Act III: The storm hits. Changes are noted on the barometer, thermometer, clinometer, compass, and other instruments – cœlestial bodies are, however, no longer visible – the sky is a boiling chaos torn unpredictably by bolts – the sea is rough, the ship heaves, the cargo remains tied safely down, but most passengers are too ill or worried to think. The sailors are all working without rest – some of them sacrifice chickens in hopes of appeasing their gods. The rigging glows with St. Elmo's Fire – this is attributed to supernatural forces.