Thus comets, dreadful visitants! arise,
To them wild omens, science to the wise,
These mark the comet to the sun incline,
While deep red flames around its centre shine!
While its fierce rear a winding trail displays,
And lights all ether with a sweeping blaze!
Or when, compell’d, it flies the torrid zone,
And shoots by worlds unnumbered and unknown;
By worlds, whose people, all aghast with fear,
May view that minister of vengeance near.”