The seed has started,—who can stay it? see, br The leaves are sprouting high above the ground; br Already o'er the flowers, its head; the tree br That rose beside it and that on it frowned, br Behold! is but a small bush by its side. br Still on! it cannot stop; its branches spread; br It looks o'er all the earth in giant pride. br The nations find upon its limbs their bread, br Its boughs their millions shelter from the heat, br Beneath its shade see kindreds, tongues, and all br That the wide world contains, they all retreat br Beneath the shelter of that acorn small br That late thou flung away; 'twas the best gift br That heaven e'er gave;—its head the low shall lift.