ASP. 103 



surface above, causes that perpetual motion 

 and quivering, even when we cannot perceive 

 by other means the least breath of air stirring 

 in the atmosphere. This trepidation is at- 

 tended of course with a rustling noise, on 

 which account country people often call it 

 Rattler. Ignorance, which has ever been more 

 attached to superstition than to philosophical 

 reasoning, accounts for this phenomenon, 

 from a notion that our Saviour's cross was 

 made of this tree, and that therefore the leaves 

 can never rest. 



The plaintive lines of a fair and unfortunate 

 poetess almost give the idea of her joining in 

 the superstition of the Highlanders : 



" Why tremble so, broad aspen-tree ? 



Why shake thy leaves, ne'er ceasing ? 

 At rest thou never seem'st to be ! 



For when the air is still and clear, 

 Or when the nipping gale, increasing, 



Shakes from thy boughs soft twilight's tear, 

 Thou tremblest still, broad aspen-tree, 

 And never tranquil seem'st to be. 



" Beneath thy shade, at sultry noon, 



I oft have sat, deep musing ; 

 And oft have watch'd the rising moon 



Above the dusky summit shine, 

 A placid light diffusing ! 



Though all around a calm divine 

 The rest of nature seem'd to be, 

 Still didst thou tremble, aspen-tree !" 



H 4 



