Page:The Deipnosophists (Volume 3).djvu/362

Of natural philosophy; this done,
He lectured in the military art.
Having obtain'd this previous knowledge, he
Began to lead us to the elements
Of cookery.

B. Can what you say be truth,
Or do you jest?

A. Most certainly 'tis true;
And while the boy is absent at the market,
I will just touch upon the subject, which,
As time shall serve hereafter, we may treat
More largely at our ease.

B. Apollo, lend
Thy kind assistance, for I've much to hear.

A. First, then, a perfect and accomplish'd cook
Should be well skill'd in meteorology;
Should know the motions of the stars, both when
They rise, and when again they set; and how
The planets move within their several orbits;
Of the sun's course, when he prolongs the day,
Or sets at early hour, and brings in night;
His place i' the Zodiac; for as these revolve
All aliments are savour'd, or to please
And gratify the taste, or to offend
And pall the appetite: he who knows this
Has but to mind the season of the year,
And he may decorate his table with
The choicest viands, of the highest relish.
But he who, ignorant of this, pretends
To give directions for a feast, must fail.
Perhaps it may excite your wonder, how
The rules of architecture should improve
The art of cookery?

B. I own it does.

A. I will convince you, then. You must agree,
That 'tis a most important point to have
The chimney fix'd just in its proper place;
That light be well diffused throughout the kitchen;
That you may see how the wind blows, and how
The smoke inclines, which, as it leans to this
Or t' other quarter, a good cook knows well