30 ENGLISH PLEASURE GARDENS 



it at the time of the Saturnalia, while the other parts 

 of my establishment are ringing with the license and 

 mirthful shouts of that season, for there I am no hin- 

 drance to the gambols of my slaves, nor are they to my 

 studies." 



Other smaller isolated pavilions were called cubicula, 

 because they were primarily intended for repose and 

 contained a sleeping-place, usually a couch placed in a 

 niche or alcove. Our word cubby-hole is of similar 

 origin and significance. Pliny describes such a little 

 edifice at his Tusculan villa as "a summer-house of 

 exquisite marble, the doors whereof project and open 

 into a green enclosure ; so that from its upper and 

 lower windows the eye is presented with a variety of 

 different verdures. Next to this is a little private 

 recess (which, though it seems distinct, may be laid 

 into the same room) furnished with a couch; and not- 

 withstanding it has windows on every side, yet it 

 enjoys a very agreeable gloominess by means of a 

 spreading vine which climbs to the top and entirely 

 overshades it. Here you may recline and fancy your- 

 self in a wood: with this difference only, that you are 

 not exposed to the weather. In this place a fountain 

 also rises and instantly disappears ; in different quar- 

 ters are disposed marble seats, which serve no less 

 than the summer-house, as so many reliefs after one 

 is wearied with walking." 



