Publication: Melbourne Herald
Date: 13 November 1931
O evil ancient, whose bland brow gives sign Of none of that smoke-blackened vice within. Whose venerable face and air benign Cloaks from a trusting world your hideous sin; Men call you kindly, simple, free of guile, Content; but well I know you play a part, Sucking so calmly at that briar vile, To draw depravity to your black heart. You seem so mild, so peaceful, sitting there, Mellowed by wisdom, sanctified by truth, With gaze benevolent and snow-white hair. You hoary hypocrite, youve smoked since youth! Smoked daily, heaping sin on reeking sin, Whiskered, iniquity, beware, beware! When your volcanic vice has done you in, And you go hence, youll still be smoking, there.