" They that love mirth.

Let them heartily drink ; 'Tis the only receipt

To make sorrow sink."

—Ben Jonson. Why do men drink?

To quench thirst? To drown sorrow?

Both are good reasons; but there are many other reasons why, for centuries, drink has been a synonym for good cheer. While some may be drowning their woes in the wine cup, others are right jubilantly celebrating their good fortune. The drinking horn has been emptied and the wassail bowl has flowed right merrily down the ages since St. Paul advised "a little wine for the stomach's sake."

The man who drinks too much is not more intemperate than he who drinks too little; the truly temperate mariner who steers the middle course is the only one worthy of the name; his conduct fits the word.

What mental lubricator can equal a choice drink? It calls forth jest and song, it stimulates eloquence and awakens wholesome mirth.

Then " let us eat, drink, and be merry, for to-morrow we die."

A painter who lacks skill in mixing his colors spoils many a good canvas. So it is with the concocter of drinks. Be his materials never so numerous and pure, if he lacks skill as a compounder; for he will not only mar good ingredients, but disappoint a company. To avert so sad a calamity is the mission of this chapter, in which divers delectable drinks are given, with directions for their mixing.

"Drink in the morning staring -Then all day be sparing."