Master. Sit as far apart as possible, so as not to press against one another’s sides, since there is sufficient room for each. And you, Brugensian, have you a knife?
Piso. This is a wonder! A Fleming without a knife, and he, too, a Brugensian, where the best knives are made.
Nep. I don’t need a knife. I can part my food into pieces by biting it with the teeth, and tear it into bits by my fingers.
Usher. They say that biting is very useful both for the gums and also for the surface of the teeth.
Master. Where didst thou receive early instruction in the Latin tongue, for thou appearest to me not badly taught?
Nep. At Bruges, under John Theodore Nervius.
Master. An industrious, learned, and honest man. Bruges is a most elegant city, but it is to be regretted that owing to the changing of the population from day to day, it is going down. When did you leave it?
Nep. Six days ago.
Master. When did you begin to study?
Nep. Three years ago.