I 



OF FOREST-TREES. 333 



trees, and especially to the Oak, the strength and defence of aU. our en- BOOK IV. 

 joyments, environed as we are by the seas, and martial neighbours, is 

 less to be wondered ; 



Non igitur Dryadae nostrates pectore vano 

 Nec sine consulto coluerunt Numine Quercum ; 

 Non illam Albionis jam turn celebravit honore 

 Stulta superstitio, venturive inscia scecli 

 Angliaci ingentes puto praevidisse triumphos 

 Roboris, imperiumque maris, quod maximus olim 



Carolides vasta victor ditione teneret. couleHj lib. vi. PI. 



Our British Druids, not with vain intent, 

 Or w^ithout Providence, did the Oak frequent; 

 That Albion did that tree so much advance. 

 Nor superstition was, nor ignoi'ance. 

 Those priests divining even then, bespoke 

 Tiie mighty triumphs of the royal Oak : 

 When the sea's empire with like boundless fame. 

 Victorious Charles, the son of Charles, shall claim. 



as we may find the prediction gloriously followed by our ingenious poet, 

 where his Dryad consigns that sacred depositum to this monarch of the 

 forest, the Oak, than which nothing can be more sublime and rapturous ; 

 whilst we must never forget that wonderful Providence which saved this 

 forlorn and persecuted prince, after his defeat at Worcester, under the 

 shelter of this auspicious and hospitable tree ; when 



— All the countries filled 



With enemies' troops, in every house and grove 



His sacred head is at a value held. 



They seek, and near, nov/ very near they move. 



What should they do ? they from the danger take 

 Rash, hasty counsel ; yet, from heav'n inspir'd, 



A spacious Oak he did his palace make, 

 And safely in its hollow womb retir'd. 



The loyal tree its willing boughs inclin'd. 

 Well to receive the climbing royal guest, 



(In trees more pity than in men we find,) 

 And its thick leaves into an arbour press'd. 



A rugged seat of wood became a throne, 

 Th' obsequious boughs his canopy of state : 



With bowing tops the tree its king did own. 

 And silently ador'd him as he sate. 



Volume II. U u 



