Wine's Sting
by: Alcaeus (7th-6th century B.C.)
translated by Walter Petersen
He thinks that he is then most blessed
When he at drinking is the best.
Yet though sweet wine his heart delight,
Its curse rebounds with twofold might:
His head weighed down with heaviness,
He chides his soul and does confess
Repentance in his grief. Not then
"Drink! drink!" is still a pleasing strain.
