`` the prelude was a gaudy sight to see -- an object lesson for humanity -- with signs and portents , eerie and arcane , devised ( by someone patently insane ) to jolt them into terrified remorse : a 'conqueror upon a snow-white horse , ' and others riding steeds of black and red across the skies , inspiring mortals ' dread ; then storms of hailstones mixed with blood and fire , and thunderclaps expressing godly ire .