Sim. Ah, how boorish it all is! But you see I was invited to lunch, not for a period of detention in business. But have I really kept you waiting long?
Scop. No, indeed not.
Sim. Why did you not set to the meal without me? At least you could have begun with the fruit which I am not much given to eating.
Scop. Courteous words, but how could we sit down without you?
II. First Course—Bread
Crit. Enough of civilities. Let us begin our description. The best and lightest of bread! It is as light in weight as a sponge. The wheat is soft as a medlar. You must have an industrious miller.
Scop. Roscius has the mill in his charge.
Sim. Is he never hurled into it?
Scop. Far be such a fate from such a thrifty servant!
Dem. Pass me the coarse bread (made of unbolted flour).