THE SCENE: In his diary, the 12th century man-of-letters Walter Map describes an escalating war of passive aggression between him and his household staff, finally culminating in his staff hitting him where it hurt the most – by forcing the introverted Walter Map to play the host.
THE TEXT: After this they hit on a plan which was really very hard on me. They would go into the streets and lanes and say I had sent them to compel travelers to come in. The servants in the house received the guests with the greatest respect, said that I was most anxious to see them, and hoped they would come often. Then they would run in to me and announce that guests had arrived, men of good position, and made me welcome them, in no wise desiring to do so. Then they made meat and drink fly, and gorged themselves to any extent in my presence (which they knew I hated), and actually compelled the high and the humble, willing and reluctant, to make away with all the provisions, feigning to do this exclusively to increase my reputation.
– De Nugis Curialium, Walter Map, 12th Century AD
