8 “The jtrees once went forth to anoint a king over them.

And they said to the olive tree,

k‘Reign over us!’

9 But the olive tree said to them,

‘Should I cease giving my oil,

lWith which they honor God and men,

And go to sway over trees?’

10 “Then the trees said to the fig tree,

‘You come and reign over us!’

11 But the fig tree said to them,

‘Should I cease my sweetness and my good fruit,

And go to sway over trees?’

12 “Then the trees said to the vine,

‘You come and reign over us!’

13 But the vine said to them,

‘Should I cease my new wine,

mWhich cheers both God and men,

And go to sway over trees?’

14 “Then all the trees said to the bramble,

‘You come and reign over us!’

15 And the bramble said to the trees,

‘If in truth you anoint me as king over you,

Then come and take shelter in my nshade;

But if not, olet fire come out of the bramble

And devour the pcedars of Lebanon!’