While chill suspense and fear congealed their blood;
Wide burst in dazzling sheets the living flame,
And dread concussion rends th’ ethereal frame;
Sick earth convulsive groans from shore to shore,
And nature, shuddering, feels the horrid roar.
Still the sad prospect rises on my sight,
Revealed in all its mournful shade and light;
E’en now my ear with quick vibration feels
Th’ explosion burst in strong rebounding peals;
Swift through my pulses glides the kindling fire,