1915 Cedrus Yearbook

i- P The Cedar "Fairest of all," the Cedar,—even thus An old-time Grecian poet wrote of thee, And e'en today, the world her tribute pays. 0spreading beauty! great in fortitude! Sublime in everything that thrills the soul, Thou art an emblem, grandest to behold, A badge of honor with no marring stain, For to the frost thou would'st not give thy green; Thou would'st not bow down to its tyranny; Nor would'st thou kneel before the mailed might; But with thy fairest charms would stay the blade That seeks to humble thee—and thy reward— Of that thy virtue speaks with eloquence; Wreaths for thy courage when the skies are dark, And wanton clouds the sun's bright rays conceal. Exalted are thy efforts, lifting helpful arms, From out a soil that holds scant nourishment To scatter cheer and warmth upon the earth, In places, dark and drear to look upon. Thy verdure fresh adorns the barren cliff And summer's green, the snow-clad hills reflect, O'er winter's power thou bear'st the victor's flag, And in that day when earthly deeds are weighed, Our God, Himself, shall speak with trumpet voice: "Right nobly hast thou wrought,0 noble tree. Henceforth a crown of glory shalt thou wear." 68 ai