Lest we exaggerate the difference between classes in real life, let us remember that our problem is essentially literary, not sociological: to explain the difference not between real peasants and real aristocrats, but between homo Aristophaneus and homo Platonicus.

I was biding time. And my biding was making me bitter.

After the wonderful service that evening he didn’t hesitate in laying a substantial perquisite on the table.

Do you like cake or pie? Yes.