with caper sauce--then Bayonne ham with spinach, and a savory stew of
bird, with well-browned rabbit.

_Vatel_--But, Monsieur Poirier--I will never consent.

_Poirier_--I am master--do you hear? Go on.

_Vatel_--Entrées. Les filets de volaille à la concordat--les croustades
de truffe garniés de foies à la royale, le faison étoffe à la
Montpensier, les perdreaux rouges farcis à la bohemienne.

_Poirier_--In place of these side dishes we will have nothing at all,
and we will go at once to the roast,--that is the only essential.

_Vatel_--That is against the precepts of art.

_Poirier_--I'll take the blame of that: let us have your roasts.

_Vatel_--It is not worth while, Monsieur: my ancestor would have run his
sword through his body for a less affront. I offer my resignation.

_Poirier_--And I was about to ask for it, my good friend; but as one has
eight days to replace a servant--

_Vatel_--A servant, Monsieur? I am an artist!

_Poirier_--I will fill your place by a woman. But in the mean time, as
you still have eight days in my service, I wish you to prepare my menu.

_Vatel_--I will blow my brains out before I dishonor my name.