And he said, "And when did Britain Become your burying-yard?
"Before the Roman lit the land, When schools and monks were none,We reared such stones to the sun-god As might put out the sun.
"The tall trees of Britain We worshipped and were wise,But you shall raid the whole land throughAnd never a tree shall talk to you,Though every leaf is a tongue taught true And the forest is full of eyes.
"On one round hill to the seaward The trees grow tall and grey,And the trees talk together When all men are away.
"O'er a few round hills forgotten The trees grow tall in rings,And the trees talk together Of many pagan things.
"Yet I could lie and listen With a cross upon my clay,And hear unhurt for ever What the trees of Britain say."
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