~ Lieber Bier, als verdruß und Ärger schlucken ~ | |
This is a translation with obvious meaning on a "tapestry" stein marked with the Mettlach logo and mold number 1536, ca. 1900. This verse may include a play on two similar words Mucken (moods) and Mücken (mosquitos), since smoke is sometimes used to drive away annoying insects. | |
Lieber Bier, als Verdruß und Ärger schlucken, und rauch dabei, so vertreibst du dir die Mucken. |
'Tis better ( to swallow) beer, than swallow frustration and annoyance, and smoke too, to drive those moods away. |
Here is a more poetic translation by Les Hopper using the word Mücken: | |
'Tis better to swallow a stein of beer than suffer pain and anguish here, and a smoke a day, drives those gnats away. |
Translation: Les Hopper compilation-II / Franz Schatz Photo credit: Andre Ammelounx - The Stein Auction Co. |