Literature and Art 99 



And waved my branches from east to west, 



And many a sweet bird built its nest 



In my leaves of green 



That loved to lean 



In springtime over the daisies' breast ! 



1 ' From the blossoming dells 



Where the violet dwells 



The cattle came with their clanking bells 



And rested under my shadows sweet; 



And the winds that went over the clover and wheat 



Told me all that they knew 



Of -the flowers that grew 



In the beautiful meadows that dreamed at my feet! 



5f # * * # * 



' 'And the lightning 

 Came brightening 

 From far skies, and frightening 

 The wandering birds that were tossed by the breeze 

 And tilted like ships on black, billowy seas ! 

 But they flew to my breast 

 And I rocked them to rest, 



While the trembling vines clustered and clung to 

 my knees ! 



" But how soon," said the Wood, 

 ' ' Fades the memory of good ! 



