Latin Texts & Translations

The wines that were the most esteemed among the ancient Romans were those perfumed with myrrh, ^[Note] as mentioned in the play of Plautus, entitled the "Persian," ^[Note] though we find it there stated that calamus ^[Note] ought to be added to it. Hence it is, that some persons are of opinion that they were particularly fond of aromatites: ^[Note] but Fabius Dossennus quite decides the question, in the following line:—"I sent them good wine, myrrh-wine;" ^[Note] and in his play called "Acharistio," we find these words-" Bread and pearled barley, myrrh—wine too." I find, too, that Scævola and L. Ælius, and Ateius Capito, were of the same opinion; and then we read in the play known as the "Pseudolus:" ^[Note]—" But if it is requisite for him to draw forth what is sweet from the place, has he aught of that?" to which Charinus makes answer," Do you ask

the question? He has myrrh wine, raisin wine, defrutum, ^[Note] and honey;" from which it would appear that myrrh wine was not only reckoned among the wines, but among the sweet wines too.