronus, much as a modern
writer might make Father Christmas or Santa Klaus lay down rules for the
due observance of Yule. Here are some of the laws:--

"_All business, be it public or private, is forbidden during the
feast days, save such as tends to sport and solace and delight. Let
none follow their avocations saving cooks and bakers._

_All men shall be equal, slave and free, rich and poor, one with
another._

_Anger, resentment, threats, are contrary to law._

_No discourse shall be either composed or delivered, except it be
witty and lusty, conducing to mirth and jollity._"

There follow directions as to the sending of presents of money, clothing,
or vessels, by rich men to poor friends, and as to poor men's gifts in
return. If the poor man have learning, his return gift is to be "an
ancient book, but of good omen and festive humour, or a writing of his
own after his ability.... For the unlearned, let him send a garland or
grains of frankincense." The "Cronosolon" closes with "Laws of the
Board," of which the following are a few:--

"_Every man shall take place as chance may direct; dignities and
birth and wealth shall give no precedence._ |167|

_All shall be served with the same wine.... Every man's
portion of meat shall be alike._

_When the rich man shall feast his slaves, let his friends serve with
him._"{11}

Over the whole festival brooded the thought of a golden age in the
distant past, when Saturn ruled, a just and kindly monarch, when all men
were good and all men were happy.

A striking feature of the _Saturnalia_ was the choosing by