118 TOBACCO IN EUROPE. 



smoking, yet I would advise you, Madam, not to part 

 with so innocent a diversion. In the first place it is 

 healthful ; and as Galen rightly observes is a sovereign 

 remedy for the toothache, the constant persecutor of 

 old ladies. Secondly, tobacco, though it be an heathen- 

 ish word, it is a great help to Christian meditations ; 

 which is the reason I suppose, that recommends it to 

 your parsons, the generality of whom can no more 

 write a sermon without a pipe in their mouths, than a 

 concordance in their hands ; besides, every pipe you 

 break, may serve to put you in mind upon what 

 slender accidents man's life depends. I knew a dis- 

 senting minister who on fast-days used to mortify upon 

 a rump of beef, because it put him, as he said, in mind 

 that all flesh was grass ; but I am sure much more is 

 to be learnt from tobacco. It may instruct you that 

 riches, beauty, and all the glories of the world, vanish 

 like a vapour. Thirdly, it is a pretty plaything. 

 Fourthly, and lastly, it is fashionable, at least 'tis in a 

 fair way of becoming so." 



"Walton and Cotton at this period enjoyed " a quiet 

 pipe " on the banks of the Dove, in the lovely county 

 of Derbyshire. Both have recorded it in their im- 

 mortal Angler. There is a strong sense of enjoy- 

 ment after their " light supper," when Piscator (Cotton 

 himself) says to his attendants, " Come, take away, and 

 bring us some pipes and a bottle of ale." And then 

 addressing his guest Viator, asks, " Are you for this 

 diet, sir ? " to which he replies, "Yes, sir, I am for one 

 pipe of tobacco ; and I perceive yours is very good by 



