STORY OF THE POPLAR 



165 



Up went all the branches, pointing to the sky. 



But alas ! when the Poplar held up its 

 branches, down fell the pot of gold. 



Now this noble tree felt very much ashamed, 

 for it was an honest tree. 



" Forgive me, Father Jupiter," it cried, " the 

 thief must have hidden it here while I slept." 



" After this, I shall forever hold up my arms, 

 to show that nothing is hidden in them." 



And true enough, there the Poplar stands ever 

 since, as you see it in the picture. 



