14–15
On the eve of the feast the rich shall hold a purification, and drive forth from their houses parsimony and avarice and covetousness and all other such leanings that dwell with the most of them. And their houses being purged they shall make offering to Zeus the Enricher, and to Hermes the Giver, and to Apollo the Generous, And at afternoon the table-book of their friends shall be read to them.
Then shall they with their own hands allot to each friend his fitting share, and send it before set of sun.
And the carriers shall be not more than three or four, the trustiest of a man’s servants, and well on in years. And let him write in a letter what is the gift, and its amount, that the carriers be not suspect to giver or receiver. And the said servants shall drink one cup each man, and depart, and ask no more.
To such as have culture let all be sent in double measure; it is fitting that they have two portions.
The message that goeth with a gift shall be modest and brief; let no man humble his friend, nor commend his own gift.
Rich shall not send gifts to rich, nor entertain his peer at the feast.
5
Of the things made ready for sending, none shall be reserved; let no man give and un-give.
He that by absence missed his share of yester-year shall now receive that too. Let the rich discharge debts for their friends that are poor, and their rent if they owe and cannot pay it.
Let it be their care above all to know in time the needs of every man.
