He was an old man then, and had lived with every ounce of energy that was in him.

The stimulants were resumed, and he grew somewhat better.

This naturally brings us to the question of Paine as an excessive drinker.

Of course people said he was; but then people said he was a great many things that he was not.

When his enemies grew tired of the monotony of crying "Tom Paine, the infidel," they cried "Tom Paine, the drunkard" instead.
Which recalls a story which is an old one but too applicable not to be quoted here.
It is said that some official--and officious--mischief-maker once came to Lincoln with the report that one of the greatest and most distinguished of Federal generals was in the habit of drinking too much.
"Indeed ?" said Lincoln drily.