Inscription for an Oak in Penshurst Park

Anonymous

Stranger kneel here! to age due homage pay!
When great Eliza held Britannia's sway
My growth began—the same illustrious morn,
Joy to the hour! saw gallant Sidney born:
Sidney, the darling of Arcadia's swains!
Sidney, the terror of the martial plains!
He perish'd early; I just stay behind
An hundred years; and lo! my clefted rind,
My wither'd boughs foretell destruction nigh;
We all are mortal; oaks and heroes die.