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The horse and mule live thirty years And never know of…

“The horse and mule live thirty years And never know of wine and beers. The goat and sheep at twenty die Without a taste of scotch or rye. The cow drinks water by the ton And at eighteen is mostly done. The dog at fifteen cashes in Without the aid of rum or gin. The modest, sober, bone-dry hen Lays…” quote by Charles Gavan Duffy
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“The horse and mule live thirty years And never know of wine and beers. The goat and sheep at twenty die Without a taste of scotch or rye. The cow drinks water by the ton And at eighteen is mostly done. The dog at fifteen cashes in Without the aid of rum or gin. The modest, sober, bone-dry hen Lays eggs for noggs and dies at ten. But sinful, ginful, rum-soaked men Survive three-score years and ten. And some of us, though mighty few Stay pickled 'til we're ninety-two.”

Charles Gavan Duffy

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Animals live modest lives without alcohol, while humans indulge and often live longer, highlighting a paradox of moderation versus excess.

In simple terms: Animals live modestly; humans indulge.

Key Takeaway

Balance indulgence with healthy habits.

Themes

health moderation human behavior

Mood

thoughtful cautionary

Type

Aids:0 Alcohol:1 Beer:0 Bones:0 Cash:0 Cows:0 Dies:0 Dog:0 Done:0 Drink:0 Drink water:0 Dry:0 Eggs:0 Eighteen:0 Fifteen:0 Gin:0 Goats:0 Hens:0 Horse:0 Knows:0 Lays:0 Men:0 Modest:0 Mules:0 Ninety:0 Rum:0 Score:0 Scotch:0 Sheep:0 Sober:0 Taste:0 Ten:0 Thirty:0 Thirty years:0 Three:0 Twenties:0 Two:0 Water:0 Wine:0 Years:0 Know Wine:0 Sheep Die:0 Cow Drinks:0 Beers Goat:0 Rum Soaked:0

When to use this quote

  • diet planning
  • public health policy

Key Concepts

biology lifestyle choices

Questions to Reflect On

  • What role does moderation play in longevity?
  • How does culture influence consumption?
A Different Perspective

Excess can lead to health issues.

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