Page:Account of several remarkable earthquakes which have happened in various quarters of the world (1).pdf/7

 Of the Earthquake in Sicily, in 1693.

N 1693, an earthquake happened in Sicily, which may justly be accounted one of the most of which we have any account. It shook whole island: and not only that, but Naples  Malta shared in the shock. It was impossible any body in this country to keep on their legs  the dancing earth; nay, those that lay on the  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 ; almost all the buildings in the countries thrown down. Fifty-four cities and towns, an incredible number of villages, were  destroyed or greatly damaged. We shall instance the fate of Catania, one of the most, ancient, and flourishing cities in the kingdom: the residence of several monarchs, and  university. This once famous city had the greatest share in tragedy. Father Anthony being on his way thither, and at the  of a few miles, observed a black cloud  night hovering over the city; and there arose  the mouth of Montgibello great spires of, which spread all around. The sea all of a began to roar and rise in billows, and there  a blow, as if all the artillery in the world had  at once discharged. The birds flew about ; the cattle in the fields ran crying, His and his companions horses stopped short, ; so that they were forced to alight. were no sooner off, but they were lifted the ground above two palms, when casting  eyes towards Catania, he with amazement saw  but a thick cloud of dust in the air. This