New growth on an Arizona sycamore (Platanus wrightii), Sierra Vista, Arizona.
I park under this tree, and in appreciation of its shade, here is a recording of Lorraine Hunt Lieberson's consummate performance of "Ombra mai fu" from Handel's opera seria Serse. Because of its earnest tone, many people think it is a sacred song, but it is really an ode to a sycamore tree.
Ombra mai fu Di vegetabile Cara ed amabile Soave più
Frondi tenere e belle Del mio platano amato Per voi risplenda il fato Tuoni, lampi, e procelle Non v'oltraggino mai la cara pace Né giunga a profanarvi austro rapace
Never was there shade From a plant More dear and lovely Nor more sweet
Tender and beautiful leaves Of my beloved plane tree Let Fate shine on you May thunder, lightning, and storms Never disturb your peace Nor rapacious winds disturb you