But apart from all this, I admire thee, old tree;

Through many long years thou hast fruit yielded me,

Which for canning, and drying, and baking in pies,

From thy high titled cousins thou bearest the prize.

And could I induce thee, ere saying adieu,

To marry thy flowers to some rich Bigarreau.

Throughout our lov’d country, through time, shall remain

The fame of the cherry that grew in the lane.

Paris, October 18th, 1878.

—————