

71 



are said to be in the same state as they were when first made 

 for the Duchess ; two plants of Tr achy carpus (Chamaerops) 

 excelsa, a fan leafed palm, growing here, were planted out of 

 six inch flower pots in 1894, and are now 9 feet high, and 

 9 feet in diameter. This palm is hardier than most people 

 imagine a little dry bracken packed in the crowns in severe 

 weather is all the protection that is given here. 



A slab of granite fixed to an old tree close by contains 

 the following lines written by Fanny Kemble during two 

 visits to Belvoir. 



March 26th, 1842. 



" Farewell, fair Castle, on thy lordly hill, 

 Firm be thy seat, and proud thy station still : 

 Soft rise the breezes from the vale below ! 

 Bright be the clouds that wander o'er thy brow, 

 O'er the fair lands that form thy broad domain, 

 Short be the winter, long the summers reign. 

 Pilgrim of pleasure to thy stately towers, 

 Fain would I leave among the friendly bowers 

 Some votive offering and, ere on my way, 

 With many a backward glance, I turn to stray. 

 Bid virtue, strength and honour crown thy walls, 

 Joy, love and peace abide within thy halls : 

 While grateful mirth and noble courtesy, 

 As now, for ever hold their seat in thee : 

 And still upon thy lordly turrets rest 

 The grateful blessing of each parting guest. 



