88 HISTORY OF 



(vhere we had some business to transact, and where we designed 

 to tarry for some time. However, Providence seemed willing to 

 cross our design ; for we were obliged to continue for three days 

 at Pelorus, upon account of the weather ; and though we often 

 put out to sea, yet we were as often driven back. At length, 

 however, wearied with the delay, we resolved to prosecute our 

 voyage ; and, although the sea seemed more than usually agitat. 

 ed, yet we ventured forward. The gulf of Charybdis, which we 

 approached, seemed whirled round in such a manner, as to form 

 a vast hollow, verging to a point in the centre. Proceeding on- 

 wai'd, and turning my eyes to .^tna, I saw it cast forth large 

 volumes of smoke, of mountainous sizes, which entu'ely covered 

 the whole island, and blotted out the very shores from my view. 

 This, together with the dreadfid noise, and the sulphureous 

 stench, which was strongly perceived, filled me with apprehen- 

 sions that some more dreadful calamity was impending. The 

 sea itself seemed to wear a very unusual appearance ; those who 

 have seen a lake in a violent shower of rain covered all over 

 with bubbles, will conceive some idea of its agitations. My 

 surprise was still increased by the calmness and serenity of the 

 weather ; not a breeze, not a cloud, which might be supposed in 

 put all nature thus into motion. I therefore warned my com- 

 panions that an earthquake was approaching ; and, after some 

 time making for the shore with all possible diligence, we landed 

 at Tropte, happy and thankful for having escaped the threaten- 

 ing dangers of the sea. 



" But our triumphs at land were of short duration : for we 

 had scai'cely arrived at the Jesuits' College in that city when our 

 ears were stunned with a horrid sound, resembling that of an 

 infinite number of chariots driven fiercely forward, the wheels 

 rattling, and the thongs cracking. Soon after this, a most dread- 

 ful earthquake ensued, so that the whole tract upon which we 

 stood, seemed to vibrate, as if we wei-e in a scale of a balance 

 that continued wavering. This motion, however, soon grew 

 more violent ; and being no longer able to keep my legs, I was 

 thrown prosti'ate upon the ground. In the mean time, the imi 

 versal ruin round me redoubled my amazement. The crash of 

 falling houses, the tottering of towers, and the groans of the 

 dying, all contributed to raise my terror and despair. On ev erv 

 §ide of me I saw nothing but a scene of ruin, and danger thr eat- 



