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Ancient Chinese men of letters might
write poems or monographs after tasting
liquor. The Tang Poet Li Bai is one of
the greatest poets. It is said that he
enjoyed drinking very much, and some of
his poems describe the pleasure he felt
before or after drinking. Below are extracts
from two such poems.
For the Moment, Dinking Wine
Happiness is to be savored to the full.
The golden cup must not face the moon
untouched.
Heaven born, my talents will find a place;
A fortune spent in gold will come back
again.
So roast the sheep and kill the cattle,
And down three hundred cupfuls in a single
breath
For the moment’s pleasure.
Inquiring of the Moon, Wine cup in Hand
My only wish is that when wine and song
are near
Moonlight will forever linger in this
goblet fair.
This
article by Yang Tianqing and Daniel Kister.
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