Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1917 edition. Excerpt: ... THE GOVERNOR'S TREE. Original Poem By Lucy Larcom. Written for the Danvers Improvement Society's Observation of Arbor Day, 1890. Let us take a trip, in rhyme, To the old Colonial time. In his shallop, from the Bay, Came the Governor one day, Up the slow tide of the creek, On its inland shores to seek--May be--just an hour of rest From the homesick groups that pressed Round him everywhere he went, In the new-born settlement. Governors, we are aware, Though they shirk no public care, Though they hold the people dear, Do not always want them near; Sometimes they must draw apart From the crowd, to read its heart. Landing on a green slope's side, Gazing round the region wide, Over wind-swept forests free, Down the inlet to the sea, Quoth the Governor, " What harm, If I here lay out my farm, Plant my orchards, sow my maize, And in peace live out my days? In my little sloop sail down, When I must, to Salem town, Ruling the good folk as well As if I should with them dwell." Grave old Governor Endicott Always did the thing he thought--Finished what he had begun--Did it, if it could be done. So this deed he planned was wrought; Birchwood for his farm he bought, Where the yeoman felled his wood--Site whereon his mansion stood--Shaded spring whereof he drank, On the pleasant willow-bank; By these tokens you may trace Endicott's abiding-place. Up and down his grape-vine walk, Pacing silent, or in talk With retainer, friend, or guest, Or, perchance, with boyish zest, Tasting some new-flavored fruit That within his grounds had root, --Fancy paiuts the Governor Who is best remembered for Something all can do, who please: His delight was--planting trees. Trees he planted, trees he sold, Not for silver nor for gold, But for soil to set them in; Two trees...
