For the same reason, undoubtedly, Isidore defined drunkenness a certain forgetfulness caused in the mind, through indulgence of immoderate drinking. His words are these:— Ebrietas est per quam menti quædam oblivio generatur ex superfluorum potuum indulgentia[2].”

A certain French poet[3] sings thus much in the same tune:—

“Oui, Thirsis, c’est le vin qui nous fait rejeunir,

Et qui bannit de nos pensees;

Le regret de choses passees,

Et le crainte de l’avenir.”

Yes, Thirsis, ’tis the vine’s prolific juice

Can youth and beauty re-produce,

Banish the sad regret of former years,

And of futurity the fears.