Summary

The poem begins with the speaker extending an invitation to his guest for dinner. He says that he and his "poor house" are unworthy of the guest's presence, but that they hope if he attends, the entire event will be made more dignified (1). He says that it is the company, not the food, that decides whether the evening will be enjoyable. But, he assures the guest, the menu will still be impressive and pleasing. He tells him he will be presented with olives, capers, lamb, and a "short-legged hen, / If we can get her, full of eggs" with a lemon-wine sauce (11-12). He suggests that there may also be rabbit, and even larks despite the scarcity of birds.

The speaker continues to tantalize the guest's palette. He announces, "I'll tell you more, and lie, so you will come" (17). He lists a variety of game...