The grown-up trees did toss their heads and shout;
And, one and all, they laughed and laughed together,
And, one and all, together did they say:
“Oh, listen! ugly scrub lays claim to beauty!
Who ever heard the like before to-day!”
But Mother Nature frowned at their derision,
Seeing the humble tree with grief downcast;
Her wand she lifted—lo! the slighted claimant
In comeliness all other trees surpassed!
A downy robe the knotted limbs enveloped,