‘Aufidius mixed honey and strong Falernian,
Unwisely: since one shouldn’t admit to empty veins
Anything that’s not mild: you’d do better to flood
The stomach with mild mead. If the bowels are sluggish
Mussels and common shellfish and tiny leaves of sorrel
Will clear the problem, but not without white Coan wine.
New moons swell slippery oysters but not every sea
Is richly stocked with shellfish: the Lucrine mussels
The big ones, are much better than those from Baiae,
Circeii for oysters, sea-urchins come from Misenum,
Tarentum, the home of luxury, boasts wide scallops.
No one can idly claim skill in the culinary arts,
Not without mastering first the subtle science of flavours.
It’s not enough to carry off fish from the priciest stall,
Not knowing which are better with sauce, which grilled
Will stir the flagging guest to raise his elbow once more.’