The Tea and Coffee Service
Author: Luiken, Jan, 1649-1712
Image Title: The Tea and Coffee Service
Scripture Reference:
- Luke 21 (further images / scripture text)
Description: A lively scene of people gathered around a table for tea and coffee provides the occasion to comment on the growing affection that people have for such rather than devoting themselves to God (Luke 21:34). The Dutch artist and poet Jan Luiken (1649–1712), whose initials are at the lower right, was responsible for drawing and etching this emblem and wrote the accompanying poem.
Motto: Lust is a deep Pit.
Poem:
The Old ones remained satisfied,
Provided twice each day,
They gathered at the table,
And celebrated so the break.
But Recently, in our days,
This number has doubled,
And has to everyone’s pleasure,
Taught us to sit four times at the table.
Whether Gluttony is banned here,
And moderation reigns,
That is for everyone to winnow,
When he throws it up and examines it.
O dry earth, so inclined,
To the swallowing of various liquids,
Do look in time for such paths,
Along which thou might escape,
(After passing from this time,)
That dry place, where someone lay,
And only craved a little Drop of liquid,
Yet did not see this gift.
(Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker)
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Rights Status: No Copyright - United States
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