High tempests rose that shook the stately roof,
Nor was the conqu’ror’s heart to this quite proof.
“Sure nature is dissolv’d!” the Roman cry’d.
“Sure nature is dissolv’d!” the guests reply’d.
Now awful thunders with majestic sound,
And vivid lightnings separate the ground;
The crash tremendous fill’d each heart with fear;
The sound of gushing waters strikes the ear.
Ah! now destruction’s hurl’d thro’ earth and sky;
Men seeking safety know not where to fly;