"WHY, LIQUOR OF LIFE?" Why, liquor of life! do I love you so; When in all our encounters you lay me low? More stupid and senseless I every day grow, What a hint -- if I'd mend by the warning! Tattered and torn you've left my coat, I've not a cravat -- to save my throat, Yet I pardon you all, my sparkling doat, If you'd cheer me again in the morning! -- Excerpt from blind poet/harpist (Turlough Carolan, 1670-1738) verse , translated by John D'Alton.