24 NATURE STUDY MADE EASY 



Woodman, Spare that Tree 



Woodman, spare that tree ! 



Touch not a single bough; 

 In youth it sheltered me, 



And I'll protect it now. 

 'Twas my forefather's hand 



That placed it near his cot ; 

 There, woodman, let it stand, 



Thy ax shall harm it not. 



That old familiar tree, 



Whose glory and renown 

 Are spread o'er land and sea 



And wouldst thou hew it down ? 

 Woodman, forbear thy stroke 



Cut not its earth-bound ties; 

 Oh ! spare that aged oak 



Now towering to the skies. 



When but an idle boy, 



I sought its grateful shade. 

 In all their gushing joy 



Here, too, my sisters played. 

 My mother kissed me here, 



My father pressed my hand 

 Forgive this foolish tear, 



But let that old oak stand. 



My heartstrings round thee cling, 

 Close as thy bark, old friend; 



Here shall the wild bird sing, 

 And still thy branches bend. 



