I thought it was high time, now or never, before the light was put out, to break the spell in which I had so long been bound.

But he was a youth of indomitable spirit, strong and agile as a wild cat.

And, tho' his guts ware lank and toom, / They're twice as big's this gay big room.

After a trumpet had given the starting sign each banqueteer tried to empty his jug as fast as possible, which must have been quite a feat, since a jug contained about three liters of wine!