From the hanging-gardens you will be able to see how the boys are taken to bathe every morning, whatever the weather may be.

The poor little ones are taken from their mothers when they are six years old, to be brought up with the other boys of their own rank under the king's eye." "Are they to begin learning the luxurious manners of the court so early ?" "Oh no! the poor boys lead a terrible life.

They are obliged to sleep on the hard ground, to rise before the sun.

Their food is bread and water, with very little meat, and they are never allowed to taste wine or vegetables.

Indeed at times they are deprived of food and drink for some days, simply to accustom them to privations.