Page "Chafing-dish" Paragraph 3

:" He was served in the following manner: Every day as soon as it was light, six hundred nobles and men of rank were in attendance at the palace, who either sat, or walked about the halls and galleries, and passed their time in conversation, but without entering the apartment where his person was.

The servants and attendants of these nobles remained in the court-yards, of which there were two or three of great extent, and in the adjoining street, which was also very spacious.

They all remained in attendance from morning until night ; and when his meals were served, the nobles were likewise served with equal profusion, and their servants and secretaries also had their allowance.

Daily his larder and wine-cellar were open to all who wished to eat or drink.

The meals were served by three or four hundred youths, who brought on an infinite variety of dishes ; indeed, whenever he dined or supped, the table was loaded with every kind of flesh, fish, fruits, and vegetables that the country produced.

As the climate is cold, they put a chafing-dish with live coals under every plate and dish, to keep them warm ..."