Page:Aratus The Phenomena and Diosemeia.pdf/87

Rh When from the yoke at close of day releas'd On his right side recumbs the wearied beast: When keenly pluck the the oaken bough; And deeply wallows in the mire the.

When through the dismal night the lone howls; Or when at eve around the house he prowls; And, grown familiar, seeks to make his bed, Careless of man, in some out-lying shed: Then mark: ere thrice shall arise, A horrid storm will sweep the blacken'd skies.

E'en ofttimes prophetic are of rain, Nor did our sires their auguries disdain: When loudly piping with their voices shrill, They frolick'd dancing on the downy hill. Sign too of rain: his outstretch'd feet the Extends, and curves his belly to the ground.

Before the storm the his briny home Sidelong forsakes, and strives on land to roam: The busy household shake up with care Their strawy beds, and for long sleep prepare.

Each sign observe: more sure when two agree; Nor doubt th' event foretold by omens three. Note well th' events of the preceding year, And with the rising and the setting stars compare.