Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. 1904.
Poems of Sentiment: II. LifeSmoking Spiritualized
Ralph Erskine (16851752)W
So was the plant of great renown,
Which Mercy sends
For nobler ends.
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.
From such a naughty foreign weed?
Then what ’s the power
Of Jesse’s flower?
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.
And by the mouth of faith conveys
What virtue flows
From Sharon’s rose:
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.
Your pains in outward means are so,
Till heavenly fire
Your heart inspire:
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.
So should a praying heart of yours
With ardent cries
Surmount the skies:
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.