As one longer example of Thomson’s close observation and peculiar manner, take the description of a spring shower:—

“At last

The clouds consign their treasures to the fields,

And, softly shaking on the dimpled pool

Prelusive drops, let all their moisture flow

In large effusion o’er the freshened world;

The stealing shower is scarce to patter heard

By such as wander through the forest walks,

Beneath the umbrageous multitude of leaves.

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