12.
But let us admit, indeed, that he meant what Posidonius says; even so, the conclusion is false,—that secrets are not entrusted to an habitual drunkard.
Think how many soldiers who are not always sober have been entrusted by a general or a captain or a centurion with messages which might not be divulged!
With regard to the notorious plot to murder Gaius Caesar,—I mean the Caesar who conquered Pompey and got control of the state,—Tillius Cimber was trusted with it no less than Gaius Cassius.
Now Cassius throughout his life drank water; while Tillius Cimber was a sot as well as a brawler.
Cimber himself alluded to this fact, saying: “I carry a master?
I cannot carry my liquor!”
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On drunkenness
Location: Chapter 83, Section 12
Content:
12.
But let us admit, indeed, that he meant what Posidonius says; even so, the conclusion is false,—that secrets are not entrusted to an habitual drunkard.
Think how many soldiers who are not always sober have been entrusted by a general or a captain or a centurion with messages which might not be divulged!
With regard to the notorious plot to murder Gaius Caesar,—I mean the Caesar who conquered Pompey and got control of the state,—Tillius Cimber was trusted with it no less than Gaius Cassius.
Now Cassius throughout his life drank water; while Tillius Cimber was a sot as well as a brawler.
Cimber himself alluded to this fact, saying: “I carry a master?
I cannot carry my liquor!”