732 MEALS MEDICINAL. 
A capital combination of wheaten flour with lean meat, 
freshly cooked, and then minced finely, has been given here 
(page 475) in the form of a loaf, wherein the meat is so thoroughly 
dissolved as not to be discernible. This, together with fresh 
butter, or fat of bacon, constitutes a complete food for a con- 
valescent invalid. Likewise about buttered toast as admirably 
suitable for supplying bodily warmth, and energy, (assuming 
sound digestive powers), particulars have already been given, 
pages 116-117. This is especially appropriate for old persons. 
In Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens, 1858, “‘ At the so- 
called Castle of Mr. Wemmick, in Walworth,” says Pip, “‘ we 
found Miss Skiffins preparing tea. The responsible duty of 
making the toast was delegated to ‘the Aged.’ And that excellent 
old gentleman was so intent upon it that he seemed to be in 
some danger of melting his eyes. The Aged prepared such a 
haystack of buttered toast that I could scarcely see hirh over it 
as it simmered on an iron stand hooked on to the top bar; while 
Miss Skiffins brewed such a jorum of tea that the pig in the back 
premises became strongly excited, and repeatedly expressed his 
desire to participate in the entertainment. We ate the whole 
of the toast, and drank tea in proportion ; and it was delightful 
to see how warm and greasy we all got after it. The Aged par- 
ticularly might have passed for some clean old chief of a savage 
tribe, just oiled.” Again, (see Alice through the Looking-glass), in 
the song, “ Very, Very Beautiful,” of “ Haddock’s Eyes,” or the 
‘Aged, Aged Man,” as sung by the White Knight, “‘ slowly beating 
time with one hand, and with a faint smile lighting up his gentle 
foolish face,” we pathetically read :— 
“Tl tell thee everything I can; 
There’s little to relate. 
I saw an aged, aged man 
A sitting on a gate. 
‘ Who are you, aged man ?’ I said, 
‘And how is it you live?’ 
And his answer trickled through my head 
Like water through a sieve. 
**T sometimes dig for buttered rolls, 
Or set limed twigs for crabs; 
I sometimes search the grassy knolls 
For wheels of hansom cabs: 
And that’s the way, (he gave a wink) 
By which I gain my wealth— 
And very gladly will I drink 
Your honour’s noble health,’ ” 
