Frédérick has never less than fifteen dishes at his table. When the servant brings them in he looks at them and judges them without tasting them. Often he says:
“That is bad.”
“Have you eaten of it?”
“No, God forbid!”
“But taste it.”
“It is detestable.”
“I will taste it,” says Clarisse.
“It is execrable. I forbid you to do so.”
“But let me try it.”
“Take that dish away! It is filthy!” And he sends for his cook and rates her soundly.