[ The King at Dinner. ] 144
Likewise for his diet, when it is dinner-time, there is a house of purpose, where he always eateth, and there his diet is set upon a bensa,145 like a table. Then he goeth in, and hath the door shut. So when he hath eaten, then he knocketh and cometh out. So that none see the king eat nor drink. For it is their belief, that if he be seen eating or drinking, he shall presently die. And this is an order with all kings that now are, or shall succeed, unless they abolish this cruel custom.