Go, therefore! bid the cook prepare,
And set the viands on the table!”
“To what best suits thee I accede,”
Still jesting, Utgard-Lok replies;
“There can be nothing worse, indeed,
Than hungry from the board to rise:
Yet, my good friend! thou’lt soon perceive,
However strong thy stomach be,
In eating thou canst naught achieve
’Gainst one of my good company.”