Drunken Deceit

The Gallic preference for Gazan wine is clear in this seemingly amiable exchange in A.D. 584 between the Frankish monk Claudius and king Chilperic's ex-treasurer, Eberulf:

"...'I should delight to drain a cup at your lodging, if the wine was mixed with spice, or if your mightiness would ask for a draught of stronger wine for me.' Eberulf was overjoyed at these words, and answered that he had what was desired. And he sent his servants, one after the other to get stronger wines, those of Latium and those of Gaza." (Gregory of Tours, History of the Franks VII.29)

While those servants were out of the way, however, Claudius tried to murder Eberulf, only to be speared to death himself just minutes later by the latter's followers. Such was the outcome of these Christian pleasantries....