A FAMOUS COUPLET 205 



THE MAJESTY OF TREES 



BY WASHINGTON IRVING 



THERE is a serene and settled majesty in wood- 

 land scenery that enters into the soul, and delights 

 and elevates it, and fills it with noble inclinations. 

 As the leaves of trees are said to absorb all noxious 

 qualities of the air and to breathe forth a purer 

 atmosphere, so it seems to me as if they drew from 

 us all sordid and angry passions, and breathed forth 

 peace and philanthropy. 



There is something nobly simple and pure in a 

 taste for the cultivation of forest trees. It argues 

 I think, a sweet and generous nature to have this 

 strong relish for the beauties of vegetation, and 

 this friendship for the hardy and glorious sons of the 

 forest. There is a grandeur of thought connected 

 with this part of rural economy. It is, if I may be 

 allowed the figure, the heroic line of husbandry. It 

 is worthy of liberal, and free-born, and aspiring men. 

 He who plants an oak, looks forward to future ages, 

 and plants for posterity. Nothing can be less selfish 

 than this. 



A FAMOUS COUPLET 



BY ALEXANDER POPE 



'Tis education forms the common mind; 

 Just as the twig is bent the tree's inclined. 



