INVOCATION TO RAIN IN SUMMER.

    O GENTLE, gentle summer rain,
        Let not the silver lily pine,
    The drooping lily pine in vain
        To feel that dewy touch of thine,—
    To drink thy freshness once again,
    O gentle, gentle summer rain!

    In heat the landscape quivering lies;
        The cattle pant beneath the tree;
    Through parching air and purple skies
        The earth looks up, in vain, for thee;
    For thee—for thee, it looks in vain,
    O gentle, gentle summer rain.

    Come thou, and brim the meadow streams,
        And soften all the hills with mist,
    O falling dew! from burning dreams
        By thee shall herb and flower be kissed,
    And Earth shall bless thee yet again,
    O gentle, gentle summer rain.