A RACY POEM. 107 



then more constant than now, and its use was common in 

 almost all places of public gathering. It was the custom to 

 smoke in theatres ; stools being provided for those who paid 

 for their use and the privilege of smoking on the stage. 

 Tobacco was also sold at some of the play-houses, and proved 

 a source of profit, doubtless, beyond even the representation 

 of the plays. We should infer also from some of the early 

 stage plays, that the "players" used the weed even when 

 acting their parts. Ro/wlands gives the following poem on 

 tobacco in his " Knave of Clubs," 1611 : 



" Who durst dispraise tobacco whilst the smoke is in my nose, 



Or say, but fah ! my pipe doth smell, I would I knew but those 



Durst offer such indignity to that which I prefer. 



For all the brood of blackamoors will swear I do not err, 



In taking this same worthy whif with valiant cavalier, 



But that will make his nostrils smoke, at cupps of wine or beer. 



When as my purse can not afford my stomach flesh or fish, 



I sop with smoke, and feed as well and fat as one can wish. 



Come into any company, though not a cross you have, 



Yet offer them tobacco, and their liquor you shall have. 



They say old hospitalitie kept chimnies smoking still ; 



Now what your chimnies want of that, our smoking noses will. 



Much vituals serves for gluttony, to fatten men like swine, 



But he's a frugal man indeed that with a leaf can dine, 



And needs no napkins for his hands, his fingers' ends to wipe, 



But keeps his kitchen in a box, and roast meat in a pipe. 



This is the way to help down years, a meal a day's enough : 



Take out tobacco for the rest, by pipe, or else by snuff, 



And you shall find it physical ; a corpulent, fat man, 



Within a year shall shrink so small that one his guts shall span. 



It's full of physic's rare effects, it worketh sundry ways, 



The leaf green, dried, steept, burnt to dust, have each their several praise, 



It makes some sober that are drunk, some drunk of sober sense, 



And all the moisture hurts the brain, it fetches smoking thence. 



All the four elements unite -when you tobacco take. 



For earth and water, air and fire, do a conjunction make. 



The pipe is earth, the fire's therein, the air the breathing smoke ; 



Good liquor must be present too, for fear I chance to choke. 



Here, gentlemen, a health to all, 'Tis passing good and strong. 



I would speak more, but for the pipe I cannot stay so long. 



In 1602 appeared a sweeping tirade entitled, " Work for 

 Chimney Sweepers, or a Warning against Tobacconists." It 



