224 Language Through Nature 



And swift and wide 



With a muddy tide, 



Like a river down 'the gutter roars 



The rain, the welcome rain! 



The sick man from his chamber looks 



At the twisted brooks; 



He can feel the cool 



Breath of each little pool; 



His fevered brain 



Grows calm again, 



And he breathes a blessing on the rain, 



From the neighboring school 



Come the boys, 



With more than their wonted noise 



And commotion; 



And down the wet streets 



Sail their mimic fleets, 



Till the treacherous pool 



Ingulfs them in its whirling 



And turbulent ocean. 



\ 



In the country, on every side, 



Where far and wide, 



Like a leopard's tawny and spotted hide, 



