Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. 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.

Doth juice medicinal proceed

From such a naughty foreign weed?

Then what ’s the power

Of Jesse’s flower?

Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

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.

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.

The smoke like burning incense towers;

So should a praying heart of yours

With ardent cries

Surmount the skies:

Thus think, and smoke tobacco.