Chapter 36

_Enter_ DANDALINE, _the hostess_.

DAN. Now, i'faith, ye little peevish harlotry,[393] I'll one day make you spit your meat more handsomely. By my truth, truly had I not come in the rather, She had laid me to the fire the loin of veal and capon both together, Not weighing (like an unwitty girlish mother), That the one would ask more roasting than the other; So that either the veal had been left stark raw, Or else the capon burnt, and so not worth a straw. And that had been pity: for I assure you at a word, A better bird, a fairer bird, a finer bird: A sweeter bird, a younger bird, a tenderer bird: A daintier bird, a crisper bird, a more delicate bird: Was there never set upon any gentleman's board. But I lack my guests, that should pay for this gear: And sure my mind gives me, I should find them here, Two of mine acquaintance, familiar grown, The third to me yet a gentleman unknown, More than by hearsay, that he is fresh and lusty, Full of money, and by name Prodigality. Now, sir, to link him sure to his hostess Dandaline, Dandaline must provide to have all things very fine. And therefore already it is _definitum_, The gentleman shall want nothing may please his _appetitum_. And because most meats unsauced are motives to drouth, He shall have a lemon to moisten his mouth, A lemon I mean; no lemon I trow; Take heed, my fair maids, you take me not so. For though I go not as grave as my grandmother, Yet I have honesty as well as another. But hush, now shall I hear some news.

[_Manet_.