Flora's Lexicon/Beech
EECH. Fagus Sylvatica. Class 21, Monœcia. Order: Ponyandria. To admire the beech, is to rebel against high authority; yet who, that is not entirely devoted to pictorial effect, but must admire it? The oak may excel it in dignity, the elm in
beauty, and the ash in gracefulness: still the beech is a noble tree; and in spring, the bright sunny tint of its feathery foliage renders it a most attractive object.
WEDDED LOVE.
I have been wandering in the wood
Where wither’d leaves my path were strewing;
And winds, with ire but half subdued,
Seem’d to a future tempest growing.
Where wither’d leaves my path were strewing;
And winds, with ire but half subdued,
Seem’d to a future tempest growing.
Yet, ’mid these symbols of decay,
My mind was only tuned to gladness:
And why?—It is our wedding day;
What, then, have I to do with sadness?
My mind was only tuned to gladness:
And why?—It is our wedding day;
What, then, have I to do with sadness?
I sat me down beneath a tree,—
That tree, so famed for lover’s ditty,
When he would try by each fond plea
To move his mistress’ soul to pity.
That tree, so famed for lover’s ditty,
When he would try by each fond plea
To move his mistress’ soul to pity.
So smooth the sylvan tablet shone,
So temptingly ’t was spread before me,
I could not choose but trace thereon,
No lover’s, but a matron’s story.
So temptingly ’t was spread before me,
I could not choose but trace thereon,
No lover’s, but a matron’s story.
Yet ne’er did love, when hope and youth
Each minister unto his pleasure,
Feel more of tenderness and truth
Than I, whilst breathing this fond measure.
Each minister unto his pleasure,
Feel more of tenderness and truth
Than I, whilst breathing this fond measure.
Long years ago, and side by side,
We two were at the altar kneeling;
And whilst on earth the knot was tied,
Angels, in heaven, our vows were sealing.
We two were at the altar kneeling;
And whilst on earth the knot was tied,
Angels, in heaven, our vows were sealing.
Anon.