His storied presence may well belong,

As a Lombardy poplar, lithe and hoar,

Stands at a Monmouth farmer’s door,

Set like a spire against the sky,

Marking the hours, while lover and maid

Linger long in its stately shade,

And round its summit the swallows fly.

II.

1.

Nature a devious by-way finds: solve me her secret whim,