15
and sat down in the royal seat of judgment; and the writings were read before them.
16
And he said, "Call the young men, and they shall declare their own sentences." So they were called and came in.
17
And he said unto them, "Declare unto us your mind concerning the writings." Then began the first, who had spoken of the strength of wine;
18
and he said thus: "O ye men, how exceeding strong is wine! It causeth all men to err that drink it:
19
It maketh the mind of the king and of the fatherless child to be all one, of the bondman and of the freeman, of the poor man and of the rich.
20
It turneth also every thought into jollity and mirth, so that a man remembereth neither sorrow nor debt.
21
And it maketh every heart rich, so that a man remembereth neither king nor governor; and it maketh to speak of all things by talents.
22
And when they are in their cups, they forget their love both of friends and brethren, and a little after draw out swords.
23
But when they are away from the wine, they remember not what they have done.Œ
24
O ye men, is not wine the strongest, that forceth to do thus?" And when he had so spoken, he held his peace.