Pagina 411 di 1118

"First, a good flagon of wine," said Renzo, "and then something

to eat." So saying, he threw himself on a bench at one end of the

table, and uttered a loud and sonorous Ah! as if to say, "It is a

good thing to sit down after having been so long on one's feet."

But recollecting the table at which he had been seated the

evening before with Agnes and Lucy, he sighed deeply. The host

brought the wine; his companion had seated himself opposite to

him; Renzo filled a glass for him, saying, "To wet your lips,"

and another for himself, which he swallowed at a draught.

"What can you give me to eat?" said he, addressing the host.

"A good piece of stewed meat," replied he.

"Well, sir, a good piece of stewed meat."

"You shall be served immediately," said the host, and calling to

the boy, "Serve this gentleman. But," resumed he, turning again

to Renzo, "I have no bread to-day."