Note 5 — BOOK III.
Rowland Smith translation
The ancients were very exact in performing their devotions to the gods of the night, before they went to bed, or when they broke up an entertainment. Mercury was one of the principal of these deities. Homer takes notice of this custom:
"The chiefs he found and senators within Libation pouring to the vigilant spy Mercurius, whom with wine they worshipp'd last Of all the gods, and at the hour of rest." Od. vii. 136.—Cowper.