Page:The Stag Cook Book.djvu/11

 "They may live without houses and live without books,"
 * So the saying has gone through the ages,

"But a civilized man cannot live without cooks—"
 * It's a libel, as proved by these pages!

For when left by himself in a small kitchenette,
 * With a saucepan, a spoon and a kettle,

A man can make things that you'll never forget—
 * That will put any cook on her mettle.

Where camp fires glow through the still of the night.
 * Where grills are electric and shiny,

Where kitchens are huge, done in tiling of white.
 * Where stoves are exceedingly tiny.

Where people are hungry—no matter the place—
 * A man can produce in a minute

A dish to bring smiles to each skeptical face.
 * With art—and real food value—in it!

At range and at oven, at (whisper it!) still,
 * A man is undoubtedly master;

His cooking is done with an air and a skill.
 * He's sure as a woman—and faster!

He may break the dishes and clutter the floor.
 * And if he is praised—he deserves it—

He may flaunt his prowess until he's a bore
 * But, Boy, what he serves — when he serves it! [vii]