Follows here the strict receiptFor that sauce to faint meat,Named idleness, which many eatBy preference, and call it sweet:First watch for morsels, like a houndMix well with buffets, stir them roundWith good thick oil of flattered,And froth with mean self-lauding lies.Serve warm: the vessels you must chooseTo keep it in are dead men's shoes.
In the excerpt, the author describes a metaphorical recipe for a sauce made from idleness, suggesting that many people prefer this lifestyle, finding it appealing but ultimately empty. The imagery portrays idleness as a dish that one must carefully prepare by mixing superficial qualities and self-praise, much like a chef crafting a meal. This substance, though seemingly delightful, fundamentally lacks nourishment.
The final lines emphasize the morbid nature of this “dish,” as it is to be served in "dead men’s shoes," indicating that idleness is a hollow pursuit that can lead to a metaphorical death of ambition or purpose. The critique serves as a commentary on the dangers of complacency and the seductive allure of a life devoid of meaningful engagement.
