SONG 189 



mind. The oak, one of the most interesting of all 

 trees, is, in an important sense, absolutely ugly, 

 especially when old age has increased its picturesque 

 attractions. Indeed, if we could always reason 

 correctly on the subjects of our consciousness, we 

 should find that a very small part of that complex 

 quality which we call beauty yields any organic 

 pleasure to the sight. The charm of most of the 

 objects in this category exists only in our imagina- 

 tions. In trees and the general objects of the land- 

 scape we look neither for symmetry nor proportion; 

 the absence of these qualities is, therefore, never 

 disagreeable. It is the nonfulfilment of some 

 expectation, or the apparently imperfect supply 

 of some important want, that offends the sight, 

 as when a conspicuous gap occurs in some finely 

 proportioned work of art. 



SONG 



BY THOMAS LOVE PEACOCK 



FOR the tender beech and the sapling oak, 



That grow by the shadowy rill, 

 You may cut down both at a single stroke, 



You may cut down which you will. 



But this you must know, that as long as they grow, 



Whatever change may be, 

 You can never teach either oak or beech 



To be aught but a greenwood tree. 



