Haven't read the book but this may be helpful to you:
"<span>In The History of the Kings of Britain, Geoffrey of Monmouth proposes to set forth the history of the British kings starting with Brutus and ending with Cadwallo. Geoffrey undertakes this endeavor at the request of the Archdeacon of Oxford who presents Geoffry with an ancient text to translate from British into Latin. The history of the British kings shows how fortune, jealousy, and betrayal can lead to the demise of an entire nation. On the other hand the text also details the qualities that are necessary in a good ruler who unites his people in peace. While Geoffrey's account reads like a novel, the basis for the book is historical and gives the reader a generalized view of British history."
Answer: A. someone in the later stages of life and tree that has lost its leaves
Explanation: The speaker is getting near the end of life, no longer strong and flourishing, but feeling weak. This is like a tree in late fall when most of the leaves have fallen, and the branches shake in the cold wind.
