Topers, Jan Pieter van Baurscheit (de Oude), c. 1700, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

This monumental depiction of two topers is a symbol of Gluttony. The sculpture impresses upon the public the
notion that indulging in excessive drink undermines the work ethic and leads to laziness. The sculptor was
probably inspired by a scene from popular theatre, where these kinds of indolent characters recurred regularly.

(Anonymous)

The landlord he looks very big,
With his high cock'd hat and his powder'd wig;
Methinks he looks both fair and fat,
But he may thank you and me for that,
For 'tis
O, good ale, thou art my darling,
And my joy both night and morning!

The brewer brew'd thee in his pan,
The tapster draws thee in his can;
Now I with thee will play my part
And lodge thee next unto my heart,
For 'tis
O, good ale, thou art my darling,
And my joy both night and morning.

But if my wife should thee despise,
By Jove, I'll beat out both her eyes,
But if she loves me as I love thee,
A happy couple we shall be,
For 'tis
O, good ale, thou art my darling,
And my joy both night and morning.

Thou oft hast made my friends my foes,
And often made me pawn my clothes;
But since thou art so night my nose,
Come up my friend and down he goes,
For 'tis
O, good ale, thou art my darling,
And my joy both night and morning.