WEEPING WILLOW. 
141 
WEEPING WILLOW. 
{Mourning.) 
T HIS tree has ever been regarded as the symbol of 
sorrow, and most appropriately, for not only do 
its pensive-looking branches droop mournfully towards 
the ground, but even very frequently little drops of 
water are to be seen standing, like tears, upon the pen¬ 
dent leaves. In its native East it is often planted over 
graves, and with its sorrowful, afflicted look, forms a 
most appropriate guardian of the departed ones rest. 
“ The famous and admired weeping willow,” says 
Martyn, “ planted by Pope, which has since been felled 
to the ground, came from Spain, inclosing a present for 
Lady Suffolk. Pope was present when the covering was 
taken off; lie observed that the pieces of stick appeared 
as if they had some vegetation, and added, ‘Perhaps 
they may produce something we have not in England. 
Under this idea, he planted it in his garden, and it pro¬ 
duced the willow-tree that has given birth to so many 
others.” 
THE WILLOW. 
BYRON. 
We sat down and wept by the waters 
Of Babel, and thought of the day, 
When our foe, in the hue of his slaughters. 
Made Salem’s high places his prey ; 
And ye, 0 her desolate daughters ! 
Were scattered all weeping away. 
