Ours is a world of toxins and vices -- be it nicotine or heroin, alcohol or cocaine. Societies have followed a very telling pattern of taking away any substance that might alter the mind of its citizens. On October 7, 1910, a substance by the name of absinthe was banned (Switzerland had rid itself of this "evil" two years earlier). Both Rimbaud and Verlaine were well acquainted with the substance, which seemed to be en vogue with the Parissian artists of this time period. Baudelaire, Manet, Wilde, Dowson, Degas, Lautrec, Van Gogh, Monticelli, and Gauguin were all too familiar with the "green fairy", some just experimenting, others completely immersed in her pleasures. Perhaps the most deferring and equally arousing attribute of absinthe is its strength.  The controversies surrounding the health conditions of absinthe abusers, along with public outcry and fear have made the drink mostly illegal. It's more than addictive, producing delirium and irrational behavior when misused. Rimbaud used it for his work, as did many of the aforementioned artists. Verlaine was one that abused it, and it eventually led to his early demise. His addiction and love of absinthe was the source of his sorrow, and naturally therefore the subject of many of his works. Said Verlaine: For me, my glory is but an "humble ephemeral absinthe" drunk on the sly, with fear of treason and if I drink no longer, it is for good reason!"