It's more than just a hot beverage

16th Century poem In Praise of Coffee by Sheikh Ansari Djezeri Hanball Abd-al-Kadir

"Oh coffee, you dispel the worries of the great,
you point the way to those who have wandered from
the path of knowledge. Coffee is the drink of the
friends of God, and of His servants who seek wisdom.

As coffee steeps in the cup is gives off a musky
aroma and turns the colour of ink. No one can under
stand the truth until he drinks of its frothy goodness.
Those who condemn coffee as causing man harm are
fools in the eyes of God.

Coffee is the common man's gold, and like gold it
brings to every man the feeling of luxury and nobility.
Coffee differs from pure, gentle milk only in its taste
and colour. Take time in your preparation of coffee and
God will be with you and bless you and your table.
Where coffee is served there is grace and splendour and
friendship and happiness.

All cares vanish as the coffee cup is raised to the
lips. Coffee flows through your body as freely as your
life's blood, refreshing all that it touches: look you at
the youth and vigour of those who drink it.

Whoever tastes coffee will forever forswear the liquor
of the grape. Oh drink of God's glory, your purity
brings man only well being and nobility.

- Sheikh Ansari Djezeri Hanball Abd-al-Kadir
1587