Page:The Anatomy of Tobacco.pdf/137

 had been affixed to the pipe to which the term might be applied. Now it is a point much in dispute among philosophers whether it is better that a pipe should be smooth as to its surface, or, on the other hand, be enriched with carving. And for my part I do pronounce that the only way in which carving is profitable is when the bowl of the pipe is made into the similitude of a human head, especially if the head be of that kind known as a skull, the contemplation of which can not fail to be profitable and agreeable. And if the smoker will but propose to himself that the skull he is smoking is that of a woman, he will, if he think the matter over, be much edified and instructed. And this for two reasons—firstly, that a woman is being turned to some use, which is seldom the case, and when it does occur should be welcomed with joy; and secondly, that by gazing upon this woman's skull he may better learn to despise and abhor the faces of those women who are alive. For let these faces of flesh be as enticing and beautiful as you