TO THE READER Though cooks are often men of pregnant wit, Through niceness of their subject few have writ. 'Tis a sage question, if the art of cooks Is lodg'd by nature or attain'd by books? That man will never frame a noble treat, Whose whole dependence lies in some receipt. Then by pure nature everything is spoil'd, - She knows no more than stew'd, bak'd, roast, and boil'd. When art and nature join, the effect will be, Some nice ragout, or charming fricasee. ...