284 SNUFF AND SNUFF-BOXES. 



which has never been printed. It was written about 

 1788 by the Eev. William King of Mallow, and my 

 extracts were made from a copy in the possession of 

 Crofton Croker. The author notes his own habits 

 freely ; and in so doing, gives us a true insight of the 

 philosophy of snuff- taking. He says : — 



1 ' before I budge an inch. 



I hail Aurora with a pinch ; 



After three cups of morning tea 



A pinch most grateful is to me ; 



If then by chance the post arrive, 



My fingers still the deeper dive. 



When gallant Nelson gains his point, 



I sink in deep to middle joint ; 



And soon as e'er the work he clinches, 



Oh, then I take the pinch of pinches ! 



But if our heroes chance to fail, 



I seldom go beyond the nail. 



If I on ancient classics pore, 



Or turn their learned pages o'er, 



I take a pinch at every pause, 



A tribute of my just applause. 



Whenever I dip in page historic, 



Or pass an hour in wit with Yorick, 



I relish more each paragraph 



If season'd with a pinch and laugh. 



Or if discussing subjects curious, 



I revel in a pinch luxurious ; 



E'en joyous friends and claret rosy 



Insipid are sans pinches cosy. 



Whate'er I do, where'er I be, 



My social box attends on me ; 



It warms my nose in winter's snow, 



Refreshes midst midsummer's glow; 



Of hunger sharp it blunts the edge, 



And softens grief as some alledge. 



Thus, eased of care or any stir, 



I broach my freshest canister ; 



And freed from trouble, grief, or panic, 



I pinch away in snuff balsamic. 



For rich or poor, in peace or strife, 



It smooths the rugged path of life." 



