planted by an ornamental tree society.

we have planted it deep in the yielding soil,

hard by the house of prayer;

and the cool air plays through its leafy top,

as it stands in silence there.

it is young like ourselves; but, day by day,

the dews of heaven will fall,—

and the gladsome rays of the summer sun,

that shines for each and all;

and, under their gentle ministry,

it will grow both stout and tall.

then will the roots of the stately tree

have spread both far and wide;

and perchance its branches will overtop

the church that stands beside;

and safe amid its clustering leaves

will summer birds abide.

[76]

and those who, full of youthful life,

about the sapling played,

with sober mien and whitened locks

will stand beneath its shade,

and ponder with a thoughtful brow

on the changes time has made.

the years will roll, with a steady course,

to meet time’s infinite sea;

and the silent waves, in their fearful sweep,

will ingulf both you and me;

but still, like a beacon that tells of the past,

will stand our first elm-tree.