Casting the body's vest aside, My soul into the boughs does glide.

Annihilating all that's made, To a green thought in a green shade.

What wondrous life is this I lead! Ripe apples drop about my head.

The world in all doth but two nations bear- The good, the bad; and these mixed everywhere.

No white nor red was ever seen So am'rous as this lovely green. Fond lovers, cruel as their flame, Cut in these trees their mistress' name. Little, alas, they know or heed How far these beauties hers exceed! Fair trees! where s'e'er your barks I wound, No name shall but your own be found.

Self-preservation, nature's first great law, all the creatures, except man, doth awe.

Ye country comets, that portend No war, nor prince's funeral, Shining unto no higher end Than to presage the grasses fall. . . .