Meaning & Analysis
One should drink wine with moderation and refinement, as a king would, but drink water in large, ample quantities, like a working animal such as an ox.
Insights
Moderation in Luxury, Abundance in Necessity
The proverb serves as a broader guide to life, advocating for moderation in luxuries and pleasures ('wine') while encouraging abundant consumption of essential and healthful things ('water'). It distinguishes between indulgence and necessity.
Duality of Human Nature
It metaphorically contrasts two modes of being: the refined, disciplined self ('king') and the primal, instinct-driven self ('ox'). The proverb advises that wisdom lies in applying the correct approach to different aspects of life.
Aphorism for Health
The saying acts as a practical piece of health advice. It warns against the dangers of excessive alcohol, a potent and potentially harmful substance, while promoting the vital importance of hydration for physical well-being.
Social Hierarchy and Virtue
The proverb reflects a historical understanding of social status and health. A 'king' embodies aristocratic self-control and refined taste, while the 'ox,' a beast of burden, symbolizes the fulfillment of basic, physical needs. It champions the classical virtue of temperance as a sign of nobility.
Resource Management Principle
This maxim offers a timeless principle of resource management applicable beyond beverages. 'Wine' can symbolize any luxury, risk, or potent resource (e.g., wealth, power, information), which should be handled with care. 'Water' represents essential, low-risk necessities (e.g., sleep, basic nutrition, exercise), which should be consumed abundantly.
Psychology of Consumption
Psychologically, the proverb addresses the tension between desire and need. It advocates for conscious self-regulation over impulsive indulgence, suggesting that true mastery (kingship) is demonstrated by controlling one's appetites for pleasure rather than being controlled by them.
Rhetorical Devices
Antithesis
The proverb's structure is built on the direct contrast between 'wine' and 'water' and 'king' and 'ox,' creating a memorable and impactful juxtaposition of concepts.
Simile
The phrases 'like a king' and 'like an ox' use simile to create vivid, easily understood images that prescribe the manner of consumption for each beverage.
Parallelism
The repetitive grammatical structure ('Drink [noun] like a [noun]') creates a balanced, rhythmic quality that makes the proverb easy to recall and recite.
Transcription
Quotations
Boy le vin comme roy, boy l'eau comme taureau. Drinke little wine, and much water; or, drinke wine moderately, water abundantly.
Drink water like an Ox, and wine like a King, viz. Sparingly.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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