Persicos Odi

DEAR Lucy, you know what my wish is, --

   I hate all your Frenchified fuss:

Your silly entrées and made dishes

   Were never intended for us.

No footman in lace and in ruffles

   Need dangle behind my arm-chair;

And never mind seeking for truffles,

   Although they be ever so rare.

But a plain leg of mutton, my Lucy,

   I pr'ythee get ready at three:

Have it smoking, and tender, and juicy,

   And what better meat can here be?

And when it has feasted the master,

   'Twill amply suffice for the maid;

Meanwhile I will smoke my canaster,

   And tipple my ale in the shade.

William Makepeace Thackeray