The Origin of Tobacco.
The following is the Arabian belief as to tbe origin of tobacco :—: —
The Prophet Mohammed was taking a stroll in tbe country when he saw a serpent, ttiff and cold, lying on the ground. He compassionately -took it up and 'warmed it in his bosom, When the serpent had recovered, it said ;
"Divine Prophet, listen. lam going to bite thee." " Why, pray ? " inquired Mohammed. " Because thy race persecutes mine and tries to stamp it out." *' But dots not thy' race, too, make perpetual WAT tuwinafc mina?" wM the PrODhct'l ft.
joinder. ** How canst thou, beside, be so an* grateful, and so soon forget that I saved thy life?" 11 Tharo t« no sticK tbiugas gratitude apou this earth," replied the. serpent ; " and if I were to spare the?, either thou or another of thy rice would kill me. By Allah, I shall bite tb.ee!" 11 If thou hast sworn by Allah I will not cause thee to break thy vow," said the Prophet, holding his hand to the serpent's mouth. The t serpent; bit him, but he sucked tha wound with his lips and spat the venom on tha ground. And on that very spot there sprang up a plant which combine! within itself the venom of the serpent and the compassion of the Prophet. Men cull this plant by .the name of tobacco,
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW18960709.2.241.6
Bibliographic details
Otago Witness, Issue 2210, 9 July 1896, Page 52
Word Count
228The Origin of Tobacco. Otago Witness, Issue 2210, 9 July 1896, Page 52
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