196 
J^oIIj. 
THE HOLLY TREE. 
Reader ! hast thou ever stood to see 
The Holly tree ? 
The eye that contemplates it well perceives 
Its glossy leaves, 
Ordered by an intelligence so wise 
As might confound the atheist's sophistries. 
Below, a circling fence its leaves are seen, 
Wrinkled and keen ; 
No grazing cattle, through their prickly round 
Can reach to wound ; 
But as they grow where nothing is to fear, 
Smooth and unarmed the pointless leaves appear. 
1 love to view these things with curious eyes 
And moralize ; 
And in this wisdom of the Holly tree 
Can emblems see, 
Wherewith, perchance, to make a pleasant rhyme, 
One which may profit in the after-time. 
Thus, though abroad, perchance I might appear 
Harsh and austere, 
To those who on my leisure would intrude 
Reserved and rude. 
Gentle at home amid my friends I'd be. 
Like the high leaves upon the Holly tree. 
And should my youth, as youth is apt, I know, 
Some harshness show. 
