So let me smoke and drink and do good deeds,
And boast the doing like a Pharisee;
Am I not holy if I love the creeds,
Even though my drinking sins choke up the sea?
GEORGE S. PHILLIPS (JANUARY SEARLE): _The Gypsies of the Dane's Dike._
INVOCATION TO TOBACCO.
Weed of the strange flower, weed of the earth,
Killer of dulness, parent of mirth,
Come in the sad hour, come in the gay,
Appear in the night, or in the day,--
Still thou art welcome as June's blooming rose,
Joy of the palate, delight of the nose.
Weed of the green field, weed of the wild,
Fostered in freedom, America's child,
Come in Virginia, come in Havana,
Friend of the universe, sweeter than manna,--
Still thou art welcome, rich, fragrant, and ripe,
Pride of the tube-case, delight of the pipe.
Weed of the savage, weed of each pole,
Comforting, soothing, philosophy's soul,
Come in the snuff-box, come in cigar,
In Strasburgh and King's, come from afar,--
Still thou art welcome, the purest, the best,
Joy of earth's millions, forever carest.
HENRY JAMES MELLEN.
VIRGINIA TOBACCO.
Two maiden dames of sixty-two
Together long had dwelt;
Neither, alas! of love so true
The bitter pang had felt.
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