Thy Ax shall harm it not!
(Ax of Parlement, as before.)
Punch. February 11, 1882.
“Spencer, Spare that Tree!”
[“It is beyond all measure the finest tree in London, and being of a kind that defies London smoke, it actually seems to enjoy and thrive upon it. It is sad to think that we have Vandals paid by the public to do such irreparable, wanton mischief.”—Mr. Nasmyth on the cutting down of the old South Kensington plane tree.]
Spencer, spare that tree!
Touch not a single bough!
For years you’ve let it be:—
Why set upon it now?