Chapter 7, The Royal Banquet Summary

The king's advisors lead Milo and Tock to the palace, where all the other guests (including the Humbug, Spelling Bee and Officer Shrift) have already gathered. King Azaz the Unabridged greets Milo gruffly, and Milo is responsible for picking the menu. Milo suggests a light meal, and waiters bring out platters filled with beautiful shafts of light. Milo then suggests a square meal. The waiters bring out plates of steaming squares of all shapes and sizes that, unfortunately, taste awful.

The king announces that it is time for speeches. Milo begins in a traditional way, thanking the king and fellow guests, but the king cuts him off in mid-sentence. The Humbug's speech is "Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, vanilla ice cream," and the other diners give similar speeches. When everyone is served again, Milo's unappetizing words are brought...