206 ©ah. 
Oak.... Nobility. 
The form of the Oak tree, when grown fairly and 
naturally, is a perfect emblem of its qualities, so firm 
set, so massive, and strong. You may always know it 
instantly, whether as a wintry skeleton form, bare, and 
gnarled, and angular, or in its summer garb of rich 
and finely massed foliage, always the monarch of the 
woods. 
True is, that whilome that good poet said, 
The gentle mind by gentle deeds is known, 
For man by nothing is so well bewrayed 
As by his manners, in which plain is shown 
Of what degree and what race he is grown. 
Spenser. 
How vain are all hereditary honours, 
Those poor possessions from another’s deeds, 
Unless our own just virtues form our title, 
And give a sanction to our fond assumption! 
Shirley. 
Whoe’er amidst the sons 
Of reason, valour, liberty, and virtue, 
Displays distinguished merit, is a noble 
Of nature’s own creating. Such have risen, 
Sprung from the dust; or where had been our honours ? 
Thomson. 
