On Giving Up Smoking

But O! the freedom, pleasure and the ease
That I sustained, when this foul disease
I had shook off! It was a kind of life
From death's confines, an end of fearful strife
Betwixt my soul and body. Civil wars
In this respect were ended; locks and bars
That kept my prisoned soul were then broke ope.
My mind was pleasant, sprightly, full of hope:
I had no shame (as I had had before)
Because my neighbours saw me out of door
Defiling of the wholesome, precious air
With foreign fumes; nor did I greatly fear
That anyone should justly at me scoff,
When this defiling branch was lopped off.

I now could rise in quiet from my bed
And feel no scorched throat nor aching head;
My mouth was moist, my lungs could not send forth
As heretofore a noisome, stinking breath.
I could perform my duties to my God,
Or go about my business well abroad,
And naught to hinder ...