And the light cobwebs float along the air;
No symptoms these of weather calm and fair.
But why abroad to seek prognostics go,
When ashes vile foretell the falling snow? 330
When half consum’d the coals to cinders turn,
And with a sputtering flame the torches burn.
And hail expect, when the burnt cinders white
With glowing heat send round a glaring light.
Not signless by the husbandman are seen
The Ilex, and Lentiscus darkly green.
If an abundant crop the Ilex bear,
With blighting matter teems the vapoury air;
If with unusual weight its branches groan,
Then their light sheaves the hapless farmers moan. 340
Thrice in the course of each revolving year
On the Lentiscus flowers and fruit appear;
And three convenient times to farmers show
To break the fertile clod with crooked plough.
If at each time this tree with fruit abound,
Each time with stores will teem the fruitful ground.
And like prognostic yields the humble Squill,
Thrice flowering yearly by the purling rill.
When bounteous Autumn crowns the circling year,
And fields and groves his russet livery wear; 350
If from the earth the numerous Hornets rise,
Sweeping a living whirlwind through the skies,
