MOUNTAINS. 7 
When the clouds dcscendedj tlic astronomers heard tlie 
dreadful noise of tempestSj, ■which discliarged themselves 
from them on the adjacent countrj’. I'hcy saw the lightning 
issue, from the eloud.s, and heard tiie tlinnder roll far beneath 
tliem. While the lower parts were thus involved in tempests 
of thunder and rain, frey enjoyed a delightful serenity , 
tl'.e wind abated, the sky cleared, and the enlivening rays of 
the sun moderated tlie severity of tlie cold. But when the 
clouds rose, their density rendered respiration difficult . 
snow and hail fell continually, and the winds retunied with 
such violence, that it was impossible to overcome the fear of 
being blown down the predpices, or of being buried by tlie 
accumulations of ice and snow, or by the enormous frag- 
ments of rocks which rolled around them. Every crevice 
m their hut was stopped, and, tliough die hut was small, 
Avas crowded with inliabitants, and several lamps were 
constantly burning, tlie cold was so great, tliat each indivi- 
dual was obliged to have a chafing-dish of coals, and seve- 
ral men were employed every morning in removing the 
snows which had fallen during tlie night. Their feet w'ere 
swollen, and tliey became so tender and sensible, tliat 
walking was attended witli extreme pain ; then’ liands also 
Were covemd with chilblains, and tlieir lips were so swollen 
snd chapped, that every motion in speaking brought blood. 
MOUNT ETNA, 
THE ISLAND OF SICILY. 
Now under snlpUmoiis Ciinia’s sca-boiind coast. 
And vast Sicilia, lie.-i t!ie sliaggy breast 
Of snowy .'Etna, nurse of endless frost, 
Tlie pillared prop of lieaven, for ever pressed : 
Tortli from whose sulph’roiis caverns issuing rise 
fhirc liquid fountains of tempestuous lire. 
>> hicli veil in ruddy mists tbc noon-day skies, 
While wrapt in smoke the eddyiii'' flames aspire, 
or gieaniiiig thro tlie iiiglil with hideou.s roar. 
Far o’er the redd'ning main huge rooky fragmcntR pour 
But ho, Vnlcanian monster, to the clouds 
^1"' fiereost, hottest inundations tlii ows. 
While, with tlie burden of incumbent woods, 
And .Etna's gloomy cliffs o'erwhelincd he glows. , 
