Which seeing, she spoke courage to her soul,
Took up her fork, and, pointing to the joint
Where 'twas the fattest, piteously she said:
"O, husband! full of love and tenderness!
What is the cause that you so jealously
Pick out the lean for me? I like it not!
Nay! loathe it—'tis on the fat that I would feast;
O me, I fear you do not like my taste!"
Then he, dropping his horny-handled carving knife,
Sprinkling therewith the gravy o'er her gown,