Then curds and cream, the flower of country fare, And new-laid eggs, which Baucis’ busy care Turn’d by a gentle fire, and roasted rare. All these in earthenware were served to board; And, next in place, an earthen pitcher stored With liquor of the best the cottage could afford. This was the table’s ornament and pride, With figures wrought: like pages at his side Stood beechen bowls; and these were shining clean, Varnish’d with wax without, and lined within. By this the boiling kettle had prepared, And to the table sent the smoking lard; On which with eager appetite they dine, A sav’ry bit, that served to relish wine; The wine itself was suiting to the rest, Still working in the must, and lately press’d. The second course succeeds like that before, Plums, apples, nuts; and of their wintry store Dry figs, and grapes, and wrinkled dates were set In canisters, to enlarge the little treat: All these a milk-white honeycomb surround, Which in the midst the country banquet crown’d: But the kind hosts their entertainment grace With hearty welcome, and an open face: