In vain the old tree tried to rise: its branches
withered, its leaves dropped one by one away, and rustled on the lawn. It
found, to its sorrow, that it was not made for the air, and that the once
despised earth from which it drew its nourishment was its true parent
and source of life.
Out of respect to its former protection and beauty, its owner had its
wood made into handsome ornaments and seats for the garden to keep
its memory alive in the minds of the children.
When any of them repined in after years at the lot which God had
assigned them, the folly of the tree was alluded to, and all restlessness
was allayed.
Over the spot where it stood a beautiful rustic basket made of its own
wood was set, from which bright flowers blossomed throughout the summer
day.
XI.
THE TWO WAYS.
Two men were informed, as they were listlessly standing and gazing
into a dense forest one day, that beyond it lay a fertile and beautiful
valley, reached only through the dark and close woods; but, when
reached, it would repay them for all their efforts.
They started one morning, entering the forest together, and forced
their way for a while through the tangled woods. They held the branches
for each other to pass, and walked along in social converse. Soon one
began to grow restless and impatient of the slow progress made.
"I must get on faster than this," he exclaimed, and began to quicken
his pace, regardless of overhanging boughs and thorny branches, which
pierced his flesh at every step.
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