Because there, in the middle of the table, among the roast beefs on rolls,[…]

The novel was frontispieced with a portrait of the author.

I grieve myself / To think, when thou shalt be disedged by her / That now thou tirest on, how thy memory / Will then be pang'd by me.

If they wanted to start with something nonthreatening, they could go for the tasty crab cakes on arugula with a tangy dressing or chicken kushiyaki skewers that had a slightly rubbery texture but nice flavor, served with teriyaki or coconut peanut and curry sauce.