Classic Poem

To whom shalt Thou be dedicate?
Get thee a patron e'er it's late —
My Book — ere thou, without a friend,
Into the kitchen's deeps descend,
To wrap up spices for the pot,
Or shroud a fish en papillotte !

Faustinus! Him for friend you've found?
Wise book that shalt go bravely bound,
Fragrant, with painted bosses graced,
In dainty purple all embraced,
And with red title-page! My Book,
Fear neither Critics nor the Cook!