able to make out a dinner for the
King?

_Manus_: This silver whistle, that was her pipe
of music, was given to me by a queen among the
Sidhe that is my godmother. At the sound of it
that will come through the air any earthly thing
I wish for, at my command.

_Nurse_: Let it be a dinner so.

_Manus_: So it will come, on a green tablecloth
carried by four swans as white as snow. The
freshest of every meat, the oldest of every drink,
nuts from the trees in Adam's Paradise!

_(King, Queen, Princess, Dall Glic come in.
Princess sits on window sill.)_

_Queen: (To King.)_ Here now, my dear. Wasn't
I telling you I would take all trouble from your
mind, and that I would not be without finding a
cook for you?

_King_: He came in a good hour. The want of a
right dinner has downed kingdoms before this.

_Queen_: Travelling he is in search of service
from the kings of the earth. His wages are in no
way out of measure.

_King_: Is he a good hand at his trade?

_Queen_: Honest he is, I believe, and ready to
give a hand here and there.

_King_: What way does he handle flesh, I'd wish
to know? And all that comes up from the tide?
Bream, now; that is a fish is very pleasant to me--stewed
or fried with butter till the bones of it melt
in your mouth. There is nothing in sea or strand
but is the better of a quality cook--only oysters,
that are best left alone, being as they are all gravy
and fat.

_Queen_: I didn't question him yet about cookery.

_King_: It's seldom I met a woman with right
respect for food, but for show and silly dishes and
trash that would leave you in the finish as dwindled
as a badger on St. Bridget's day.

_Queen_: If this youth of a young man was able to
give satisfaction at the King of Sorcha's Court,
I am sure that he will make a dinner to please
yourself.

_Manus_: I will do more than that. I will dress
a dinner that will please _my_self.

_Princess: (Clapping hands.)_ Very well said!

_King_: Sound out now some good dishes such
as you used t