The Planting of the Apple-Tree. "The Planting of the Apple-Tree" has become a favourite for "Arbour Day" exercises. The planting of trees as against their destruction is a vital point in our political and national welfare. William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878). COME, let us plant the apple-tree. Cleave the tough greensward with the spade; There gently lay the roots, and there What plant we in this apple-tree? Boughs where the thrush, with crimson breast, A shadow for the noontide hour, What plant we in this apple-tree? We plant with the apple-tree. What plant we in this apple-tree? And drop, when gentle airs come by, While children come, with cries of glee, And when, above this apple-tree, The winter stars are quivering bright, The winds go howling through the night, Girls, whose eyes o'erflow with mirth, Shall peel its fruit by cottage hearth, And guests in prouder homes shall see, Heaped with the grape of Cintra's vine, And golden orange of the line, The fruit of the apple-tree. The fruitage of this apple-tree, Each year shall give this apple-tree And loosen, when the frost-clouds lower, And time shall waste this apple-tree. What shall the tasks of mercy be, "Who planted this old apple-tree?" Born in the rude but good old times; On planting the apple-tree." WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT. |