The Babylonians are grossly addicted to wine, and the consequences of drunkenness. At the beginning of their feasts, the women are decorously habited; after an interval, they throw off their upper garment, and gradually proceed in violating modesty; at length (to use words the least disgusting) they lay aside the last veil. Nor is this the infamous practice only of the courtesans, but of the matrons and their daughters, who regard this vile harlotry as an act of complaisance.