Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry.
Volume VI. Fancy. 1904. | | | | Poems of Sentiment: II. Life | | Smoking Spiritualized | | Ralph Erskine (1685–1752) |
| | | WAS this small plant for thee cut down? | |
| So was the plant of great renown, | |
| Which Mercy sends | |
| For nobler ends. | |
| Thus think, and smoke tobacco. | 5 |
| |
| Doth juice medicinal proceed | |
| From such a naughty foreign weed? | |
| Then what ’s the power | |
| Of Jesse’s flower? | |
| Thus think, and smoke tobacco. | 10 |
| |
| The promise, like the pipe, inlays, | |
| And by the mouth of faith conveys | |
| What virtue flows | |
| From Sharon’s rose: | |
| Thus think, and smoke tobacco. | 15 |
| |
| In vain the unlighted pipe you blow— | |
| Your pains in outward means are so, | |
| Till heavenly fire | |
| Your heart inspire: | |
| Thus think, and smoke tobacco. | 20 |
| |
| The smoke like burning incense towers; | |
| So should a praying heart of yours | |
| With ardent cries | |
| Surmount the skies: | |
| Thus think, and smoke tobacco. | 25 | | | |
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