Around their heads celestial clouds arise,

Which rather brighten than conceal the skies;

Compared with day they seem’d divinely fair,

And scatter’d odours through the balmy air;

Form’d of materials most serenely bright,

They shone a tissue of unsullied light.

The three apostles, as the clouds prevail,

Felt all their spirits and their muscles fail;

Their loins relax, their knees no strength impart,

And fear and trembling seize on every heart.