224 Sino-Iranica 



vine, as we call it, often bears bunches of grapes of two cubits in size, 

 the seeds being very numerous and very large; probably the plant 

 grows in its native soil with great luxuriance." The kings of Persia were 

 not content, however, with wines of native growth; but when Syria 

 was united with their empire, the Chalybonian wine of Syria became 

 their privileged beverage. 1 This wine, according to Posidonius, was 

 made in Damascus, Syria, from vines planted there by the Persians. 2 



Herodotus 8 informs us that the Persians are very fond of wine and 

 consume it in large quantities. It is also their custom to discuss im- 

 portant affairs in a state of intoxication; and on the following morning 

 their decisions are put before them by the master of the house where 

 the deliberations have been held. If they approve of the decision in the 

 state of sobriety, they act accordingly; if not, they set it aside. When 

 sober at their first deliberation, they always reconsider the matter under 

 the influence of wine. In a similar manner, Strabo 4 says that their 

 consultations on the most important affairs are carried on while drink- 

 ing, and that they consider the resolutions made at that time more to 

 be depended upon than those made when sober. In the Sahnameh, 

 the Persian epic, deliberations axe held during drinking-bouts, but 

 decision is postponed till the following day. 6 Cambyses was ill reputed 

 for his propensity for wine. 6 Deploring the degeneracy of the Persians, 

 Xenophon 7 remarks, "They continue eating and drinking till those 

 who sit up latest go to retire. It was a rule among them not to bring 

 large cups to their banquets, evidently thinking that abstinence from 

 drinking to excess would less impair their bodies and minds. The 

 custom of not bringing such vessels still continues; but they drink so 

 excessively that instead of bringing in, they are themselves carried out, 

 as they are no longer able to walk upright." Procopius, the great 

 Byzantine historian of the sixth century, 8 says that of all men the 

 Massagetae (an Iranian tribe) are the most intemperate drinkers. So 



1 Strabo, XV. m, 22. 



2 Athenaeus, 1. 



8 I. 133- 



4 XV. in, 20. 



6 F. Spiegel, Eranische Altertumskunde, Vol. Ill, p. 672. Cf . what John Fryer 

 (New Account of East India and Persia being Nine Years' Travels 1672-81, Vol. II, 

 p. 210, ed. of Hakluyt Society) says of the modern Persians: "It is incredible to see 

 what quantities they drink at a merry-meeting, and how unconcerned the next day 

 they appear, and brisk about their business, and will quaff you thus a whole week 

 together." 



6 Herodotus, in, 34. 



7 Cyropaedia, VIII. vni, 9-10. 



8 Historikon, III. xil, 8. 



