The Anatomy of Melancholy by Robert Burton
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page 305 of 2094 (14%)
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have, [1425]inviting and encouraging others to do as they do, and love them
dearly for it (no glue like to that of good fellowship). So did Alcibiades in Greece; Nero, Bonosus, Heliogabalus in Rome, or Alegabalus rather, as he was styled of old (as [1426]Ignatius proves out of some old coins). So do many great men still, as [1427]Heresbachius observes. When a prince drinks till his eyes stare, like Bitias in the Poet, [1428] ------("ille impiger hausit Spumantem vino pateram.") ------"a thirsty soul; He took challenge and embrac'd the bowl; With pleasure swill'd the gold, nor ceased to draw Till he the bottom of the brimmer saw." and comes off clearly, sound trumpets, fife and drums, the spectators will applaud him, "the [1429]bishop himself (if he belie them not) with his chaplain will stand by and do as much," _O dignum principe haustum_, 'twas done like a prince. "Our Dutchmen invite all comers with a pail and a dish," _Velut infundibula integras obbas exhauriunt, et in monstrosis poculis, ipsi monstrosi monstrosius epotant_, "making barrels of their bellies." _Incredibile dictu_, as [1430]one of their own countrymen complains: [1431]_Quantum liquoris immodestissima gens capiat_, &c. "How they love a man that will be drunk, crown him and honour him for it," hate him that will not pledge him, stab him, kill him: a most intolerable offence, and not to be forgiven. [1432]"He is a mortal enemy that will not drink with him," as Munster relates of the Saxons. So in Poland, he is the best servitor, and the honestest fellow, saith Alexander Gaguinus, [1433] "that drinketh most healths to the honour of his master, he shall be rewarded as a good servant, and held the bravest fellow that carries his |
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