From all theſe various accounts, there was no ſulphureous ſmell, or eruption; no fiſſures in the ground perceived. Yet ſeveral people were ſick upon it: infinite numbers terribly affrighted, and as ſoon forgot the impreſſion of it; or talk’d of it in a merry ſtrain; as commonly with us at London. So little are the vulgar affected, without ſomething very ſenſible; and ſo ſoon is the ſenſe of it worn out!
It was more evidently perceiv’d, by people ſtanding; moſt, by thoſe that were ſitting: leaſt, by ſuch as were walking: and in upper ſtores of houſes, more than in lower; or in cellars. Some coming down ſtairs, were in danger of being thrown forwards. Several ſitting in a chair, and hearing the low, thundring noiſe, and thinking it was a coach paſſing by; when they attempted to get up, to ſee what it was, they were thrown back again in their chair. Some heard the wainſcot crackle. Some ſitting in their chairs leaning forwards, were thrown down on their hands, and knees. Some people heard the noiſe without feeling the ſhock: others felt the ſhock without hearing the noiſe. Some in a ſtanding poſture, were forc’d to lay hold on a table, to keep themſelves from falling.
It was particularly remarked (as before obſerv’d) that birds in cages were ſenſibly affrighted; thruſting their heads under their
wings.
