The cold wave quenched the flamean omen dread That telleth of the faithlessor the dead!

Old Babylonian omen texts.

What bird of evil omen hovers above the offices of Tutt & Tutt?

I seized the vermin, home I quickly sped, And on the hearth the milk-white embers spread: Slow crawled the snail, and, if I right can spell, In the soft ashes marked a curious L. Oh, may this wondrous omen lucky prove!

"De han's at de sawmill had des got de big log on de kerridge, en wuz start-in' up de saw, w'en dey seed a 'oman runnin' up de hill, all out er bref, cryin' en gwine on des lack

With joy renew thy destin'd race, And let the mighty months begin: Let no ill omen cloud thy face, Thro' all thy circle smile serene.

So she helt herse'f in de bes' she could, gittin' madder en madder eve'y minute, 'tel bimeby she seed a 'oman comin' down de road on de udder side fum to'ds Mars' Marrabo Utley's plantation.

When dumb grow tongues of men that on such love would dwell, Why should a tongue-cleft pen by babbling strive to tell? Thy cheek is in my heart; no more will bliss delay; Glad omens e'er impart news of a gladder day.

If that lost plume was darksome omen ill, Let this defy it with an omen fair, A prophecy to spur you on your quest.