306 
METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
The happy schoolboy brmgs transported forth 
His long-forgotten scourge, and giddy gig : 
O'er the white paths he whirls the rolling hoop. 
Or triumphs in the dusty fields of taw. 
Not so the museful sage : — abroad he walks 
Contemplative, if haply he may find 
What cause controls the tempest's rage, or whence 
Amidst the savage season winter smiles. 
For days, for weeks, prevails the placid calm. 
At length some drops prelude a change : the sun 
"With ray refracted bursts the parting gloom ; 
"When all the chequer'd sky is one bright glare. 
Mutters the wind at eve : th' horizon round 
"With angry aspect scowls : down rush the showers. 
And float the delug'd paths, and miry fields. 
