"
"I heard the workmen say that all these trees were to be cleared away,
and houses erected on the land," remarked a trembling ash, and her leaves
quivered beyond their wont with the terror of this new thought.
"And that will surely be the end of us," moaned the pine.
"Our happy life is all over now," said a small fir, who would have
continued bemoaning their destiny had not her attention at that instant
been arrested by two forms entering the forest. They went to the spot
where once stood the brave oak, and gazed admiringly on the lovely tinted
blossoms. They had heard of the sacrifice of the tree, and had come to
gaze upon its resurrection.
"We will gather some for our festival to-night," they said, and stooped
to pluck the fragrant blossoms.
The fire had not destroyed the consciousness of the oak: its soul was
still alive, enjoying its new form of existence, and it sent forth
thrills of gratitude, which took the form of sweetest odor, filling the
air around with fragrance. "Instead of losing my life it is being
extended, even as the good leader of the people said," were its words as
the two departed, bearing the flowers, instinct with its oak life, away.
Many went to the forest while the workmen were there, to gather the
seeds of the rare blossoms to plant in their gardens.
How much of human life did the soul of the oak learn as it went forth
thus amid the throngs of people; and how it rejoiced that it had given
its life for the good of others, knowing not that greater bliss was in
store for it! It was held in the hands of the aged; it crowned fair
brows; it was carried to the bedside of the suffering; it was laid upon
the caskets of the dead; it was planted by the door of the cottage and
reared in the conservatories of the rich,--everywhere admired and
welcomed.
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