Stein Collectors International
 
~ Wenn einst Hebe kommt, um mich zu fragen ~
 
This etched Mettlach stein #2089 by Heinrich Schlitt is listed in the VBM 1899 catalog as "Trinker im Olymp" (Drinker in Olympus, dwelling place of the Greek gods and godesses) pictured here as a heavenly place for drinking and culinary pleasures. The verse refers to the Greek godess of drinking and culinary pleaures, Hebe, who dwelled in Olympus and is named in the translation and seen on the stein as the winged angel delivering Bavarian beer.

However there can be a downside to this that was written about by the famous 16th Century poet, Hans Sachs. He referred to this place as the more down to earth "Schlaraffenland" (place for debauchery and its consequences, which happens to be the other nickname for this stein). Some old German student drinking songs have this theme and corresponding verses.
 
Wenn einst Hebe kommt, um mich zu fragen
Wünschen Sie vieleicht Ambrosia?
Ha wie kommst mir für!
"Bring Sie bayrisch Bier!
Ewig bayrisch Bier....Hallelujah!
When Hebe comes to ask me
"do you perhaps wish Ambrosia?"
Hah, what do you take me for!
"Bring Bavarian beer!
Forever Bavarian beer.......Hallelujah!"
 
 
Translation: John Piet and Roy De Selms
Photo credit: American Museum of Ceramic Art, Pomona, CA