THE RAINY DAY

    SULLEN¹ clouds are gathering² fast over the black fringe of the forest.

    O child, do not go out！

    The palm trees in a row by the lake are smiting³ their heads against the dismal⁴ sky； the crows with their draggled wings are silent on the tamarind branches, and the eastern bank of the river is haunted by a deepening gloom.

    Our cow is lowing loud, tied at the fence.

    O child, wait here till I bring her into the stall.

    Men have crowded into the flooded field to catch the fishes as they escape from the overflowing⁵ ponds； the rain water is running in rills through the narrow lanes like a laughing boy who has run away from his mother to tease her.

    Listen, someone is shouting for the boatman at the ford⁶.

    O child, the daylight is dim, and the crossing at the ferry is closed.

    The sky seems to ride fast upon the madly-rushing rain； the water in the river is loud and impatient； women have hastened home early from the Ganges with their filled pitchers⁷.

    The evening lamps must be made ready.

    O child, do not go out！

    The road to the market is desolate⁸, the lane to the river is slippery. The wind is roaring and struggling among the bamboo branches like a wild beast tangled⁹ in a net.