ssers-by. Hither in crowds from the
entire city they assemble, and While away the time in pleasant drinking.
And when once the feelings have grown warm, acted upon by The gentle
heat, then good-humored laughter, and pleasant Arguments increase.
General gaiety ensues, the places about resound with joyous applause.
But never does the liquid imbibed overpower weary minds, but Rather, if
ever slumber presses their heavy eyes and dulls The brain; and their
strength, blunted, grows torpid in the Body, coffee puts sleep to flight
from the eyes, and slothful inactivity from the whole frame. Therefore
to absorb the sweet draught would be an advantage For those whom a great
deal of long-continued labor awaits And those who need to extend their
study far into the night.

And here I shall make known who taught the use of this pleasant Drink;
for its virtue, unknown, has lain hidden through many Years; and
reviewing, I shall relate the matter from the very beginning.

An Arab shepherd was driving his young goats to the well-known Pastures.
They were wandering through lonely wastes and cropping The grasses, when
a tree heavy with many berries--never seen before--met their eyes. At
once, as they were able to reach the low branches, they began To pull
off the leaves with many a nibble, and to pluck the tender Growth. Its
bitterness attracts. The shepherd, not knowing this, Was meanwhile
singing on the soft grass and telling the story of his loves to the
woods. But when the evening star, rising, warned him to leave the field,
And he led back his well-fed flock to their stalls, he perceived That
the beasts did not close their eyes in sweet sleep, but Joyous beyond
their wont, with wonderful delight throughout the Whole night jumped
about with wanton leaps. Trembling with sudden Fear, the shepherd stood
amazed; and crazed by the sound, he Thought these things were being done
through some wicked trick of a neighbor, or by magic art.

Not far from here a holy band of brethren had built their Humble home in
a remote valley; their lot it was to chant Praises of God, and to load
his altars with fitting gifts. Although throughout the night the
deep-toned bell resounded With great din, and summoned them to the
sacred temple, often The coming of dawn found them lingering on their
couches, Having forgotten to rise in the middle of the night. So great
was their love of sleep!

In charge of the sacred temple, revered and obeyed by his Willing
br