Waves its broad arms, and spreads its leafy pride,
Tow’rs from the earth, and rearing to the skies
Its conscious strength, the tempest’s wrath defies.
Its ample branches shield the fowls of air,
To its cool shade the panting herds repair.
The treacherous current works its noiseless way,
The fibres loosen, and the roots decay;
Prostrate the beauteous ruin lies; and all
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That shared its shelter, perish in its fall.