Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. II.djvu/162

172 may, or may not eat during the fast. All intermixtures of flesh-meat, and fish, in una medissima commestione, are strictly forbidden. But broth made from meat may at the same time be given with fish in cases where strengthening food is required. On certain days it is permitted to take eggs as well as particular parts of pork, even for picciola refezione at mid-day. But restaurateurs and confectioners are threatened with severe punishment, if without permission, they should, on particular days in the week, serve out portions of egg and milk. It is in the mean time especially permitted to all the inhabitants of Rome, except on certain days in the week, to eat meat during Lent, as well as strutto ed unto per condimento. The Cardinal-vicar who drew up this very long bill of fare did not, probably, bear in mind the words of Paul, that nothing is to be rejected which is received with thanksgiving and prayer! and also the beautiful words of St. Augustine, “Love God and do whatever you like.” February 20th.—Soirée at the Grant's; very elegant and amusing. The Grants belong to the few foreigners in Rome who see at their house also the Roman society. This was a great reception; and amongst the guests of various nations were several picturesque figures. Foremost on this account amongst the gentlemen was Cardinal Antonelli, and also a younger and very handsome monsignore. Antonelli does not appear to be above forty; he has a strongly-marked countenance of the true Italian character; handsome dark eyes, with a penetrative glance, gloomy or bright, according to the sentiment which they express—dangerous eyes, it seems to me, they would be