Page:Cyder - a poem in two books (1708).djvu/66

BOOK II.
 * Learn now, the Promise of the coming Year

To know, that by no flattering Signs abus'd, Thou wisely may'st provide: The various Moon Prophetic, and attendant Stars explain Each rising Dawn; e'er Icy Crusts surmount The current Stream, the heav'nly Orbs serene Twinkle with trembling Rays, and Cynthia glows With Light unsully'd: Now the Fowler, warn'd By these good Omens, with swift early Steps Treads the crimp Earth, ranging thro' Fields and Glades Offensive to the Birds, sulphureous Death Checques their mid Flight, and heedless while they strain Their tuneful Throats, the tow'ring, heavy Lead O'er-takes their Speed; they leave their little Lives Above the Clouds, præcipitant to Earth. Rh