54 
briefly resume it. The stone pine, though truly 
associated with Italian scenery, is in some degree 
naturalised here, though the specimens we can show' are 
but poor representatives ot' those of southern growth. 
Whether a longer residence amongst us, and due attention 
to soil and situation on the part of the cultivator, might 
do something towards restoring its real nobility of 
character, it remains for time to show; at present, we 
must look to “ Italy alone for the true picturesque 
pine.” 
I should have sought thee in some alpine wild, 
Upon whose snows bright summer never smil’d, 
Cresting the beetling rock, whose dizzy height 
Might put to shame the eagle’s sunward flight; 
And not in fair Italia’s sunny plains, 
Midst fallen palaces and mouldering fanes. 
Ah ! why, self-exil’d from thy hardy race, 
Mak’st thou in such sad haunts thy dwelling-place ? 
Com’st thou to mock at ruin ? Nay thy mien, 
Stately but mournful, suits so well the scene: 
I would not deem that in thy hour of prime 
Thou cam’st to triumph o’er the wrecks of Time. 
