TOBACCO LEAVES 



He could not smoke; he never saw the 



blue 



Clouds curl about his brow in airy rings ; 

 The opiate power " divine tobacco " brings 

 To rest both body and mind he never 



knew; 

 Friend of the weak, the strong man it 



o'erthrew, 

 Who all the pleasure missed that from it 



springs. 

 'Tis said he once a splendid pipe would 



try, 

 A Sultan's gift. He could not learn to 



puff. 



Then Constant for his master lighted it. 

 Choked by a whiff, the Emperor loud did 



cry, 

 " It makes me sick, the abominable 



stuff! 



Only for fools and sluggards it is fit." 

 W. L. SHOEMAKER. 



67 



