delight and content rehearses
their actions in the former passages. These were formerly the
delight of the Nobility, before good House-keeping had left
_England_, and the Sword really acted that which was only
counterfeited in such honest and laudable Exercises as these.

[Decoration]

_On the Unparalell'd Piece of _Mr. May_ His Cookery._

See here a work set forth of such perfection,
Will praise it self, and doth not beg protection
From flatter'd greatness. Industry and pains
For gen'ral good, his aim, his Countrey gains;
Which ought respect him. A good _English_ Cook,
Excellent Modish Monsieurs, and that Book
Call'd _Perfect Cook_, _Merete's_ Pastery
Translated, looks like old hang'd Tapistry,
The wrong side outwards: so Monsieur adieu,
I'm for our Native _Mays_ Works rare and new,
Who with Antique could have prepar'd and drest
The Nations _quondam_ grand Imperial Feast,
Which that thrice Crown'd Third _Edward_ did ordain
For his high Order, and their Noble Train,
Whereon St. _George_ his famous Day was seen,
A Court on Earth that did all Courts out-shine.
And how all Rarities and Cates might be
Order'd for a Renown'd Solemnity,
Learn of this Cook, who with judgment, and reason,
Teacheth for every Time, each thing its true Season;
Making his Compounds with such harmony,
Taste shall not charge with superiority
Of Pepper, Salt, or Spice, by the best Pallat,
Or any one Herb in his broths or Sallat.
Where Temperance and Discretion guides his deeds;
_Satis_ his Motto, where nothing exceeds.
Or ought to wast, for there's good Husbandry
To be observ'd, as Art in Cookery.
Which of the Mathematicks doth pertake,
Geometry proportions when they bake.
Who can in paste erect (of finest flour)
A compleat Fort, a Castle, or a Tower.
A City Custard doth so subtly wind,
That should Truth seek, she'd scarce all corners find;
Platform of Sconces, that might Souldiers teach,
To fortifie by works as well as Preach.
I'le say no more; for as I am a sinner,
I've wrought my self a stomach to a dinner.
Inviting Poets not to tantalize,
But feast, (not surfeit) here their Fantasies.

_James Parry._

_To the Reader of (my very loving Friend) Mr. _Robert May_
his incomparable Book of Cookery._

See here's a Book set forth with such things in't,
As former Ages never saw in Print;
Something I'de write in praise on't, but t