Kitap 3
69
First, then, I saw a man whose name was Nereus; With noble oysters laden; an aged man, And clad in brown sea-weed. I took the oysters And eke some fine sea-urchins; a good prelude To a rich banquet daintily supplied. When they were done, next came some little fish, Still quivering as if they felt a fear Of what should now befal them. Courage, said I, My little friends, and fear no harm from me; And to spare them I bought a large flat glaucus. Then a torpedo came; for it did strike me, That even if my wife should chance to touch it She from its shock would surely take no harm. So for my frying-pan I've soles and plaice, Carides, gudgeons, perch, and spars, and eels, A dish more varied than a peacock's tail. Slices of meat, and feet, and snouts, and ears, And a pig's liver neatly wrapp'd in caul. For by itself it looks too coarse and livid. No cook shall touch or e'er behold these dainties; He would destroy them all. I'll manage them Myself; with skill and varied art the sauce I will compound, in such a tasty way That all the guests shall plunge their very teeth Into the dish for joy and eagerness; And the recipes and different modes of dressing I am prepared to teach the world for nothing, If men are only wise enough to learn.
