Kitap 9
69
And the cook in the Thesmophorus of Dionysius, my revellers, (for it is worth while to mention him also,) says— You have said these things with great severity, (And that's your usual kindness, by the Gods); You've said a cook should always beforehand Know who the guests may be for whom he now Is dressing dinner. For he should regard This single point—whom he has got to please While seasoning his sauces properly; And by this means he'll know the proper way And time to lay his table and to dress His meats and soups. But he who this neglects Is not a cook, though he may be a seasoner. But these are different arts, a wondrous space Separates the two. It is not every one That's called a general who commands an army, But he who can with prompt and versatile skill Avail himself of opportunities, And look about him, changing quick his plans, He is the general. He who can't do this Is only in command. And so with us. To roast some beef, to carve a joint with neatness, To boil up sauces, and to blow the fire, Is anybody's task; he who does this Is but a seasoner and broth-maker: A cook is quite another thing. His mind Must comprehend all facts and circumstances: Where is the place, and when the time of supper; Who are the guests, and who the entertainer; What fish he ought to buy, and when to buy it. . . . . . For all these things You'll have on almost every occasion; But they're not always of the same importance, Nor do they always the same pleasure give. Archestratus has written on this art, And is by many people highly thought of, As having given us a useful treatise; But still there's much of which he's ignorant, And all his rules are really good for nothing, So do not mind or yield to all the rules Which he has laid down most authoritatively, For a more empty lot of maxims you Will hardly find. For when you write a book On cookery, it will not do to say, As I was just now saying; for this art Has no fix'd guide but opportunity, And must itself its only mistress be. But if your skill be ne'er so great, and yet You let the opportunity escape, Your art is lost, and might as well be none. BO man, you're wise. But as for this man who You just now said was coming here to try His hand at delicate banquets, say, does he Forget to come? A. If I but make you now One forced meat ball, I can in that small thing Give you a specimen of all my skill. And I will serve you up a meal which shall Be redolent of the Athenian breezes. * * * * * Dost fear that I shall fail to lull your soul With dishes of sufficient luxury?
