THE ELM AND THE VINE 



' ' Uphold my feeble branches 



By thy strong arms, I pray ' — 

 Thus to the Elm her neighbor 



The Vine was heard to say — 

 'Else, lying low and helpless, 



A wretched lot is mine. 

 Crawled o'er by every reptile. 



And browsed by hungry kine.'' 

 The Elm was moved to pity ; 



Then spoke the generous tree: 

 'My hapless friend, come hither. 



And find support in me.' 

 The kindly Elm, receiving 



The grateful Vine's embrace. 

 Became, with that adornment. 



The garden's pyride and grace ; 

 Became the chosen covert 



hi which the wild-birds sijig ; 

 Became the love of shepherds. 



And glory of the spring." 



Bryant. 



