Approach in silence. 'tis no vulgar tale br Which I, the Dryad of this hoary oak, br Pronounce to mortal ears. The second age br Now hasteneth to its period, since i rose br On this fair lawn. The groves of yonder vale br Are, all, my offspring: and each Nymph, who guards br The copses and the furrow'd fields beyond, br Obeys me. Many changes have i seen br In human things, and many awful deeds br Of justice, when the ruling hand of Jove br Against the tyrants of the land, against br The unhallow'd sons of luxury and guile, br Was arm'd for retribution. Thus at length br Expert in laws divine, i know the paths br Of wisdom, and erroneous folly's end br Have oft presag'd: and now well-pleas'd i wait br Each evening till a noble youth, who loves br My shade, awhile releas'd from public cares, br Yon peaceful gate shall enter, and sit down br Beneath my branches. Then his musing mind br I prompt, unseen; and place before his view br Sincerest forms of good; and move his heart br With the dread bounties of the sire supreme br Of gods and men, with freedom's generous deeds, br The lofty voice of glory and the faith br Of sacred friendship. Stranger, i have told br My function. If within thy bosom dwell br Aught which may challenge praise, thou wilt not leave br Unhonor'd my abode, nor shall i hear br A sparing benediction from thy tongue.