286 



SYLVx^N SKETCHES. 



which he supposes to exceed that of every other tree, 

 except, perhaps, the yew. 



^sculus in primis_, qu£e, quantum vertice ad auras 

 ^therias, tantum radice in Tartara tendit. 

 Ergo non hiemes illam, non flabra^ neque imbres 

 Convellunt : immota manet, multosque nepotes, 

 Multa virum volvens durando saecula, vincit ; 

 Turn fortis late ramos et brachia tendens 

 Hue illuc, media ipsa ingentem sustinet umbram." 



Georgic ii. 



" Jove's own tree 



That holds the woods in awful sovereignty. 



Requires a depth of lodging in the ground ; 



And, next the lower skies^ a bed profound. 



High as his topmost boughs to heaven ascend. 



So low his roots to hell's dominion tend. 



Therefore nor winds, nor winter's rage o'erthrows 



His bulky body but unmoved he grows. 



For length of ages lasts his happy reign. 



And lives of mortal men contend in vain : 



Full in the midst of his own strength he stands. 



Stretching his brawny arms, and leafy hands ; 



His shade protects the plains, his head the hills commands." 



Dryden. 



In the Eneid, speaking of the Oak by the name of 

 Quercus, the poet uses the same expression with regard 

 to the depth of its roots : 



^' Ac velut, annoso validam quum robore quercum 

 Alpini Borese nunc hinc nunc flatibus illinc 

 Eruere inter se certant ; it stridor, et alte 

 Consternunt terram concusso stipite frondes : 

 Ipsa haeret scopulis : et quantum vertice ad auras 

 iEtherias, tantum radice in Tartara tendit." 



Book iv. 



