o they triumph
in villainy, and justify their wickedness; with Rabelais, that French
Lucian, drunkenness is better for the body than physic, because there be
more old drunkards than old physicians. Many such frothy arguments they
have, [1425]inviting and encouraging others to do as they do, and love them
dearly for it (no glue like to that of good fellowship). So did Alcibiades
in Greece; Nero, Bonosus, Heliogabalus in Rome, or Alegabalus rather, as he
was styled of old (as [1426]Ignatius proves out of some old coins). So do
many great men still, as [1427]Heresbachius observes. When a prince drinks
till his eyes stare, like Bitias in the Poet,

[1428] ------("ille impiger hausit
Spumantem vino pateram.")

------"a thirsty soul;
He took challenge and embrac'd the bowl;
With pleasure swill'd the gold, nor ceased to draw
Till he the bottom of the brimmer saw."

and comes off clearly, sound trumpets, fife and drums, the spectators will
applaud him, "the [1429]bishop himself (if he belie them not) with his
chaplain will stand by and do as much," _O dignum principe haustum_, 'twas
done like a prince. "Our Dutchmen invite all comers with a pail and a
dish," _Velut infundibula integras obbas exhauriunt, et in monstrosis
poculis, ipsi monstrosi monstrosius epotant_, "making barrels of their
bellies." _Incredibile dictu_, as [1430]one of their own countrymen
complains: [1431]_Quantum liquoris immodestissima gens capiat_, &c. "How
they love a man that will be drunk, crown him and honour him for it," hate
him that will not pledge him, stab him, kill him: a most intolerable
offence, and not to be forgiven. [1432]"He is a mortal enemy that will not
drink with him," as Munster relates of the Saxons. So in Poland, he is the
best servitor, and the honestest fellow, saith Alexander Gaguinus, [1433]
"that drinketh most healths to the honour of his master, he shall be
rewarded as a good servant, and held the bravest fellow that carries his
liquor best," when a brewer's horse will bear much more than any sturdy
drinker, yet for his noble exploits in this kind, he shall be accounted a
most valiant man, for [1434]_Tam inter epulas fortis vir esse potest ac in
bello_, as much valour is to be found in feasting as in fighting, and some
of our city captains, and carpet knights will make this good, and prove it.
Thus they many times wilfully pervert the good temperature of their bodies,
stifle their wits