Compose yourself

[Sami 99]

Hi

Please what does "Compose yourself" mean in this context:

'Mr. Limbkins, I beg your pardon, sir! Oliver Twist has asked for more!'
There was a general start. Horror was depicted on every countenance.'For more!' said Mr. Limbkins. 'Compose yourself, Bumble, and answer me distinctly. Do I understand that he asked for more, after he had eaten the supper allotted by the dietary.

Source: Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.
Thank you in advance.

 

[Barb_D]

Make yourself calm and rational. Get control of your emotions.

 

[Sami 99]

Thank you very much Barb.

 

[Barb_D]

I didn't notice that was your first post, or I would have welcomed you to the forums. So... welcome to Using English.
Thank you for giving your thread a sensible title.

While your thanks are appreciated, it's okay to just click on "Like" if you found the answer helpful and answered your question. Of course, if you have follow-on questions, you can post another response within the thread.