Some Fragments on Drinking by Alcaeus Lyrics

Fr. 332

Now we must get drunk and with force!
Since Myrsilos is dead[...

Fr. 335

Do not turn your heart to troubles -
We get nowhere worrying.
Io Bacchus! The best of all medicines
Is to get drunk on wine.

Fr. 338

Zeus rains; from the heavens
Comes a great storm
And the rivers are frozen.
[...
[...
Damn the storm! build a fire
High, pour sweet wine
Unsparingly, and place a soft
Pillow about your head.
Fr. 346

Let us drink! Why wait for the lamps?
There's but a finger left of daylight.
Take down the large cups, overwrought:
The son of Zeus and Semele
Gave wine to men,
for oblivion of sorrow.
Mix wine and water - two to one -
Then filled to the brim,
Let one cup
Force back another.