The first pine to the second said...

The first pine to the second said:

‘ My leaves are black, my branches red;

I stand upon this moor of mine,

A hoar, unconquerable pine.’

The second sniffed and answered:‘ Pooh!

I am as good a pine as you.’

‘ Discourteous tree,’ the first replied,

‘ The tempest in my boughs had cried,

The hunter slumbered in my shade,

A hundred years ere you were made.’

The second smiled as he returned:

‘ I shall be here when you are burned.’

So far dissension ruled the pair,

Each turned on each a frowning air,

When flickering from the bank anigh,

A flight of martens met their eye.

Sometime their course they watched; and then -

They nodded off to sleep again.