Rain and Shine
(Ballade à double refrain.)
The clouds are thick and darkly lower;
The sullen sodden sky would fain
Pour down a never-ending shower:
I hear the pattering of the rain,
I hear it rattle on the pane.—
And then I see the mist entwining,
Nor one position long retain.
Behold! the gentle sun is shining!
As though exulting in its power,
The storm beats down with steady strain;
Upon the ivy of the tower
I hear the pattering of the rain;
It swiftly sweeps across the plain.—
And then I see the sky refining,
And molten with a golden stain.
Behold! the gentle sun is shining!
Beneath the storm the cattle cower;
It beats upon the growing grain,
And as it breaks both bud and flower,
I hear the pattering of the rain,—
From where the clouds too long have lain
They turn, and show a silver lining,
A splendid glory comes again.
Behold! the gentle sun is shining!
Envoy.
Although like some far, faint refrain,
I hear the pattering of the rain,
The storm is past. No more repining—
Behold! the gentle sun is shining!
Brander Matthews.