120 FLORA AND THALIA. 



THE TOBACCO PLANT. 



How short-lived the struggle for honour or power, 

 Of the brightest rose-bud, or more fragrant flower, 

 Who claim for their form, or their beauty alone, 

 Their right to be placed on the garden throne ; 

 A form without blemish may strike the sight. 

 Or fragrance alone the senses delight ; 

 But I have been prized for my virtues I ween. 

 And was once quite beloved by an English queen ;* 

 No disdain, then^ I fear, nor from beauty a frown, 

 Since the worth of Tobacco was owned by a crown. 

 How can the gay tulip, then, e'er think to claim, 

 From the labour of poets such honour or fame ; 

 Or the poor lowly violet, the offspring of chance, 

 While I am esteemed both in Holland and France ; 

 To visit the nobles I've crossed the Great Line ; 

 I'm prized in all climates, such virtues are mine. 

 Those honours I gain for my perfume alone ; 

 True worth will be valued when beauty has flown. 



* Queen Charlotte, consort of George III. was very partial to 

 snuff. 



..•^' 



