[33]. [Destruction’s arm, etc.] By order from the Dutchy Court of Lancaster, to which the forest of Needwood belongs, the timber is now felling under the direction of an officer of that Court.
[34]. [Huge Swilcar, etc.] Swilcar Oak stands singly upon a beautiful small lawn surrounded with extensive woods,—it is of remarkable size, and supposed to be six hundred years old.
[35]. [Accursed Julius, etc.] Cæsar cuts down a consecrated grove. Lucan, lib. 3.
[36]. [In freedom’s dearest days, etc.] The charter of Hen. 3. confirms the privilege to Lords of parliament of killing a Deer or two in any of the royal forests in their way to or from parliament, in the presence of the keeper, or on blowing a horn in his absence.—’tis about six hundred years since that king reigned.
[37]. [Yet, yet, fond Hope, etc.] Upon the above order from the Dutchy Court, Ld. Vernon proposed an inclosure of some parts of the forest, for the preservation of the young timber, and the beauty of the place.
[38]. [Flake of snow, etc.] Flake-white.
[39]. [Lakes, etc.] Carnation Colours.
[40]. [Where Desolation, etc.] The trees in some parts have been so injudiciously fallen, that the tillage of the ground is extremely difficult, or quite at a stand.
[41]. [Long Mercia sat beside enthron’d;] The magnificent site of the castle at Tutbury, no doubt was occupied by a considerable fort in or before the time of the Saxon heptarchy when it was the residence of the Kings and Earls of Mercia, who might alternately enjoy hence the pleasures of the chase in their adjoining forest of Needwood, or the satisfaction of security against an enemy.—Shaw’s History of Staffordshire.
[42]. [And prouder crowns its honours own’d.] See Needwood Forest, p. 23, of King’s-Standing.