Note 66 — Chapter II
Reading edition
Theodulf of Orleans makes a little apology to Karl for Alcuin’s use of wine and beer (not English beer! see p. 267):
Aut si, Bacche, tui aut Cerealis pocla liquoris Porgere praecipiat, fors et utrumque volet; Quo melius doceat, melius sua fistula cantet, Si doctrinalis pectoris antra riget.
If he bids bring forth cups of thy liquor, O Bacchus, or cups of the liquor of corn, and perhaps takes both; it is that he may teach the better, the better may sing his stave, if he moistens the recesses of his instructive breast.