"THE PIPE"
Because you love the fragrant weed, good friend,
This honest pipe in fellowship we send;
A true companion that has blessed mankind,
'Twill solace bring of peace to heart and mind.
'Tis hewed from wood of purest briar strain,
'Tis earthborn, nursed by sunshine, wind, and rain;
'Tis forest bred, a child of solitude,
And thus to lonely hearts 'tis drink and food.
Fill it, and to your mind it will conjure
Visions of joy to be that long endure.
Fill it, it asks no more than it can hold,
And 'twill repay your faith a thousandfold.
Light it, and when it feels the flaming kiss
'Twill throb and glow, returning bliss for bliss;
Light it, and it will answer to your touch,
No sweetheart's kiss will ere repay so much.
Smoke it, and as the azure wreaths arise,
'Twill soothe as sweet as sweetest lullabys.
Smoke it, and it will bring a strange delight,
A constant joy by daytime or by night.
Smoke it, it asks you but attention's wage,
And, like good wine, 'twill sweeten with old age;
Friends may turn foes and fortune fair may frown,
But pipes are friends that seldom turn us down.
Thus unto you this simple gift we make,
Accept it, and likewise our friendship take;
And when it weaves its aromatic spell,
May it recall those friends who love you well.