The Maple owned that she was tired of always wearing green,
She knew that she had grown, of late, too shabby to be seen!
The Oak and Beech and Chestnut then deplored their shabbiness,
And all, except the Hemlock sad, were wild to change their dress.
“For fashion-plate we’ll take the flowers,” the rustling Maple said,
“And like the Tulip I’ll be clothed in splendid gold and red!”
“The cheerful Sunflower suits me best,” the lightsome Beech replied;
“The Marigold my choice shall be,” the Chestnut spoke with pride.
The sturdy Oak took time to think—”I hate such glaring hues;
The Gillyflower, so dark and rich, I for my model choose.”
So every tree in all the grove, except the Hemlock sad,
According to its wish ere long in brilliant dress was clad.
And here they stayed through all the soft and bright October days;
They wished to be like flowers—indeed, they look like huge bouquets!
