I.

See, see what heavy clouds arise,
And veiling the resurgent skies,
They spread a midnight shade!
Like angry bulls with rapid force.
Spread o'er the hills with mutt'ring voice,
Doth all our tents invade.

II.

Impetuous streams their floods disperse
The meads, and vallies soon immerse
In the o'er spreading flood;
Tempetuous blasts their strength engage,
Augmenting the rapacious rage,
Spread awful scenes abroad.

III.

Hark! hark! what thunders rend the sky.
While sheets of liquid nitre fly,
And burn the sulph'rous air!
Beneath me shakes the solid ground;
An awful bell'wing all around,
While clouds in flames appear.

IV.

What threat'ning dangers now resound,
And gaping graves spread all around,
To seize a helpless worm.
What scenes of night, and arms of death,
Pursues me now at ev'ry breath
Amidst this fiery storm!

V.

A blazing blot now rolls with strife,
And points to my unguarded life,
From which I cannot flee:
But heav'ns almighty arm of care
Now bids the threat'ning bolt forbear,
And strike some neighbouring tree.

VI.

The rugged elm now feels the stroke;
A stately trunk in shivers broke,
While I securely stand;
O may the scene effectual prove,
To fill my soul with thanks and love,
To GOD'S indulgent hand!