Kirk, late Procter, cigar and snuff warehouse : 101, Fleet Street, London / [William Kirk].

  • Kirk, W. (William)
Date:
[1851]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Kirk, late Procter, cigar and snuff warehouse : 101, Fleet Street, London / [William Kirk]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    can command in his troubles.” Ellen reached the black clay pipe from the corner, and filled it out of the old- fashioned tobacco box—the very same which his grand¬ father had used before him—and Giles took the first few whiffs in silence. He grew calmer as he smoked—his spirits seemed to settle down into a quiet state of resignation, and when he again spoke, it was to say, “ God does all things for the best!” Let those abuse that cheap luxury, a pipe of Tobacco, who never knew the enjoyment it. We would not quarrel with any man on this matter, although we are avowed worshippers of the “ soothing weed.” Dear old pipe! what happy hours hast thou and I spent together —in the still midnight, when the busy world slept, have we kept watch and close communion. We hatched no treason—we did injury to no one; we rested lip on lip with sincere affection, and our loves but grew stronger through this renewal. Thou art a fond mistress, that causes me no jealousy—thy look and welcome are ever the same. I parade not thy beauty before the world, and thou complainest not if I abandon thee for a time. I have ever found thee faithful. Thou hast been my comforter in sorrow; and, when elated with joy, thy old familiar whisperings have soon made me thoughtful. Thou art my wisest and best adviser. There is some¬ thing venerable in thy brown and dim looks: the thoughts of long years are imprinted on thee; the musings of many a midnight are chronicled on thy huge bowl. The faces of dear old friends have passed in long array before us, when we were alone ; we have mingled sighs and smiles together, which the world can never know of. Thou hast endured much for me, my dear old pipe !—thou hast passed through fire and water for my
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