Many things lie between the cup and the lip's edge

Explanation

proverb said for the following reason. Ancaeus son of Poseidon, planting a vineyard, was being harsh with his servants. One of them said that the master would never taste the fruit. When the fruit was at last ready, Ancaeus rejoiced and feasted, and ordered the servant to mix him a cup. As he was about to bring the cup to his mouth, the servant reminded him of his words; and Ancaeus uttered the verse quoted. While they were still talking, a servant came in saying that a huge boar was ravaging the vineyard. Ancaeus, throwing aside the drink, set out against the boar, was struck by him, and died. Whence the proverb. Dionysius says it is said from the calamity of Antinous, who courted Penelope: for as he was lifting the cup he died, shot by Odysseus.