There happened to be a store of casserie in the house; probably the women had been busy for some days past in making it, little thinking that it was destined to be prematurely consumed.

A large jarful was produced; Runi politely quaffed the first cup; I followed; then the others; and the women drank also, a woman taking about one cupful to a man's three.
Runi and I, however, drank the most, for we had our positions as the two principal personages there to maintain.

Tongues were loosened now; for the alcohol, small as the quantity contained in this mild liquor is, had begun to tell on our brains.

I had not their pottle-shaped stomach, made to hold unlimited quantities of meat and drink; but I was determined on this most important occasion not to deserve my host's contempt--to be compared, perhaps, to the small bird that delicately picks up six drops of water in its bill and is satisfied.

I would measure my strength against his, and if necessary drink myself into a state of insensibility.
At last I was scarcely able to stand on my legs.