Clouds
Mortals say their heart is light
When the clouds around disperse;
Clouds to gather, thick as night,
Is the smoker’s universe.
In Favor of Tobacco
From the German of Bauernfeld.
Much victuals serves for gluttony
To fatten men like swine;
But he’s a frugal man indeed
That with a leaf can dine,
And needs no napkin for his hands,
His fingers’ ends to wipe,
But keeps his kitchen in a box,
And roast meat in a pipe.
SAMUEL ROWLANDS: Knave of Clubs (1611).