Nigrinus

Lucian of Samosata

The Works of Lucian of Samosata, Vol. 1. Fowler, H. W. and Fowler, F.G., translators. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1905.

Little by little I came into the condition with which you were twitting me just now. Nigrinus’s words have raised in me a joyous exaltation of spirit which precludes every meaner thought. Philosophy seems to have produced the same effect on me as wine is said to have produced on the Indians the first time they drank it. The mere taste of such potent liquor threw them into a state of absolute frenzy, the intoxicating power of the wine being doubled in men so warm-blooded by nature. This is my case. I go about like one possessed; I am drunk with the words of wisdom.