By certain signs the coming tempest shows,
While Zephyr breathes, and smoothly ocean flows.
When thou behold'st the Altar bright and clear,
While all around is cloud and darkness drear,
Forewarn'd, take heed—soon loud and fast
Will Notus drive upon the furious blast.
The prudent sailor with attentive eye 430
Observes this warning beacon plac'd on high:
Tightens each rope—binds fast the flapping sail
And rides securely through the threat'ning gale.
Imprudent mariners these signs despise,
Nor heed the murmuring wind and lowering skies:
With sail to shivers torn and broken mast
Headlong they drive before the furious blast:
Now frowns with ruin big the mountain wave—
Now gapes the dark abyss a yawning grave.
If to their prayer propitious Jove attend, 440
And from the north storm-quelling Boreas send;
Dispers'd the clouds—serene the troubled air–
And curb'd is Neptune in his mad career.
But if the Centaur 'twixt the east and west
Have half his course perform'd, and on his breast
A cloudy vapour hang—forewarn'd beware—
For Eurus with his blighting breath is near.
The Centaur next his monster form displays.
Is he sage Chiron, sung in Homer's lays? 450
