18
Mar
2015
0

Wisdom of the ages

We might like to think we have made great advances over the last couple of millennia, but the ancients can match us in vinous wisdom. To wit:

“Then wine bottles were brought up, carefully sealed and labeled. ‘FALERNIAN, CONSUL OPIMIUS, ONE HUNDRED PetroniusYEARS OLD.’ While we were examining the labels, Trimalchio clapped his hands. ‘Wine has a longer life than us poor mortals,’ he sighed, ‘so let us refresh our palates. Wine is life. I am giving you real Opimian.’” —  Petronius (left)

“At the head of all medicine am I, wine;  only when there is no wine are drugs required.” — Babylonian Talmud

“A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry.” — Ecclesiastes

“Drink to me with your eyes alone. … And if you will, take the cup to your lips and fill it with kisses, and give it so to me.” — Philostratus

“Away with you, water, destruction of wine!” — Catullus

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