NATURE STUDY MADE EASY 57 



The Oak Tree 



The oak tree was an acorn once, 



And fell upon the earth ; 

 And sun and showers nourished it, 



And gave the oak tree birth. 



The little sprouting oak tree ! 



Two leaves it had at first. 

 Till sun and showers had nourished it, 



Then out the branches burst. 



The little sapling oak tree ! 



Its root was a tiny thread, 

 Till the kindly earth had nourished it, 



Then out it freely spread. 



On this side and on that side, 



It grappled with the ground, 

 And in the ancient, rifted rock 



Its firmest footing found. 



Then sing for the oak tree, 



The monarch of the wood ; 

 Sing for the oak tree, 



That groweth green and good ; 



That groweth broad and branching 



Within the forest shade; 

 That groweth now, and yet shall grow 



When we are lowly laid. 



MARY HOWITT. 



