Seeking for shelter from the sweltering heat;

The blackbird, tenant of the farmhouse porch,

Listless and dumb, sits in his wicker cage;

The house-dog, curled, lies blinking in the sun,

Careless of passing tramps.

Hark! What is that?

A threatening rumble, muttered, sullen, low,

In the far-distant sky; a thunder-peal,

Telling of welcome rain!

Anon the drops,