Hast. Let's see the list of the larder then. I ask it as a favour. I always match my appetite to my bill of fare.
Marl. (To Hardcastle, who looks at them with surprise.) Sir, he's very right, and it's my way too.
Hard. Sir, you have a right to command here. Roger, bring us the bill of fare for to-night's supper. I believe it's drawn up. Your manner, Mr. Hastings, puts me in mind of my uncle, Colonel Wallop. It was a saying of his that no man was sure of his supper till he had eaten it.
Hast. (Aside.) All upon the high ropes! His uncle a colonel! we shall soon hear of his mother being a justice of peace. But let's hear the bill of fare.
Marl. (Perusing.) What's here? For the first course; for the second course; for the dessert. The devil, sir, do you think we have brought down the whole joiner's company, or the corporation of Bedford, to eat up such a supper? Two or three little things, clean and comfortable, will do.
Hast. But let's hear it.
Marl. (Reading.) For the first course at the top, a pig, and pruin sauce.
Hast. Damn your pig, I say.
Marl. And damn your pruin sauce, say I.
Hard. And yet, gentlemen, to men that are hungry, pig, with pruin sauce, is very good eating.