GR translation: mulled with the hammers of Hell

[Bekah]

to "mull" something is to heat it up and add some spice -  mulling wine, brandy or bourbon is very common - 

mulled bourbon: 
http://www.cocktaildb.com/recipe_detail?id=1556
"Traditionally, the mixture is heated by dipping a red hot iron poker into it."

Bek


On Jun 5, 2012, at 9:56 AM, kelber at mindspring.com wrote:

> It got the sweetness pounded into it; a roundabout way of saying that the potion is hot, not sweet.
> 
> Laura
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Mike Jing <gravitys.rainbow.cn at gmail.com>
>> Sent: Jun 5, 2012 4:57 AM
>> To: Pynchon Mailing List <pynchon-l at waste.org>
>> Subject: GR translation: mulled with the hammers of Hell
>> 
>> P193.27-35
>> The Ballad Of Tantivy Mucker-Maffick
>> Oh Italian gin is a mother’s curse,
>> And the beer of France is septic,
>> Drinking Bourbon in Spain is the lonely domain
>> Of the saint and the epileptic.
>> White lightning has fueled up many a hearse
>> In the mountains where ridge-runners dwell—
>> It’s a brew begot in a poison pot,
>> And mulled with the hammers of Hell!
>> 
>> What does "mull" mean here?  I found this:
>> 
>> to heat, sweeten, and flavor with spices for drinking, as ale or wine.
>> 
>> Is that it?
>