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_Reading at Meals, &c._--Lectores, among the Romans, were servants in
great men's houses, who were employed in reading while their masters were
at supper. They were called by the Greeks, Anagnostae. Acroama, was a name
given by the Romans to amusing tales, which they recited at their repasts.
The Emperor Severus read himself at table. Atticus never supped without
reading. Charlemagne had the histories and acts of ancient kings read to
him at table. This was a relic of the ancient Greeks, who had the praises
of great men and heroes sung to them while at table. Celsus tells us,
reading is bad, especially after supper, for those whose heads are weak;
but he recommends reading with an audible voice, for such as have weak
stomachs.