“The Trees,” he said, “they are at war;” "To crush, consume and e'er-enshade" "They strive with arms forevermore;" And any response to this forbade. Across the field, a shadow'd wall A verdant fortress rose in sight Though only was its movement slight Of leaf and twig in breeze so small; "When this fact they truly knew" "And found in them one alike," "Of old our own a treaty drew." And then his palms did quickly strike; The sound past clapping fell to wind As roof-tiles fell on stony ground Made a piercing, sudden sound And silence came back, rushing in; "And swore to keep these hidden things," "Made wood which fights the Earth with ease" "Their own for war, alone it brings" "Its might to them, Men of the Trees."