In John Barth's "The Floating Opera," the narrator humorously describes Maryland beaten biscuits as a breakfast option. These biscuits are portrayed as extremely hard and dry, likened to the conscience of a haul-seiner and the tongue of a dredger. Despite their toughness, the biscuits are inexpensive, easy to carry, and retain their taste even when stale. They sit heavily in the stomach, much like ballast on a ship, and provide a unique experience for breakfast. The addition of a cigar heightens the thirst they create, making one yearn for water.

The quote captures both the charm and absurdity of this unconventional breakfast choice. It illustrates the simplicity and practicality of the biscuits, which can be enjoyed even when forgotten or stale. Barth cleverly intertwines the physical sensations of eating these biscuits with the larger experience of morning rituals, emphasizing their effect on thirst and the enjoyment of one's environment. The passage showcases the author's wit and provides a vivid, sensory exploration of a seemingly mundane experience.