John Bancks, expecting a visit by a lady, has tea prepared for her, but she does not turn up, the servant accidentally breaks a bowl, and the kettle placed in front of the fire melts. Etching by I. Basire, 1738.

"All the accidents here described are what really happened, pretty nearly in the same manner as they are set down"--Bancks, loc. cit. Bancks is reproached by his servant James (Jem) for staying in bed, as a lady named Mira is expected at 9am for breakfast, and she will expect everything in readiness. James prepares the tea, but accidentally knocks a ceramic bowl off the table with his elbow, causing it to break. He places the metal teapot near the fire, where it melts. The sequence of disasters makes James regret that he had been so zealous in his preparation for Mira