Hunger and the fragrant smells that came from the sputtering pots and pans,

Turned itself loose and delivered itself up to such an eloquent dissertation

Upon certain toothsome dishes, that within three minutes the woman said to

herself, 'Of a truth I was right- he hath holpen in a kitchen!' Then he

Broadened his bill of fare, and discussed it with such appreciation and

animation, that the goodwife said to herself, 'Good lack! how can he know so

many dishes, and so fine ones withal? For these belong only upon the tables of

the rich and great. Ah, now I see! ragged outcast as he is, he must have served

In the palace before his reason went astray; yes, he must have helped in the

very kitchen of the king himself! I will test him.'

Full of eagerness to prove her sagacity, she told the king to mind the cooking a

Moment — hinting that he might manufacture and add a dish or two, if he

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Chose — then she went out of the room and gave her children a sign to follow

after. The king muttered:

'Another English king had a commission like to this, in a bygone time — it is

Nothing against my dignity to undertake an office which the great Alfred

Stooped to assume. But I will try to better serve my trust than he; for he let

the cakes burn.'

The intent was good, but the performance was not answerable to it; for this