TOBACCO LEAVES 



THE MEERSCHAUM 



WHEN the Sea-god bold, 

 In the days of old, 



Would reward his mermen brave, 

 He'd fashion a pipe 

 In his mighty gripe 



From the foam of a silver wave. 



'Twas a talisman sure 

 'Gainst the spirits impure 



That in ocean's depth do cower; 

 Nor the siren's song, 

 Nor the whirlpool strong, 



Could prevail o'er the meerschaum's 

 power ! 



Though the Sea-god's sway 

 Has passed away 



The spell doth still remain; 

 And the pipe's sweet breath 

 Carries woe and death 



To the Spirits, Care and Pain. 



90 



