14. Sidonius (1. ii. Epist. 9) has described the country
life of the Gallic nobles, in a visit which he made to his
friends, whose estates were in the neighbourhood of Nismes.
The morning hours were spent in the 'sphaeristerium' or
tennis-court, or in the library, which was furnished with
Latin authors, profane and religious- the former for the
men, the latter for the ladies. The table was twice served,
at dinner and supper, with hot meat (boiled and roast) and
wine. During the intermediate time, the company slept, took
the air on horseback, and used the warm bath.