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; 
Ho 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. 
I love to view these things with curious eyes, 
And moralize: 
An ri 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, 
All vain asperities I day by day 
Would wear away, 
Till the smooth temper of my age should be 
Like the high leaves upon the Holly Tree. 
