OAK-TREE. 89 



sons of the neighbouring farmers, who rented under him, 

 were proud to wear the squire's livery. 



Another race succeeded, who began to move quickly 

 through the world : they caused the making of good roads, 

 and galloped on them, getting over distances that would 

 have taken a week to traverse during Squire Eoachle/s 

 time, in rather more than a long summer day and half the 

 night. 



Next in order of succession came another race, with the 

 propelling instinct strong within them. Hear you not a 

 mighty rush, and a loud scream ? Look narrowly, or else 

 in one moment you will lose the sight. Here it comes, a 

 huge, panting, fearful-looking monster a thing of flame 

 and smoke an embodying of man's unquiet yearnings, 

 having winged iron feet and glaring eyes, and seeming 

 to send forth sparks of fire from its nostrils : a symbol, 

 methinks, of the hurrying and unquietness of the days 

 wherein I begin to fail. 



Yet still my branches breast the storms of winter, and 



