_A._ If you consider well, my Demylus, Our art is neither low nor despicable; But since each rude and untaught blockhead dares Present himself as cook profess'd, the art Has sunk in estimation, nor is held In that respect and honour as of old.— Imagine to yourself a cook indeed, Versed from his infancy in all the arts And mysteries of his trade; a person, too, Of shining talents, well instructed in The theory and practice of his art; From such a one you will be taught to prize And value as you ought, this first of arts. There are but three of any character Now living: Boidion is one, and then Chariades, and, to crown all, myself; The rest, depend upon it, are beneath Your notice. _B._ How is that? _A._ Believe me, truth; We three are the supporters of the school Of Sicyon; he, indeed, was prince of cooks, And as a skill'd professor, taught us first The motion of the stars, and the whole scheme And science of astrology; he then Inform'd us of the rules of architecture, And next instructed us in physics, and The laws of motion, and th' inventions rare Of natural philosophy; this done, He lectured in the military art. Having obtain'd this previous knowledge, he Began to lead us to the elements Of cookery. _B._ Can what you say be truth, Or do you jest? _A._ Most certainly 'tis true; And while the boy is absent at the market, I will just touch upon the subject, which, As time shall serve hereafter, we may treat More largely at our ease. _B._ Apollo, lend Thy kind assistance, for I've much to hear. _A._ First, then, a perfect and accomplish'd cook Should be well skill'd in meteorology; Should know the motions of the stars, both when They rise, and when again they set; and how The planets move within their several orbits; Of the sun's course, when he prolongs the day, Or sets at early hour, and brings in night; His place i' the Zodiac; for as these revolve All aliments are savour'd, or to please And gratify the taste, or to offend And pall the appetite: he who knows this Has but to mind the season of the year, And he may decorate his table with The choicest viands, of the highest relish. But he who, ignorant of this, pretends To give directions for a feast, must fail. Perhaps it may excite your wonder, how The rules of architecture should improve The art of cookery? _B._ I own it does. _A._ I will convince you, then. You must agree, That 'tis a most important point to have The chimney fix'd just in its proper place;