Notes and Queries for Worcestershire

“Meditation on Smoking

The pipe, so lily-like and weak,
Does thus the mortal state bespeak:
  Thou art even such,
  Gone with a touch!
Thus think, and smoke Tobacco.

And when the smoke ascends on high,
Then thou behold’st the vani-ty
  Of worldly stuff—
  Gone with a puff!
Thus think, and smoke Tobacco.

In vain th’ unlighted pipe you blow,
Your pains in outward means are so,
  Till heavenly fire
  Your heart inspire;—
Thus think, and smoke Tobacco.

And when the pipe grows foul within
Think on thy soul defiled with sin;
  For then the fire
  It does require;—
Thus think, and smoke Tobacco.

And see’st the ashes cast away,
Then to thyself thou mayest say—
  That to the dust
  Return thou must!—
Thus think, and smoke Tobacco.”