For awful now were heard to peal
Sharp thunders from the pole,
And lightnings flashed, and darkly spread
O’er that rash rider’s impious head
The sulphurous clouds did roll.
With eager gust the fiery storm
Resistless whirled his quaking form
Down through the choking air.
Loud and more loud the thunders swell—
Him with blind speed the winds impel;