Brotherless

Russet pear-tree, solitary standing,
Still with foliage thick art thou expanding; —
I must wander, lone, no friends commanding.
Not that no one else is near me, — rather,
None there be sprung from a common father.
Wherefore then, ye travellers all, I pray you,
Ne'er a sign of sympathy betray you?
Wherefore, as a man, bereft of brothers,
Should I find no friendly help in others?

Russet pear-tree, solitary growing,
Yet rich foliage all around thee throwing,—
I must wander, lone, no succour knowing.
Not alone, — but rather, so wayfaring,
None I find the common clan-name sharing.
Wherefore then, ye travellers all, I pray you,
Ne'er a sign of sympathy betray you?
Wherefore, as a man, bereft of brothers,
Should I find no friendly help in others?