136 THE OAK AND THE BROOM 



Down from yon cliff a fragment broke ! 

 It thundered down with fire and smoke, 



And hitherward pursued its way! 

 This ponderous block was caught by me ; 

 And o'er your head, as you may see, 



'Tis hanging to this day. 40 



If breeze or bird to this rough steep 



Your kind's first seed did bear, 

 The breeze had better been asleep, 



The bird caught in a snare ; 

 For you and your green twigs decoy 

 The little witless shepherd-boy 



To come and slumber in your bower, 

 And, trust me, on some sultry noon 

 Both you and he Heaven knows how soon! 



Will perish in one hour. so 



From me this friendly warning take ' 



The Broom began to doze, 

 And thus (to keep herself awake) 



Did gently interpose: 

 * My thanks for your discourse are due ; 

 That it is true, and more than true, 



I know ; and I have known it long. 

 Frail is the bond by which we hold 

 Our being, whether young, or old, 



Wise, foolish, weak, or strong. o 



Disasters, do the best we can, 



Will reach both great and small; 

 And he is oft the wisest man 



Who is not wise at all ! 



