ORION.
Canto the Third.
In parching summer, when the mulberry leaves
Drooped broad and gleaming, and the myrtles curled,
While the pomegranate's rind grew thin and hard;
The vegetation of the isle looked pale,
Flaccid, and fading in despondency
For rain, and the young corn in every field,
With dry and rustling murmur as it waved,
Glistened impatiently, till autumn's tomb
Received the husky voice, and spring's dead hopes.
The vine-hills, and wild turpentines that grew
Along the road beneath, all basked content,
As did the lentisk-trees; but many a pant
And sultry sigh came from the fields and meads,
Drooped broad and gleaming, and the myrtles curled,
While the pomegranate's rind grew thin and hard;
The vegetation of the isle looked pale,
Flaccid, and fading in despondency
For rain, and the young corn in every field,
With dry and rustling murmur as it waved,
Glistened impatiently, till autumn's tomb
Received the husky voice, and spring's dead hopes.
The vine-hills, and wild turpentines that grew
Along the road beneath, all basked content,
As did the lentisk-trees; but many a pant
And sultry sigh came from the fields and meads,
