thing speedier, nothing better; which the prophet Zachariah
perceived, when he said, "that in the time of Messias, they of Ephraim
should be glad, and their heart should rejoice as through wine." All which
makes me very well approve of that pretty description of a feast in [4308]
Bartholomeus Anglicus, when grace was said, their hands washed, and the
guests sufficiently exhilarated, with good discourse, sweet music, dainty
fare, _exhilarationis gratia, pocula iterum atque iterum offeruntur_, as a
corollary to conclude the feast, and continue their mirth, a grace cup came
in to cheer their hearts, and they drank healths to one another again and
again. Which as I. Fredericus Matenesius, _Crit. Christ. lib. 2. cap. 5, 6,
& 7_, was an old custom in all ages in every commonwealth, so as they be
not enforced, _bibere per violentiam_, but as in that royal feast of [4309]
Ahasuerus, which lasted 180 days, "without compulsion they drank by order
in golden vessels," when and what they would themselves. This of drink is a
most easy and parable remedy, a common, a cheap, still ready against fear,
sorrow, and such troublesome thoughts, that molest the mind; as brimstone
with fire, the spirits on a sudden are enlightened by it. "No better
physic" (saith [4310]Rhasis) "for a melancholy man: and he that can keep
company, and carouse, needs no other medicines," 'tis enough. His
countryman Avicenna, _31. doc. 2. cap. 8._ proceeds farther yet, and will
have him that is troubled in mind, or melancholy, not to drink only, but
now and then to be drunk: excellent good physic it is for this and many
other diseases. _Magninus Reg. san. part. 3. c. 31._ will have them to be
so once a month at least, and gives his reasons for it, [4311]"because it
scours the body by vomit, urine, sweat, of all manner of superfluities, and
keeps it clean." Of the same mind is Seneca the philosopher, in his book
_de tranquil. lib. 1. c. 15._ _nonnunquam ut in aliis morbis ad ebrietatem
usque veniendum; Curas deprimit, tristitiae medetur_, it is good sometimes
to be drunk, it helps sorrow, depresseth cares, and so concludes this tract
with a cup of wine: _Habes, Serene charissime, quae ad, tranquillitatem
animae, pertinent_. But these are epicureal tenets, tending to looseness of
life, luxury and atheism, maintained alone by some heathens, dissolute
Arabians, profane Christians, and are exploded by Rabbi Moses, _tract. 4._
Guliel, Placentius, _lib. 1. cap. 8._ Valescus