But scarce perceived, when past the beam it flies,

Swift as the rapid eagle cleaves the skies;

That danger past reflects a feeble joy,

But soon returning fears their hope destroy;

As in th’ Atlantic Ocean, when we find

Some alp of ice driv’n southward by the wind,

The sultry air all sickening pants around,

In deluges of torrid ether drown’d;

Till when the floating isle approaches nigh,

In cooling tides th’ aërial billows fly: