A Presentiment

'Oh father, let us hence--for hark, A fearful murmur shakes the air. The clouds are coming swift and dark:-- What horrid shapes they wear! A winged giant sails the sky; Oh father, father, let us fly!' 'Hush, child; it is a grateful sound, That beating of the summer shower; Here, where the boughs hang close around, We'll pass a pleasant hour, Till the fresh wind, that brings the rain, Has swept the broad heaven clear again.' 'Nay, father, let us haste--for see, That horrid thing with horned brow,-- His wings o'erhang this very tree, He scowls upon us now; His huge black arm is lifted high; Oh father, father, let us fly!' 'Hush, child;' but, as the father spoke, Downward the livid firebolt came, Close to his ear the thunder broke, And, blasted by the flame, The child lay dead; while dark and still, Swept the grim cloud along the hill.