tual to his time, and ordered the
supper to be brought in. Accordingly six dishes were set upon the table
with great solemnity, all under cover; and the gentleman flattered
himself he should now be rewarded for his long abstinence. As they were
sitting down to table, the learned Ramozini thus accosted his
guest:--'Before you give a loose to your appetite, sir, I must acquaint
you that, as the most effectual method of subduing this obstinate
disease, all your food and drink will be mixed up with such medicinal
substances as your case requires. They will not be indeed discoverable
by any of your senses; but as their effects are equally strong and
certain, I must recommend to you to eat with moderation.'

"Having said this, he ordered the dishes to be uncovered, which, to the
extreme astonishment of the gentleman, contained nothing but olives,
dried figs, dates, some roasted apples, a few boiled eggs, and a piece
of hard cheese!

"'Heaven and earth!' cried the gentleman, losing all patience at this
mortifying spectacle, 'is this the entertainment you have prepared for
me, with so many speeches and prefaces? Do you imagine that a person of
my fortune can sup on such contemptible fare as would hardly satisfy the
wretched peasants whom I saw at dinner in your hall?' 'Have patience, my
dear sir,' replied the physician; 'it is the extreme anxiety I have for
your welfare that compels me to treat you with this apparent incivility.
Your blood is all in a ferment with the violent exercise you have
undergone; and were I rashly to indulge your craving appetite, a fever
or a pleurisy might be the consequence. But to-morrow I hope you will
be cooler, and then you may live in a style more adapted to your
quality.'

"The gentleman began to comfort himself with this reflection, and, as
there was no help, he at last determined to wait with patience another
night. He accordingly tasted a few of the dates and olives, ate a piece
of cheese with a slice of excellent bread, and found himself more
refreshed than he could have imagined was possible from such a homely
meal. When he had nearly supped, he wanted something to drink, and
observing nothing but water upon the table, desired one of the servants
to bring him a little wine. 'Not as you value the life of this
illustrious gentleman,' cried out the physician. 'Sir,' added he,
turning to his guest, 'it is with inexpressible reluctance that I
contradict you, but wine would be at present a mo