68
DIOSEMEIA.
And the big cloud along the welkin roll.
If when the Sun begin his daily race,
Or ere he sink in ocean's cool embrace,
The rays that crown his head together bend,
And to one central point converging tend;
Or if by circling clouds he is opprest,
Hanging about him as a vapoury vest; 130
Or if before him mount a little cloud,
Veiling his rising beams in murky shroud:
By these forewarn'd, within the house remain,
Charg'd is the air with stores of pelting rain.
If Phœbus rising wide and broad appear,
And, as he mounts, contract his ample sphere,
Propitious sign—no rain or tempest near.
Propitious too, if after days of rain
With a pale face he seek the western main.
When through the day the angry welkin lowers, 140
Hid is the Sun and drench'd the earth with showers,
Catch if thou canst his last departing ray,
And gain prognostics of the following day.
If by black cloud eclips'd his orb is found
Shooting his scatter'd rays at random round,
Send not the traveller from thy roof away—