[CHAP. XI.]
OF POPES, SAINTS, AND BISHOPS, THAT USED TO GET DRUNK.
After having spoken of the drunkenness of churchmen in general, it will not, perhaps, be a thing altogether needless, to put the whole in the clearest light, to confirm what has been said, by the example of Popes, Saints, and Bishops, who have practised that laudable custom of getting drunk.
A little song, mentioned by H. Stephens, in his apology for Herodotus, affords matter of speculation in relation to the sobriety of sovereign pontiffs.
“Le Pape qui est a Rome,
Boit du vin comme un autre homme
Et de l’Hypocras aussi.”
The Pope at Rome, his holiness,
Of wine drinks many a hearty glass,
And pleasant Hypocras also,
As any other man I trow.