"
Schacabac thought that he un-der-stood the joke, and he made pretense
of taking food, and passing it to his mouth. Then he began to chew,
and said, "You see, sir, I lose no time."
"Boy," said the old man, "bring on the roast goose.--Now, my good
friend, try this choice piece from the breast. And here are sweet
sauce, honey, raisins, green peas, and dry figs. Help yourself, and
remember that other good things are coming."
Schacabac was almost dead with hunger, but he was too polite not to do
as he was bidden.
"Come," said the Barmecide, "have another piece of the roast lamb. Did
you ever eat anything so de-li-cious?"
"Never in my life," said Schacabac. "Your table is full of good
things."
"Then eat heartily," said the Barmecide. "You cannot please me
better."
After this came the des-sert. The Barmecide spoke of sweet-meats and
fruits; and Schacabac made believe that he was eating them.
"Now is there anything else that you would like?" asked the host.
"Ah, no!" said poor Schacabac. "I have indeed had great plenty."
"Let us drink, then," said the Barmecide. "Boy, bring on the wine!"
"Excuse me, my lord," said Schacabac, "I will drink no wine, for it is
for-bid-den."
The Barmecide seized him by the hand.
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