Here is part of one of my favorite children's books.....check it out from the library next time you are there, it makes a great family read!
"Time for the speeches," announced the king as the plates were again removed and everyone looked glum. "You first," he commanded, pointing to Milo.
"Your Majesty, ladies and gentlemen," started Milo timidly, "I would like to take this opportunity to say that in all the ----"
"That's quite enough," snapped the king. "Musn't talk all day."
"But I'd just begun," objected Milo.
"NEXT!" bellowed the king.
"Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, vanilla ice cream," recited the Humbug, bouncing up and down quickly.
"What a strange speech," thought Milo, for he'd heard many in the past and knew that they were supposed to be long and dull.
"Hamburgers, corn on the cob, chocolate pudding - p-u-d-d-i-n-g," said the Spelling Bee in his turn.
"Frankfurters, sour pickles, strawberry jam," shouted Officer Shrift from his chair. Since he was taller sitting than standing, he didn't bother to get up.
And so down the line it went, with each guest rising briefly, making a short speech, and then resuming his place. When everyone had finished, the king rose.
"Pate de foie gras, soupe a l'oignon, faisan sous cloche, salade endive, fromages et fruits et demi-tasse," he said carefully, and clapped his hands again.
The waiters reappeared immediately, carrying heavy, hot trays, which they set on the table. Each one contained the exact words spoken by the various guests, and they all began eating immediately with great gusto.
"Dig in," said the king, poking Milo with his elbow and looking disapprovingly at his plate. "I can't say that I think much of your choice."
"I didn't know that I was going to have to eat my words," objected Milo.
"Of course, of course, everyone here does," the king grunted. "You should have made a tastier speech....."
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