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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SMOKING SPIRITUALIZED by RALPH ERSKINE

First Line: WAS THIS SMALL PLANT FOR THEE CUT DOWN?
Last Line: THUS THINK, AND SMOKE TOBACCO.
Subject(s): LIFE; SMOKING; TOBACCO; PIPES; CIGARS; CIGARETTES;

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 Jesso'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.



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