306 The Story of The Bronx 



tree whose girth is about twelve feet. Some gentleman who 

 visited the spot seventy years ago was moved to write the 

 following lines : 



"Where gentle Bronx clear winding flows 



The shadowy banks between, 

 Where blossomed bell or wilding rose 



Adorns the brightest green; 

 Memorial of the fallen great, 



The rich and honored line, 

 Stands high in solitary state, 



De Lancey's ancient pine. 



"There once at early dawn arrayed 



The rural sport to lead, 

 The gallant master of the glade, 



Bedecked his eager steed. 

 And once the lightfoot maiden came 



In loveliness divine, 

 To sculptor with the dearest name, 



De Lancey's ancient pine. 



"But now the stranger's foot explores 



De Lancey's wide domain, 

 And scarce one kindred heart restores 



His memory to the plain; 

 And just like one in age alone, 



The last of all his line 

 Bends sadly where the waters moan, 



De Lancey's ancient pine. 



" O ! victim of misguided zeal ! 

 To tell thy former fame 

 Who bids the fretted stone reveal 

 The numbers of thy name? 



