Answer to a Reproach for Drunkenness - Caliph Yazid I

Must, then, my failings from the shaft

Of anger ne'er escape ? 

And dost thou storm because I've quaffed

The water of the grape?

That I can thus from wine be driv'n.

Thou surely ne'er canst think — 

Another reason thou hast giv'n

Why I resolve to drink.

T'was sweet the flowing cup to seize,

Tis sweet thy rage to see; 

And first I drink myself to please,

And next, to anger thee.

---

Caliph Yazid I [Yazid ibn Mu'awiya ibn Abi Sufyan] (c. 646 - 683) Syria

Translator not stated

Source: The world's wit and humor: an encyclopedia of the classic wit and humor of all ages and nations

Vol XV, Lionel Strachey (Managing Editor), The Review of reviews company, 1906