( 6 )
the falling of the mountains; till swelling up, they made themselves new tracks and channels; tearing up, in their passage, trees, &c After the great shock, those people who escaped got on board ships in the harbour, where many continued above two months; the shocks all that time being so violent, and coming so thick, sometimes two or three in an hour, accompanied with frightful noises like a rushing wind, or a hollow rumbling thunder, with brimstone blasts, that they durst not come ashore. The consequence of the earthquake was a general sickness, from the noisome vapours belched forth, which swept away above 3000 persons.
Of the Earthquake in Sicily, in 1693
IN 1693 an earthquake happened in Sicily which may justly be accounted one of the most terrible of which we have any account. It shook the whole island: and not only that, but Naples and Malta shared in the shock. It was impossible for any body in this country to keep on their legs on the dancing earth; nay, those that lay on the ground were tossed from side to side as on a rolling billow; high walls leaped from their foundations several paces &c. The mischief it did is amazing; almost all the buildings in the countries were thrown down. Fifty-four cities and towns, beside an incredible number of villages, were either destroyed or greatly damaged. We shall only instance the fate of Catania, one of the most famous, ancient, and flourishing cities in the kingdom; the residence of several monarchs, and an university. this once famous city had the greatest share in the tragedy. Father Anthon Serrovita, being on his way thither and at the distance of a few miles, observed a black cloud like night hovering over the city; and ⟨there⟩ arose from the mouth of Montgibello great ⟨spines⟩ of flame, which spread all around, the sea all ⟨of a⟩ sudden began to roar and rise in billows; and ⟨there⟩ was a blow, as if all the artillery in the world ⟨had⟩
