OAK-TREE. 75 



suffered shipwreck more than once, and fought on battle 

 fields; and when he at length returned to his native country, 

 a weary and war-worn man, few remained to welcome him. 

 It is recorded that he sat down on the wayside, one day, 

 sorely depressed and weary, taking counsel with himself 

 concerning the best course he could pursue. At one 

 moment he half inclined to recommence the wandering 

 life which he had hitherto led, because of his lonely con- 

 dition ; at another, he looked over the smiling valley, where 

 he had played in childhood, and thought that he should 

 like to rest among his kindred. Thus thinking, he re- 

 solved to erect a small hut, in a wild spot, where he used 

 to gather nuts with his young companions, and where 

 gushed forth one of those impetuous torrents that water 

 Italy, and render her country fruitful. 



The place was beautiful, yet lonely. A noble tree shaded 

 the dwelling of the recluse, and birds resorted thither at 

 all seasons. The punctual nightingale came there, singing 

 when all else were still, and migratory birds, with such as 



