The bird has sought his tree, the snake his den,

The trout floats dead in the hot stream, and men

Drop by the sun-stroke in the populous town,

As if the Day of Fire had dawned and sent

Its deadly breath into the firmament.

W. C. Bryant.

AUGUST.

An August day! a dreamy haze

Films air, and mingles with the skies,

Sweetly the rich, dark sunshine plays,