"The sun, too, rising, and at that still hour, When sinks his tranquil beauty in the main, Will give thee tokens; certain tokens all, Both those that morning brings, and balmy eve. When cloudy storms deform the rising orb, Or streaks of vapor in the midst bisect, Beware of showers, for then the blasting South (Foe to the groves, to harvests, and the flock), Urges, with turbid pressure, from above. But when, beneath the dawn, red-fingered rays Through the dense band of clouds diverging, break, When springs Aurora, pale, from saffron couch, Ill does the leaf defend the mellowing grape; Leaps on the noisy roof the plenteous hail, Fearfully crackling. Nor forget to note, When Sol departs, his mighty day-task done, How varied hues oft wander on his brow; Azure betokens rain: the fiery tint Is Eurus's herald; if the ruddy blaze Be dimm'd with spots, then all will wildly rage With squalls and driving showers: on that fell night, None shall persuade me on the deep to urge My perilous course, or quit the sheltering pier. But if, when day returns, or when retires, Bright is the orb, then fear no coming rain: Clear northern airs will fan the quiv'ring grove. Lastly, the sun will teach th' observant eye What vesper's hour shall bring; what clearing wind Shall waft the clouds slow floating--what the South Broods in his humid breast. Who dare belie The constant sun?" I copy also the following from Howard: "Dr. Jenner's signs of rain--an excuse for not accepting the invitation of a friend to make a _country_ excursion.