SUFFERINGS ENDURED FROM IT BY CATTLE. 199 



hottest portion of our summer; and hence, among 

 the phenomena characteristic of that season, Thom- 

 son depicts the effect which their attack produces on 

 a herd of cattle : — 



" Tossing the foam, 



They scorn the keeper's voice, and scour the plain. 

 Through all the bright severity of noon : 

 AVhile from their labouring breasts, a hollow moan 

 Proceeding, runs low-bellowing round the hills." 



From the sudden consternation and precipitate flight 

 of the cattle, Shakspeare introduces a comparison, 

 which, though not descriptive of one who, like 

 Cleopatra, beggar'd all description, marks well the 

 abruptness and sudden phrenzy of her retreat from 

 the naval conflict, and is highly appropriate in the 

 mouth of the excited Scarus : — 



"Yon ribald nag of Egj'pt, 



Whom leprosy o'ertake ! i' the midst o' the fight, — 

 When vantage like a pair of twins appear'd 

 Both as the same, or rather ours the elder, — 

 The brize upon her, like a cow in June, 

 Hoists sail, and flies." 



Antony and Cleopatra, Act III. Sc. IX. 



In another line, Shakspeare has indicated even more 

 strongly the sufferings which cattle endure from 

 this insect : — 



" The herd hath more annoyance by the brize 

 Thau by the tiger." — TroUus and Cressida, Act I. Sc. III. 



Now it is not a little curious, that the terror thus 



