overease

Hot on the heels of the mention of the "Ode to Joy," here's my translation of a seventeenth-century song in praise of coffee that I found in my researches today. It sounds about right to me.


Air Nouveau by Mr. de Bacilly

Delicious Coffee, whose sweet bitterness
Has so often kept me safe from a pitiless Cold,
Intent on ruining my voice.
I would be an ingrate
If I did not sing your glory,
Scoff at Chocolate,
I don't want any ever,
Fie on Tea,
And long live Coffee.

from the Mercure Galant, August, 1686