Meaning & Analysis
Describes food so perfectly prepared and appetizing that it seems to call out to be eaten—almost as if it were alive and inviting the diner.
Insights
Effortless Opportunity
Represents the notion of good fortune or opportunity presenting itself with such abundance and ease that it seems to require no effort at all—everything is ready and inviting.
Wishful Thinking
Mocks the unrealistic hope or expectation that rewards will simply fall into one's lap without any exertion, echoing tales of fantastical lands where food comes to you without labor.
Hospitality and Temptation
Alludes to the appeal and temptation of abundance or luxury, evoking the ideal of a host's generosity or the fantasy of a world where desires are instantly satisfied.
Historical and Literary Symbolism
The proverb echoes legendary tales of 'Lubberland' or the Land of Cockaigne, mythic places where food comes unbidden and comfort is endless. Jonson’s comedies and other early modern sources use such imagery to satirize laziness or poke fun at unrealistic expectations.
Cultural Resonance
Similar proverbs abound, such as 'roasted larks will fall into his mouth,' reflecting a universal tendency to dream of effortless gain. Such sayings gently criticize passivity or wishful dependence on fortune.
Psychological Perspective
The proverb taps into the human desire for ease and abundance while also ridiculing the tendency to expect rewards without work. It reflects both the allure and the folly of magical thinking.
Rhetorical Devices
Personification
The food is given a voice—'Come eat me'—which playfully animates the inanimate and enhances the allure and humor of the scenario.
Hyperbole
The exaggeration of food inviting itself to be eaten creates a fantastical, comic effect, highlighting the proverb’s underlying satire.
Imagery
The vivid scene of perfectly roasted meat calling out entices the senses, reinforcing the proverb’s memorable appeal.
Transcription
Quotations
I shall with a trice make such meate certain, As shall say come eate me.
Good mother, how shall we finde a pigge, if we doe not looke about for't? will it run off o' the spit, into our mouths, thinke you? as in Lubberland and cry, we, we?
And then, a Goose will bid you all, Come cut me.
The table invites.
A complement, when we would bid our Guest to fall to, the Guests themselves will say, I need not eat, The very meat on the board envites us.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.