Wine Mingled with Myrrh
(Mark xv. 23). Called by the Romans Murrhina (vinum myrrha conditum), given to malefactors to intoxicate them, that their sufferings from crucifixion might be somewhat deadened.
“ `Falernum' (that divina potio) was flavoured with myrrh.”
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894