Spreading thy branches so wide and so free?

Why hast thou many years wrought in thy season?

What is the end of thy work and of thee?

“Earth, mother earth, I have wrought for and toiled for,

Life still bestows her beneficent breast;

When for her I shall garner up treasures no longer,

Back shall I sink to her bosom to rest.”

What dost thou work for, sweet flower of the wild-wood,

Spreading thy garlands of beauty and bloom?

Why dost thou toil to bring buds into blossom?