SAVE THE FOREST

(Written on the Remains of Epping Forest)

BY JOHN E. GRAY.

Save us the Forest ! already is done

More mischief than time can restore ;

And most of the landmarks of boyhood are gone,

We cannot, we will not lose more.

If Foresters past could but rise from the dead

To look on the scenes they had known,

They would look with amazement, their Forest has fled

And the pride of its glory is gone.

Save us the Forest ! that children may roam,

Or gambol in innocent glee ;

Their shouts shall ring loudly 'neath Heaven's high dome,

Telling all that the Forest is free.

No carpets of Turkey or Brussels, whose ply

The loom of the cunning one weaves,

With Nature's own loomwork one moment can vie,

The Forest's soft carpet of leaves.

Oh, save us the Forest ! the toiling ones cry,

Who dwell 'mid the smoke and the heat ;

In the long summer sunshine delighted we fly

Away from the alley and street.

From anvil and hammer – from counter and pen,

Too seldom, alas ! can we stray,

We need such a refuge from Babylon's din,

Then save us the Forest we pray.

Oh, save us the Forest ! the home of the Birds,

Whose plumage beflowers each spray,

Discoursing sweet music, like Love's thrilling words,

From dawn till the closing of day.

The Oak and the Ivy – the Ash and the Fern,

No hand of the spoiler should seize,

The castle and mansions are buildings of men,

But the buildings of God are the trees.

Oh, Save us the Forest ! ye wealthy and great,

For you have enough and to spare ;

Let the forest remain for the poor man's estate,

That you his best wishes may share.

Nor call his sweet ramble a trespass or crime,

Let humanity carry the sway,

And save us the Forest – No, not for a time,

But save us the Forest for aye !

From the Christian Times, of October 18, 1867

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