have been considerable
fluctuation between 1604 and 1615--while in September 1621 the duty
stood at 9d. Through James's reign much dissatisfaction was expressed
about the importation of Spanish tobacco, and the outcome of this may
probably be seen in the proclamations issued by the King in his last
two years forbidding "the importation, buying, or selling tobacco
which was not of the proper growth of the colonies of Virginia and the
Somers Islands." These proclamations were several times confirmed by
Charles I, the latest being on January 8, 1631; but they do not seem
to have had much effect.

Hayne's "Diary" contains one or two entries relating to smokers'
requisites. In September 1639 he spent 2d. on a new spring to his
"Tobacka tonges." These were the tongs used for lifting a live coal to
light the pipe, to which I have referred on a previous page. On the
last day of 1640 Hayne paid "Mr. Drakes man" 1s. 5d. for "6 doz:
Tobacka-pipes."

From the various entries in the "Diary" relating to the purchase of
tobacco, it seems clear that there was no shop in Exeter devoted
specially or exclusively to the sale of the weed. Hayne bought his
supplies from four of the leading goldsmiths of the city, who can be
identified by the fact that he had dealings with them in their own
special wares, also from two drapers, one grocer, and four other
tradesmen (on a single occasion each) whose particular occupations are
unknown.

But to turn from this worthy Exeter citizen to more famous names: I do
not know of any good evidence as to whether or not Cromwell smoked,
although he is said to have taken an occasional pipe while considering
the offer of the crown, but John Milton certainly did. The account of
how the blind poet passed his days, after his retirement from public
office, was first told by his contemporary Richardson, and has since
been repeated by all his biographers. His placid day ended early. The
poet took his frugal supper at eight o'clock, and at nine, having
smoked a pipe and drunk a glass of water, he went to bed. Apparently
this modest allowance of a daily evening pipe was the extent of
Milton's indulgence in tobacco. He knew nothing of what most smokers
regard as the best pipe of the day--the after-breakfast pipe.

It is somewhat singular that the Puritans, who denounced most
amusements and pleasures, and who frowned upon most of the occupations
or diversions that make for gaiety and the enjoyment of life, did not,