To the inexperienced it is a pleasant thing to court the favour of the great; an experienced man fears it.
HoraceWe set up harsh and unkind rules against ourselves. No one is born without faults. That man is best who has fewest.
HoraceCome boy, and pour for me a cup Of old Falernian. Fill it up With wine, strong, sparkling, bright, and clear; Our host decrees no water here. Let dullards drink the Nymph's pale brew, The sluggish thin their blood with dew. For such pale stuff we have no use; For us the purple grape's rich juice. Begone, ye chilling water sprite; Here burning Bacchus rules tonight! Catullus, Selections From Catullus No poems can live long or please that are written by water-drinkers.
Horace