Cattle In Summer

Around th' adjoining brook, that purls along

The vocal grove, now fretting o'er a rock,

Now scarcely moving through a reedy pool,

Now starting to a sudden stream, and now

Gently diffused into a limpid plain

A various group the herds and flocks compose.

Rural confusion! on the grassy bank

Some ruminating lie; while others stand

Half circling surface. In the middle droops

The strong laborious ox, of honest front,

Which incomposed he shakes; and from his sides

The troublous insects lashes with his tail,

Returning still. Amid his subjects safe,

Slumbers the monarch swain; his careless arm

Thrown round his head, on downy moss sustain'd;

Here laid his scrip, with wholesome viands fill'd;

There, listening every noise, his watchful dog.

Light fly his slumbers, if perchance a flight

Of angry gadflies fasten on the herd;

The startling scatters from the shallow brook,

In search of lavish stream. Tossing the foam,

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

Through all the bright severity of noon;

While, from their labouring breasts, a hollow moan

Proceeding, runs low-bellowing round the hills.