Mrs. Merdle, Having “Nibbled a Little” for Two Hours at Dinner, Retireth From the Table Unsatisfied
“Impatient—oh yes—just the way with you men!
I never have time to half finish my eating
Ere Merdle is done; such a fidget is then,
He’d starve me I think rather ’n miss of a meeting
Where brokers preside o’er the fate of the stocks,
As Pales presided o’er shepherds and flocks.
Now while you are smoking—what nonsense and folly—
I’ll go to my room.—don’t say No, for I must—
Put on a new dress, with assistance of Molly,
And then with a little strong tea and a crust,
My strength I may hope for a walk will be able
As far as the gate, and a very short ride,
To give me a relish again for the table—
What else do we live for in this world beside?”