LEGENDS OF FIR AND PINE TREES 187 



day rush and turmoil, into the secluded paths of 

 garden fact and fantasy. 



It is good surely to spare some time for these 

 fairy tales of Nature, relics of a time when the world 

 was younger and more trusting, an idea brought out 

 very beautifully by a writer who calls himself " A 

 Pilgrim in Fairyland " in a poem entitled: 



THE SECRET OF THE PINE-TREES 



" I was dreaming on a woodland hill, 



And as I lay listening very still 

 An angel vision came to me 



Of the first beginning of every tree. 

 And this is what I heard and saw 



Through the fairy mind — the Open Door. 



" Long ago in the first earth day 



When the trees were young and full of play, 

 Just fresh new-born from God's great heart, 



To live their life and take a part 

 In that wise, loving, mysterious plan 



Which was crowned by our creation — Man. 

 The trees, I tell you, were full of play 



In this glad youth-time of their day; 

 They sang and swung in child-like glee. 



Waving their branches strong and free. 

 Then suddenly they were silent and still; 



A hush was over each valley and hill. 

 For He, the Creator, God, drew near, 



Wanting to speak to His children dear. 

 His children of Green Earth glad and gay, 



Where fear was not, and where fairies play. 

 Then He called to the seasons He had made 



To come and show themselves displayed, 

 So that the trees and flowers would know 



What change they had to undergo. 

 First came Spring, just dancing down. 



Clad in yellow cowslip and bluebell gown; 



