[45] Cf. Plat. "Symp." 223 C.

Quite right (said Callias), and we will pledge you. Our throats are
parched with laughing at you.

At this point Socrates: Nay, gentlemen, if drinking is the order of
the day, I heartily approve. Wine it is in very truth that moistens
the soul of man,[46] that lulls at once all cares to sleep, even as
mandragora[47] drugs our human senses, and at the same time kindles
light-hearted thoughts,[48] as oil a flame. Yet it fares with the
banquets of men,[49] if I mistake not, precisely as with plants that
spring and shoot on earth. When God gives these vegetable growths too
full a draught of rain, they cannot lift their heads nor feel the
light air breathe through them; but if they drink in only the glad
supply they need, they stand erect, they shoot apace, and reach
maturity of fruitage. So we, too, if we drench our throats with over-
copious draughts,[50] ere long may find our legs begin to reel and
our thoughts begin to falter;[51] we shall scarce be able to draw
breath, much less to speak a word in season. But if (to borrow
language from the mint of Gorgias[52]), if only the attendants will
bedew us with a frequent mizzle[53] of small glasses, we shall not be
violently driven on by wine to drunkenness, but with sweet seduction
reach the goal of sportive levity.

[46] Cf. Plat. "Laws," 649; Aristoph. "Knights," 96:

Come, quick now, bring me a lusty stoup of wine,
To moisten my understanding and inspire me (H. Frere).