Page:Aratus The Phenomena and Diosemeia.pdf/76

68 Soon will the wolfish wind tempestuous howl, And the big cloud along the welkin roll.

If when the 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; 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 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, Hid is the 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— To-morrow shines no brighter than to-day.