OAK. I am the Roof-tree and the Keel: 

 I bridge the seas for woe and weal. 



FIR. High o'er the lordly oak I stand, 

 And drive him on from land to land. 



ASH. I heft my brother's iron bane; 

 I shaft the spear and build the wain. 



YEW. Dark down the windy dale I grow, 

 The father of the fateful Bow. 



IPLAR. The war shaft and the milking-bowl 

 I make, and keep the hay-wain whole. 



(LIVE. The King I bless; the lamps I trim; 

 In my warm wave do fishes swim. 



L PPLE TREE. I bowed my head to Adam's will; 

 The cups of toiling men I fill.^ 



VINE. 1 draw the blood from out the earth; 

 I store the sun for winter mirth. 



ORANGE TREE. Amidst the greenness of my night 

 My odorous lamps hang round and bright. 



FIG TREE. I who am little among trees 

 In honey-making mate the bees. 



MULBERRY TREE. Love's lack hath dyed my berries red: 

 For Love's attire my leaves are shed. 



PEAR TREE. High o'er the mead-flowers' hidden feet 

 I bear aloft my burden sweet. 



BAY. Look on my leafy boughs, the Crown 

 Of living song and dead renown! 



Witfi'am Morris. 



27 



