326 
RURAL HOURS. 
given ; for very many of the English poets seem to have felt a 
November chill at their fingers’ ends when alluding to the 
subject. 
The writers of France tell much the same tale of Autumn, 
across the Channel. 
“ Plus pale, que la pale antomne,” 
says Millevoye, in his touching lament. 
“ la pale Automno 
D’une main languissante, effeuillant sa com'onne ” 
writes Delille ; and again, 
“ Dirai-je a quels desastres, 
De I’Automne orageux nous exposent les astres 1” 
And again, 
“ Voyez comment I’Automne nebuleux 
Tous les ans, pour gemir, nous amene en ces lieux.” 
St. Lambert tells us of fogs and mists, in his sing-song verses, his 
“ ormeaux, et rameaux, et hameaux.” 
“ Ces voiles suspendus qui cachent a la terre 
Le ciel qui la couronne, et I’astre qui Teclaire 
Preparent les mortels au retour des frimas. 
Mais la feuiUe en tombant, du pampre depouille 
Decouvre le raisin, de rubis emaille.” 
Observe that he was the especial poet of the seasons, and boimd 
to fidelity in their behalf ; and yet, painting Autumn during the 
vintage, he already covers the sky with clouds, and talks of 
“ frimas.” 
