University of Virginia Library

XI. TO AN OLD MULBERRY TREE.

Old mulberry! with all thy moss around,
Thy arms are shatter'd, but thy heart is sound:

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So then remember one for whom of yore
Thy tenderest boughs the crimson berry bore;
Remember one who, trusting in thy strength,
Lay on the low and level branch full length.
No strength has he, alas! to climb it now,
Nor strength to bear him, if he had, hast thou.