And spreads its branches dark with clustering mould.

One side is torn by time's destructive hand;535

The rest, with roots decayed and falling, hangs

Supported on a neighbor's trunk. Here stand

The bitter laurel, rustling linden trees,

The myrtle, and the alder destined soon

To sweep its oarage on the boundless sea.

Midway, a mighty pine its smooth trunk lifts540

Against the rays of Phoebus and the winds,

And with its heavy shade it overwhelms