Visits the parlor—an unwonted guest.

The silent breakfast meal is soon despatched,

Uninterrupted save by anxious looks

Cast at the lowering sky, if sky should lower.

From that last evil, O, preserve us, heavens!

For, should the skies pour down, adieu to all

Remains of quiet: then expect to hear

Of sad disasters—dirt and gravel stains

Hard to efface, and loaded lines at once

Snapped short, and linen-horse by dog thrown down,