118 DROPS FROM FLORA’S CDF. 
TDE OAR OF GUERNICA. 
WORDSWORTH. 
* The ancient oalc of oubrni c a, says Laborde, in his account of Biscay, 
is a most venerable monument. Ferdinand and Isabella, in the year 
1476, after hearing mass in the Church of Santa Maria de la Antigua, 
repaired to this tree, under which they swore to the Biscayans to maintain 
their fueros (privileges). What other interest belongs to it in the minds 
of this people will appear from the following.* 
Oak of Guernica! Tree of holier power 
Than that which in Ilodona did enshrine 
(So faith too fondly deemed) a voice divine 
Heard from the depths of its aerial bower, 
How canst thou flourish at this blighting hour ? 
What hope, what joy can sunshine bring to thee, 
Or the soft breezes from the Atlantic sea, 
The dews of mom, or April's tender shower? 
Stroke merciful and welcome would that be 
Which should extend thy branches on the ground, 
If never more within their shad} 7 round 
Those lofty-minded Lawgivers shall meet, 
Peasant and Lord, in their appointed seat. 
Guardians of Biscay’s ancient liberty. 
