“Realise this: one day your soulwill depart from your body and you willbe drawn behind the curtain that floats between usand the unknown. While you wait for that moment, be happy,because you don't know where you came from andyou don't know where you will be going.”

“Yesterday This Day's Madness did prepare; To-morrow's Silence, Triumph, or Despair: Drink! for you know not whence you came, nor why: Drink! for you know not why you go, nor where.”

“Drink wine. This is life eternal. This is all that youth will give you. It is the season for wine, roses and drunken friends. Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.”

“Why do you sell your wine, merchant?What can they give you in exchange for your wine? Money? … And what can money give you? Power? … Aren't you the owner of the world when you are holding a drink? Is anyone richer than you, who have gold in your cup, Rubies, Pearls, Dreams, and Love? Don't you feel the blood burning in your veins when the cup kisses your lips.”

“Poor soul, you will never know anythingof real importance. You will not uncovereven one of life's secrets. Although all religionspromise paradise, take care to create your ownparadise here and now on earth.”

“Scholars really have nothing to teach you.But from the soft touch of the eyelashes ofa woman you will know all there is to know about happiness.Buy wine, take it toa secluded place and let it comfort you.”

“I see a horseman disappearing intothe evening mist. Will he travel through woodsor across wild plains? Where is he heading? I don't know.Tomorrow, will I be stretched out above orbelow the earth? I don't know.”