Wine Inspired Quotes from Homer, Samuel Butler
The Works of Homer Sang the Praises of Wine
Aug 28, 2009
Homer may have been one of the first writers outside of the Bible to write about wine. At least he is one of the writers that left behind the written proof. The "fruit of the Gods" has been romanticized in prose, uttered in jest or memorialized in the pages of the world’s history. From the time of Homer, the Roman and Greek worship of Wine gods, to the utterance of Dom Pérignon's exclamation when he tasted Champagne...“ Come quickly. I am tasting the stars,” wine is a worthy subject of quotes.
Drinking wine has been a journey to find the essence and message of the wine master and enjoyment of the tastes created. When a glass of wine is poured; the cork is popped, the wine is splashed in the glass—the senses and mind have been engaged and are eagerly awaiting the taste. Only wine has inspired and created the volume of quotes in literature and popular culture,such as this quote:
And the scent--Oh, that's divine!
Happy-sweet and pungent fine,
Pure as dew, and picked as wine.
Songs and Chorus of the Flowers, L. Hunt
Tasting wine might remind you of a warm summer day as your senses are engaged. Maybe the cool, yet warming effect of the wine reminded you of a picture perfect hillside; the last grapes left on a late autumn vine or the taste of sweet-wine-kissed lips of a lost love. Just maybe you lose your wit and sane thought as you dissolve into the wine.
Quotes Based On The Writings of Homer
Homer, man, woman or myth, is a Greek poet who was attributed as the author of the Iliad and The Odyssey. It is unknown if Homer was an actual person, there aren’t reliable birth records, or possibly a composite of writings from various people, even a woman. Nevertheless, wine quotes attributed to Homer reveal that the nature of man and the essence of wine have been the same since the time of Homer, more than 2,700 years ago.
- The wine urges me on, the bewitching wine, which sets even a wise man to singing and to laughing gently and rouses him up to dance and brings forth words which were better unspoken. The Odyssey, book XIV, l. 463
- Wine gives strength to weary men. Iliad
- And wine can of their wits the wise beguile, make the sage frolic, and the serious smile. The Odyssey of Homer. Book XIV. Line 520 Translation from Alexander Pope
- Inflaming wine, pernicious to mankind. Iliad of Homer. Book VI. Line 330 Translation from Alexander Pope
Samuel Butler (1835 – 1902) was an English novelist, failed painter, sheep farmer and thinker. Even though Butler wasn’t as well known or read as some of his contemporaries, he did have several well know works, including his translation of Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey. Butler's reflective and philosophical nature is apparent in his writings and include many reference to wine drinking.
In Samuel Butler's last work, “The Way Of All Flesh”, his main character reveals Butler's concern with moderation in drinking, "two glasses of sherry which made him nearly tipsy” continues that wine also gave swagger to the character. Samuel Butler’s Notebooks have several interesting lines that have become oft used wine quotes.
- Letters are like wine; if they are sound they ripen with keeping. A man should lay down letters as he does a cellar of wine.
- If the headache preceded the intoxication, alcoholism would be a virtue.
 |
 |
