220 ,UNION OF OAK AND BEECH. 



he was a great admirer of forest scenery and beau- 

 tiful trees. He tells us 



Here waving groves a chequer'd scene display, 

 And part admit and part exclude the day ; 

 There interspers'd in lawns and opening glades, 

 Thin trees arise that shun each other's shades. 



He speaks of " thy trees, fair Windsor," and of 

 the happiness of him 



Who to these shades retires, 

 Whom nature charms, and whom the muse inspires. 



And concludes with the following charming des- 

 cription of his own feelings in these forestal 

 haunts. 



My humble muse, in unambitious strains, 

 Paints the green forest and the flow'ry plains,* 

 Where Peace descending bids her olives spring, 

 And scatters blessings from her dove-like wing ; 

 v *'n I more sweetly pass my careless days, 

 pieas'd in the silent shade with empty praise;"] 

 Enough for me, that to the list'ning swains 

 First in these shades I sung the sylvan strains. 



It is impossible to pass along the drives in this 

 part of the forest, without being struck with the 

 many specimens of fine old oaks and beeches grow- 

 ing into each other, so as almost to appear as one 

 tree, thus reminding me of the following lines 



See the tall oak his spreading arms entwines, 

 And with the beech a mutual shade combines. 



* Before the enclosure of the forest, the adjoining plains were 

 covered with the beautiful purple flowers of the heath. Patches 

 of it may still be seen. 



