Painting by C. Bega

The translation of the lines is, I believe, "We Sing certainly what is new, and have still a prize." "A Cracknel is our gain, but the ditty must first (come) out." In modern Dutch most probably, "Wÿ singen vast wat nienw, en hebben nog een buit. Een Krakeling is onze winst maar het Liedker moet eerst uit." I should think there is a lake somewhere in the picture, and the lines are probably part of an old Dutch song. As to the painter C. Bega, I have at hand a Catalogue of the Munich Gallery, and find there "Cornelius Bega, geb. 1620, gest. 1664." His picture is described as "Eine Rauch- und Tri…