Liber Iovis - Chapter 18

Verses

Bring the long table outside; if heaven objects, heaven may bring its own chair.

Fill the bowls until the spoons stand upright and the children accuse us of trying to feed the moon.

Jupiter likes large things, they say. Then let tonight contain a large forgiveness.

Let the poorest guest choose the first song and the richest guest wash the last pot.

Pour for the stranger before asking his name. Names are cheaper after thirst.

We have had enough prophets of famine. Someone appoint a prophet of second helpings.

The fiddler missed the note and everyone cheered. Perfection has poor rhythm.

A gray cat stole the ceremonial fish and was immediately declared an omen of prosperity.

If the gods wanted dignity, they should not have invented dancing.

Eat while the bread is warm. Tell the old story badly. Interrupt it with a better one.

May your house become too small for your friends and your grudges too small for your house.

Thunder rolled beyond the hills. We raised our cups to the sky, not because it ruled us, but because it had excellent timing.

A feast is wealth converted into memory.

Abundance hoarded becomes rot. Abundance shared becomes Thursday.

When morning came, nothing had been solved. Yet six enemies were speaking again, which is almost administration.