TAPESTRY TREES.

I am the Roof-tree and the Keel; I bridge the seas for woe and weal.

High o'er the lordly oak I stand, And drive him on from land to land.

I heft my brother's iron bane; I shaft the spear, and build the wain.

Dark down the windy dale I grow, The father of the fateful Bow.

The war-shaft and the milking-bowl I make, and keep the hay-wain whole.

The King I bless; the lamps I trim; In my warm wave do fishes swim.

I bowed my head to Adam's will; The cups of toiling men I fill.

I draw the blood from out the earth; I store the sun for winter mirth.

Amidst the greenness of my night, My odorous lamps hang round and bright.

I who am little among trees In honey-making mate the bees.

Love's lack hath dyed my berries red: For Love's attire my leaves are shed.

High o'er the mead-flowers' hidden feet I bear aloft my burden sweet.

Look on my leafy boughs, the Crown Of living song and dead renown!