nature things

7/31/2019 Nature Things

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OntheNatureofThingsByLucretius

TranslatedbyWilliamElleryLeonard

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BOOKI

Proem

MotherofRome,delightofGodsandmen,DearVenusthatbeneaththeglidingstarsMakesttoteemthemany-voyagedmainAndfruitfullands-foralloflivingthingsThroughtheealoneareevermoreconceived,Throughtheearerisentovisitthegreatsun-Beforethee,Goddess,andthycomingon,Fleestormywindandmassycloudaway,

FortheethedaedalEarthbearsscentedflowers,FortheewatersoftheunvexeddeepSmile,andthehollowsofthesereneskyGlowwithdiffusedradianceforthee!Forsoonascomesthespringtimefaceofday,AndprocreantgalesblowfromtheWestunbarred,Firstfowlsofair,smittotheheartbythee,Foretokenthyapproach,OthouDivine,AndleapthewildherdsroundthehappyfieldsOrswimtheboundingtorrents.Thusamain,Seizedwiththespell,allcreaturesfollowtheeWhithersoeverthouwalkestforthtolead,Andthencethroughseasandmountainsandswiftstreams,

Throughleafyhomesofbirdsandgreeningplains,Kindlingthelureofloveineverybreast,Thoubringesttheeternalgenerationsforth,Kindafterkind.Andsince'tisthoualoneGuidesttheCosmos,andwithouttheenaughtIsrisentoreachtheshiningshoresoflight,Noraughtofjoyfuloroflovelyborn,TheedoIcraveco-partnerinthatverseWhichIpresumeonNaturetocomposeForMemmiusmine,whomthouhastwilledtobePeerlessineverygraceateveryhour-Whereforeindeed,Divineone,givemywords

Immortalcharm.LulltoatimelyrestO'erseaandlandthesavageworksofwar,ForthoualonehastpowerwithpublicpeaceToaidmortality;sincehewhorulesThesavageworksofbattle,puissantMars,HowoftentothybosomflingshisstrengthO'ermasteredbytheeternalwoundoflove-Andthere,witheyesandfullthroatbackwardthrown,Gazing,myGoddess,open-mouthedatthee,Pasturesonlovehisgreedysight,hisbreath



Hanginguponthylips.HimthusreclinedFillwiththyholybody,round,above!PourfromthoselipssoftsyllablestowinPeacefortheRomans,gloriousLady,peace!ForinaseasontroubloustothestateNeithermayIattendthistaskofmineWiththoughtuntroubled,normidsucheventsTheillustriousscionoftheMemmianhouseNeglecttheciviccause.WhilsthumankindThroughoutthelandslaymiserablycrushedBeforealleyesbeneathReligion-whoWouldshowherheadalongtheregionskies,Gloweringonmortalswithherhideousface-AGreekitwaswhofirstopposingdaredRaisemortaleyesthatterrortowithstand,WhomnorthefameofGodsnorlightning'sstrokeNorthreateningthunderoftheominousskyAbashed;butratherchafedtoangryzestHisdauntlesshearttobethefirsttorendThecrossbarsatthegatesofNatureold.Andthushiswillandhardywisdomwon;Andforwardthushefaredafar,beyondTheflamingrampartsoftheworld,until

HewanderedtheunmeasurableAll.Whencehetous,aconqueror,reportsWhatthingscanrisetobeing,whatcannot,Andbywhatlawtoeachitsscopeprescribed,ItsboundarystonethatclingssodeepinTime.WhereforeReligionnowisunderfoot,Andushisvictorynowexaltstoheaven.IknowhowharditisinLatianverseTotellthedarkdiscoveriesoftheGreeks,Chieflybecauseourpauper-speechmustfindStrangetermstofitthestrangenessofthething;YetworthofthineandtheexpectedjoyOfthysweetfriendshipdopersuademeon

Tobearalltoilandwaketheclearnightsthrough,SeekingwithwhatofwordsandwhatofsongImayatlastmostgloriouslyuncloudFortheethelightbeyond,wherewithtoviewThecoreofbeingatthecentrehid.Andfortherest,summontojudgmentstrue,UnbusiedearsandsinglenessofmindWithdrawnfromcares;lestthesemygifts,arrangedFortheewitheagerservice,thoudisdainBeforethoucomprehendest:sincefortheeIprovethesupremelawofGodsandsky,Andtheprimordialgermsofthingsunfold,WhenceNatureallcreates,andmultiplies

Andfostersall,andwhithersheresolvesEachintheendwheneachisoverthrown.ThisultimatestockwehavedevisedtonameProcreantatoms,matter,seedsofthings,Orprimalbodies,asprimaltotheworld.

IfearperhapsthoudeemestthatwefareAnimpiousroadtorealmsofthoughtprofane;But'tisthatsamereligionoftenerfarHathbredthefoulimpietiesofmen:



AsonceatAulis,theelectedchiefs,Foremostofheroes,Danaancounsellors,DefiledDiana'saltar,virginqueen,WithAgamemnon'sdaughter,foullyslain.ShefeltthechapletroundhermaidenlocksAndfillets,flutteringdownoneithercheek,Andatthealtarmarkedhergrievingsire,Thepriestsbesidehimwhoconcealedtheknife,Andallthefolkintearsatsightofher.WithadumbterrorandasinkingkneeShedropped;normightavailhernowthatfirst'Twasshewhogavethekingafather'sname.Theyraisedherup,theyborethetremblinggirlOntothealtar-hitherlednotnowWithsolemnritesandhymenealchoir,Butsinlesswoman,sinfullyforedone,Aparentfelledheronherbridalday,MakinghischildasacrificialbeastTogivetheshipsauspiciouswindsforTroy:SucharethecrimestowhichReligionleads.

Andthereshallcomethetimewheneventhou,Forcedbythesoothsayer'sterror-tales,shaltseekTobreakfromus.Ah,manyadreamevennow

Cantheyconcocttoroutthyplansoflife,Andtroubleallthyfortuneswithbasefears.Iownwithreason:for,ifmenbutknewSomefixedendtoills,theywouldbestrongBysomedeviceunconqueredtowithstandReligionsandthemenacingsofseers.Butnownorskillnorinstrumentistheirs,Sincemenmustdreadeternalpainsindeath.Forwhatthesoulmaybetheydonotknow,Whether'tisborn,orenterinatbirth,Andwhether,snatchedbydeath,itdiewithus,OrvisittheshadowsandthevastycavesOfOrcus,orbysomedivinedecree

Enterthebruteherds,asourEnniussang,WhofirstfromlovelyHeliconbroughtdownAlaurelwreathofbrightperennialleaves,RenownedforeveramongtheItalianclans.YetEnniustooineverlastingverseProclaimsthosevaultsofAcherontobe,Thoughthence,hesaid,norsoulsnorbodiesfare,Butonlyphantomfigures,strangelywan,AndtellshowoncefromoutthoseregionsroseOldHomer'sghosttohimandshedsalttearsAndwithhiswordsunfoldedNature'ssource.ThenbeitourswithsteadymindtoclaspThepurportoftheskies-thelawbehind

Thewanderingcoursesofthesunandmoon;Toscanthepowersthatspeedalllifebelow;ButmosttoseewithreasonableeyesOfwhatthemind,ofwhatthesoulismade,AndwhatitissoterriblethatbreaksOnusasleep,orwakingindisease,UntilweseemtomarkandhearathandDeadmenwhosebonesearthbosomedlongago.

SubstanceisEternal



Thisterror,then,thisdarknessofthemind,Notsunrisewithitsflaringspokesoflight,Norglitteringarrowsofmorningcandisperse,ButonlyNature'saspectandherlaw,Which,teachingus,haththisexordium:Nothingfromnothingeveryetwasborn.FearholdsdominionovermortalityOnlybecause,seeinginlandandskySomuchthecausewhereofnowisetheyknow,MenthinkDivinitiesareworkingthere.Meantime,whenonceweknowfromnothingstillNothingcanbecreate,weshalldivineMoreclearlywhatweseek:thoseelementsFromwhichaloneallthingscreatedare,AndhowaccomplishedbynotoolofGods.Supposeallsprangfromallthings:anykindMighttakeitsoriginfromanything,Nofixedseedrequired.MenfromtheseaMightrise,andfromthelandthescalybreed,And,fowlfullfledgedcomeburstingfromthesky;Thehornedcattle,theherdsandallthewildWouldhauntwithvaryingoffspringtilthandwaste;Norwouldthesamefruitskeeptheiroldentrees,

ButeachmightgrowfromanystockorlimbBychanceandchange.Indeed,andweretherenotForeachitsprocreantatoms,couldthingshaveEachitsunalterablemotherold?But,sinceproducedfromfixedseedsareall,EachbirthgoesforthupontheshoresoflightFromitsownstuff,fromitsownprimalbodies.Andallfromallcannotbecome,becauseIneachresidesasecretpoweritsown.Again,whyseewelavishedo'erthelandsAtspringtherose,atsummerheatthecorn,Thevinesthatmellowwhentheautumnlures,Ifnotbecausethefixedseedsofthings

Attheirownseasonmusttogetherstream,AndnewcreationsonlyberevealedWhentheduetimesarriveandpregnantearthSafelymaygiveuntotheshoresoflightHertenderprogenies?ButiffromnaughtWeretheirbecoming,theywouldspringabroadSuddenly,unforeseen,inalienmonths,Withnoprimordialgerms,tobepreservedFromprocreantunionsatanadversehour.NorontheminglingofthelivingseedsWouldspacebeneededforthegrowthofthingsWerelifeanincrementofnothing:thenThetinybabeforthwithwouldwalkaman,

Andfromtheturfwouldleapabranchingtree-Wondersunheardof;for,byNature,eachSlowlyincreasesfromitslawfulseed,Andthroughthatincreaseshallconserveitskind.WhencetaketheproofthatthingsenlargeandfeedFromouttheirpropermatter.ThusitcomesThatearth,withoutherseasonsoffixedrains,Couldbearnoproducesuchasmakesusglad,Andwhatsoeverlives,ifshutfromfood,Prolongsitskindandguardsitslifenomore.



Thuseasier'tistoholdthatmanythingsHaveprimalbodiesincommon(asweseeThesingleletterscommontomanywords)Thanaughtexistswithoutitsorigins.Moreover,whyshouldNaturenotprepareMenofabulktofordtheseasafoot,Orrendthemightymountainswiththeirhands,OrconquerTimewithlengthofdays,ifnotBecauseforallbegottenthingsabidesThechangelessstuff,andwhatfromthatmayspringIsfixedforevermore?LastlyweseeHowfarthetilledsurpassthefieldsuntilledAndtothelabourofourhandsreturnTheirmoreaboundingcrops;thereareindeedWithintheearthprimordialgermsofthings,Which,astheploughshareturnsthefruitfulclodsAndkneadsthemould,wequickenintobirth.Elsewouldyemark,withoutalltoilofours,Spontaneousgenerations,fairerforms.Confessthen,naughtfromnothingcanbecome,Sinceallmusthavetheirseeds,wherefromtogrow,Wherefromtoreachthegentlefieldsofair.HencetooitcomesthatNaturealldissolvesIntotheirprimalbodiesagain,andnaught

Perishesevertoannihilation.For,wereaughtmortalinitseverypart,BeforeoureyesitmightbesnatchedawayUntodestruction;sincenoforcewereneededTosunderitsmembersandundoitsbands.Whereas,oftruth,becauseallthingsexist,Withseedimperishable,NatureallowsDestructionnorcollapseofaught,untilSomeoutwardforcemayshatterbyablow,Orinwardcraft,enteringitshollowcells,Dissolveitdown.Andmorethanthis,ifTime,Thatwasteswitheldtheworksalongtheworld,Destroyentire,consumingmatterall,

WhencethenmayVenusbacktolightoflifeRestorethegenerationskindbykind?Orhow,whenthusrestored,maydaedalEarthFosterandplenishwithherancientfood,Which,kindbykind,sheoffersuntoeach?Whencemaythewater-springs,beneaththesea,Orinlandrivers,farandwideaway,Keeptheunfathomableoceanfull?AndoutofwhatdoesEtherfeedthestars?ForlapsedyearsandinfiniteagemustelseHaveeatallshapesofmortalstockaway:ButbeittheLongAgocontainedthosegerms,Bywhichthissumofthingsrecruitedlives,

Thosesameinfalliblycanneverdie,Nornothingtonothingevermorereturn.And,too,theselfsamepowermightendalikeAllthings,weretheynotstilltogetherheldBymattereternal,shackledthroughitsparts,Nowmore,nowless.AtouchmightbeenoughTocausedestruction.FortheslightestforceWouldloosetheweftofthingswhereinnopartWereofimperishablestock.ButnowBecausethefasteningsofprimordialparts



AreputtogetherdiverselyandstuffIseverlasting,thingsabidethesameUnhurtandsure,untilsomepowercomesonStrongtodestroythewarpandwoofofeach:Nothingreturnstonaught;butallreturnAttheircollapsetoprimalformsofstuff.Lo,therainsperishwhichEther-fatherthrowsDowntothebosomofEarth-mother;butthenUpspringstheshininggrain,andboughsaregreenAmidthetrees,andtreesthemselveswaxbigAndladethemselveswithfruits;andhenceinturnTheraceofmanandallthewildarefed;Hencejoyfulcitiesthrivewithboysandgirls;Andleafywoodlandsechowithnewbirds;Hencecattle,fatanddrowsy,laytheirbulkAlongthejoyouspastureswhilstthedropsOfwhiteoozetricklefromdistendedbags;HencetheyoungscamperontheirweaklingjointsAlongthetenderherbs,freshheartsafriskWithwarmnewmilk.ThusnaughtofwhatsoseemsPerishesutterly,sinceNatureeverUpbuildsonethingfromother,sufferingnaughtTocometobirthbutthroughsomeother'sdeath.

Andnow,sinceIhavetaughtthatthingscannotBebornfromnothing,northesame,whenborn,Tonothingberecalled,doubtnotmywords,Becauseoureyesnoprimalgermsperceive;Formarkthosebodieswhich,thoughknowntobeInthisourworld,areyetinvisible:Thewindsinfuriatelashourfaceandframe,Unseen,andswamphugeshipsandrendtheclouds,Or,eddyingwildlydown,bestrewtheplainsWithmightytrees,orscourthemountaintopsWithforest-cracklingblasts.ThusontheyraveWithuproarshrillandominousmoan.Thewinds,'Tisclear,aresightlessbodiessweepingthrough

Thesea,thelands,thecloudsalongthesky,Vexingandwhirlingandseizingallamain;Andforththeyflowandpiledestructionround,Evenasthewater'ssoftandsupplebulkBecomingariverofaboundingfloods,WhichawidedownpourfromtheloftyhillsSwellswithbigshowers,dashesheadlongdownFragmentsofwoodlandandwholebranchingtrees;NorcanthesolidbridgesbidetheshockAsonthewaterswhelm:theturbulentstream,Strongwithahundredrains,beatsroundthepiers,Crasheswithhavoc,androllsbeneathitswavesDown-toppledmasonryandponderousstone,

Hurlingawaywhateverwouldoppose.Evensomustmovetheblastsofallthewinds,Which,whentheyspread,liketoamightyflood,Hitherorthither,drivethingsonbeforeAndhurltogroundwithstillrenewedassault,OrsometimesintheircirclingvortexseizeAndbearinconesofwhirlwinddowntheworld:Thewindsaresightlessbodiesandnaughtelse-SincebothinworksandwaystheyrivalwellThemightyrivers,thevisibleinform.



ThentooweknowthevariedsmellsofthingsYetnevertoournostrilsseethemcome;Witheyesweviewnotburningheats,norcold,Norarewewontmen'svoicestobehold.Yetthesemustbecorporealatthebase,Sincethustheysmitethesenses:naughtthereisSavebody,havingpropertyoftouch.Andraiment,hungbysurf-beatshore,growsmoist,Thesame,spreadoutbeforethesun,willdry;Yetnoonesawhowsankthemoisturein,Norhowbyheatoff-driven.Thusweknow,ThatmoistureisdispersedaboutinbitsToosmallforeyestosee.Anothercase:AringuponthefingerthinsawayAlongtheunderside,withyearsandsuns;Thedrippingsfromtheeaveswillscoopthestone;Thehookedploughshare,thoughofiron,wastesAmidthefieldsinsidiously.WeviewTherock-pavedhighwayswornbymanyfeet;AndatthegatesthebrazenstatuesshowTheirrighthandsleanerfromthefrequenttouchOfwayfarersinnumerablewhogreet.Weseehowwearing-downhathminishedthese,Butjustwhatmotesdepartatanytime,

Theenviousnatureofvisionbarsoursight.LastlywhateverdaysandnatureaddLittlebylittle,constrainingthingstogrowIndueproportion,nogazehoweverkeenOftheseoureyeshathwatchedandknown.NomoreCanweobservewhat'slostatanytime,Whenthingswaxoldwitheldandfouldecay,Orwhensaltseaseatunderbeetlingcrags.ThusNatureeverbyunseenbodiesworks.

TheVoid

Butyetcreation'sneithercrammednorblocked

Aboutbybody:there'sinthingsavoid-Whichtohaveknownwillservetheemanyaturn,Norwillnotleavetheewanderingindoubt,Foreversearchinginthesumofall,Andlosingfaithinthesepronouncementsmine.There'splaceintangible,avoidandroom.Forwereitnot,thingscouldinnowisemove;Sincebody'spropertytoblockandcheckWouldworkonallandatantimesthesame.Thusnaughtcouldevermorepushforthandgo,Sincenaughtelsewherewouldyieldastartingplace.Butnowthroughoceans,lands,andheightsofheavenBydiverscausesandindiversmodes,

Beforeoureyeswemarkhowmuchmaymove,Which,findingnotavoid,wouldfaildeprivedOfstirandmotion;nay,wouldthenhavebeenNowisebegotatall,sincematter,then,Hadstaidatrest,itspartstogethercrammed.Thentoo,howeversolidobjectsseem,Theyyetareformedofmattermixedwithvoid:Inrocksandcavesthewaterymoistureseeps,Andbeadydropsstandoutlikeplenteoustears;Andfoodfindswaythrougheveryframethatlives;



Thetreesincreaseandyieldtheseason'sfruitBecausetheirfoodthroughoutthewholeispoured,Evenfromthedeepestroots,throughtrunksandboughs;AndvoicespassthesolidwallsandflyReverberantthroughshutdoorwaysofahouse;Andstiffeningfrostseepsinwardtoourbones.Whichbutforvoidsforbodiestogothrough'Tisclearcouldhappeninnowiseatall.Again,whyseeweamongobjectssomeOfheavierweight,butofnobulkiersize:Indeed,ifinaballofwooltherebeAsmuchofbodyasinlumpoflead,Thetwoshouldweighalike,sincebodytendsToloadthingsdownward,whilethevoidabides,Bycontrarynature,theimponderable.Therefore,anobjectjustaslargebutlighterDeclaresinfalliblyitsmoreofvoid;Evenastheheaviermoreofmattershows,Andhowmuchlessofvacantroominside.Thatwhichwe'reseekingwithsagaciousquestExists,infallibly,commixedwiththings-Thevoid,theinvisibleinane.RighthereIamcompelledaquestiontoexpound,

Forestallingsomethingcertainfolksuppose,Lestitavailtoleadtheeofffromtruth:Waters(theysay)beforetheshiningbreedOftheswiftscalycreaturessomehowgive,Andstraightwayopensuddenliquidpaths,BecausethefishesleavebehindthemroomTowhichatoncetheyieldingbillowsstream.Thusthingsamongthemselvescanyetbemoved,Andchangetheirplace,howeverfulltheSum-Receivedopinion,whollyfalseforsooth.Forwherecanscalycreaturesforwarddart,Savewherethewatersgivethemroom?Again,Wherecanthebillowsyieldaway,solong

Aseverthefisharepowerlesstogo?Thuseitherallbodiesofmotionaredeprived,OrthingscontainadmixtureofavoidWhereeachthinggetsitsstartinmovingon.Lastly,whereafterimpacttwobroadbodiesSuddenlyspringapart,theairmustcrowdThewholenewvoidbetweenthosebodiesformed;Butair,howeveritstreamwithhasteninggusts,Canyetnotfillthegapatonce-forfirstItmakesforoneplace,erediffusedthroughall.Andthen,ifhaplyanythinkthiscomes,Whenbodiesspringapart,becausetheairSomehowcondenses,wandertheyfromtruth:

Forthenavoidisformed,wherenonebefore;And,too,avoidisfilledwhichwasbefore.Norcanairbecondensedinsuchawise;Nor,grantingitcould,withoutavoid,Ihold,ItstillcouldnotcontractuponitselfAnddrawitspartstogetherintoone.Wherefore,despitedemurandcounter-speech,Confessthoumustthereisavoidinthings.

AndstillImightbymanyanargument



Herescrapetogethercredenceformywords.Butforthekeeneyethesemerefootprintsserve,Wherebythoumayestknowtherestthyself.Asdogsfulloftwithnosesontheground,Findoutthesilentlairs,thoughhidinbrush,Ofbeasts,themountain-rangers,whenbutonceTheyscentthecertainfootstepsoftheway,ThusthouthyselfinthemeslikethesealoneCanhuntfromthoughttothought,andkeenlywindAlongevenonwardtothesecretplacesAnddragouttruth.But,ifthouloiterlothOrveer,howeverlittle,fromthepoint,ThisIcanpromise,Memmius,forafact:SuchcopiousdraftsmysingingtongueshallpourFromthelargewell-springsofmyplenishedbreastThatmuchIdreadslowagewillstealandcoilAlongourmembers,andunloosethegatesOflifewithinus,erefortheemyverseHathputwithinthineearsthestoresofproofsAthandforonesoeverquestionbroached.

NothingExistsPerSeExceptAtomsandtheVoid

But,nowagaintoweavethetalebegun,

Allnature,then,asself-sustained,consistsOftwainofthings:ofbodiesandofvoidInwhichthey'reset,andwherethey'removedaround.ForcommoninstinctofourracedeclaresThatbodyofitselfexists:unlessThisprimalfaith,deep-founded,failusnot,NaughtwilltherebewhereuntotoappealOnthingsoccultwhenseekingaughttoproveByreasoningsofmind.Again,withoutThatplaceandroom,whichwedocalltheinane,Nowherecouldbodiesthenbeset,norgoHitherorthitheratall-asshownbefore.Besides,there'snaughtofwhichthoucanstdeclare

Itlivesdisjoinedfrombody,shutfromvoid-Akindofthirdinnature.ForwhateverExistsmustbeasomewhat;andthesame,Iftangible,howeverfightandslight,Willyetincreasethecountofbody'ssum,Withitsownaugmentationbigorsmall;But,ifintangibleandpowerlesseverTokeepathingfrompassingthroughitselfOnanyside,'twillbenaughtelsebutthatWhichwedocalltheempty,theinane.Again,whate'erexists,asofitself,Musteitheractorsufferactiononit.Orelsebethatwhereinthingsmoveandbe:

Naught,savingbody,acts,isactedon;Naughtbuttheinanecanfurnishroom.Andthus,Besidetheinaneandbodies,isnothirdNatureamidthenumberofallthings-RemaindernonetofallatanytimeUnderoursenses,norbeseizedandseenByanymanthroughreasoningsofmind.Nameo'ercreationwithwhatnamesthouwilt,Thou'ltfindbutpropertiesofthosefirsttwain,Orseebutaccidentsthosetwainproduce.



ApropertyisthatwhichnotatallCanbedisjoinedandseveredfromathingWithoutafataldissolution:such,Weighttotherocks,heattothefire,andflowTothewidewaters,touchtocorporalthings,Intangibilitytotheviewlessvoid.Butstateofslavery,pauperhood,andwealth,Freedom,andwar,andconcord,andallelseWhichcomeandgowhilstNaturestandsthesame,We'rewont,andrightly,tocallaccidents.Eventimeexistsnotofitself;butsenseReadsoutofthingswhathappenedlongago,Whatpressesnow,andwhatshallfollowafter:Noman,wemustadmit,feelstimeitself,Disjoinedfrommotionandreposeofthings.Thus,whentheysaythere"is"theravishmentOfPrincessHelen,"is"thesiegeandsackOfTrojanTown,lookout,theyforceusnotToadmittheseactsexistentbythemselves,Merelybecausethoseracesofmankind(Ofwhomtheseactswereaccidents)longsinceIrrevocableagehasborneaway:Forallpastactionsmaybesaidtobe

Butaccidents,inoneway,ofmankind,-Inother,ofsomeregionoftheworld.Add,too,hadbeennomatter,andnoroomWhereinallthingsgoon,thefireofloveUpblownbythatfairform,theglowingcoalUnderthePhrygianAlexander'sbreast,Hadne'erenkindledthatrenownedstrifeOfsavagewar,norhadthewoodenhorseInvolvedinflamesoldPergama,byabirthAtmidnightofabroodoftheHellenes.AndthusthoucanstremarkthateveryactAtbottomexistsnotofitself,norisAsbodyis,norhaslikenamewithvoid;

ButratherofsortmorefitlytobecalledAnaccidentofbody,andofplaceWhereinallthingsgoon.

CharacteroftheAtoms

Bodies,again,Arepartlyprimalgermsofthings,andpartlyUnionsderivingfromtheprimalgerms.AndthosewhicharetheprimalgermsofthingsNopowercanquench;forintheendtheyconquerBytheirownsolidness;thoughharditbeTothinkthataughtinthingshassolidframe;

Forlightningspass,nolessthanvoiceandshout,Throughhedgingwallsofhouses,andtheironWhite-dazzlesinthefire,androckswillburnWithexhalationsfierceandburstasunder.Totterstherigidgolddissolvedinheat;Theiceofbronzemeltsconqueredintheflame;Warmthandthepiercingcoldthroughsilverseep,Since,withthecupsheldrightlyinthehand,Weoftfeelboth,asfromaboveispouredThedewofwatersbetweentheirshiningsides:



Sotrueitisnosolidformisfound.ButyetbecausetruereasonandnatureofthingsConstrainus,come,whilstinfewversesnowIdisentanglehowtherestillexistBodiesofsolid,everlastingframe-Theseedsofthings,theprimalgermsweteach,Whenceallcreationarounduscametobe.Firstsinceweknowatwofoldnatureexists,Ofthings,bothtwainandutterlyunlike-Body,andplaceinwhichanthingsgoon-Theneachmustbebothforandthroughitself,Andallunmixed:where'erbeemptyspace,Therebody'snot;andsowherebodybides,Therenotatanexiststhevoidinane.Thusprimalbodiesaresolid,withoutavoid.Butsincethere'svoidinallbegottenthings,Allsolidmattermustberoundthesame;Nor,bytruereasoncanstthouproveaughthidesAndholdsavoidwithinitsbody,unlessThougrantwhatholdsitbeasolid.Know,ThatwhichcanholdavoidofthingswithinCanbenaughtelsethanmatterinunionknit.Thusmatter,consistingofasolidframe,Hathpowertobeeternal,thoughallelse,

Thoughallcreation,bedissolvedaway.Again,werenaughtofemptyandinane,Theworldwerethenasolid;as,withoutSomecertainbodiestofilltheplacesheld,Theworldthatiswerebutavacantvoid.Andso,infallibly,alternate-wiseBodyandvoidarestilldistinguished,Sincenatureknowsnowhollyfullnorvoid.Thereare,then,certainbodies,possessedofpowerTovaryforevertheemptyandthefull;AndthesecannorbesunderedfromwithoutBybeatsandblows,norfromwithinbetornBypenetration,norbeoverthrown

Byanyassaultsoeverthroughtheworld-Forwithoutvoid,naughtcanbecrushed,itseems,Norbroken,norseveredbyacutintwain,Norcanittakethedamp,orseepingcoldOrpiercingfire,thoseolddestroyersthree;Butthemorevoidwithinathing,themoreEntirelyittottersattheirsureassault.Thusiffirstbodiesbe,asIhavetaught,Solid,withoutavoid,theymustbethenEternal;and,ifmatterne'erhadbeenEternal,longerenowhadallthingsgoneBackintonothingutterly,andallWeseearoundfromnothinghadbeenborn-

ButsinceItaughtabovethatnaughtcanbeFromnaughtcreated,northeoncebegottenTonaughtbesummonedback,theseprimalgermsMusthaveanimmortalityofframe.Andintothesemusteachthingberesolved,Whencomesitssupremehour,thatthustherebeAthandthestuffforplenishingtheworld.

SoprimalgermshavesolidsinglenessNorotherwisecouldtheyhavebeenconserved



ThroughaeonsandinfinityoftimeForthereplenishmentofwastedworlds.

Oncemore,ifNaturehadgivenascopeforthingsTobeforeverbrokenmoreandmore,BynowthebodiesofmatterwouldhavebeenSofarreducedbybreakingsinolddaysThatfromthemnothingcould,atseasonfixed,Beborn,andarriveitsprimeandoflife.For,lo,eachthingisquickermarredthanmade;Andsowhat'erthelonginfinitudeOfdaysandallfore-passedtimewouldnowBythishavebrokenandruinedanddissolved,Thatsamecouldne'erinallremainingtimeBebuildedupforplenishingtheworld.Butmark:infalliblyafixedboundRemainethstablished'gainsttheirbreakingdown;Sincewebeholdeachthingsoeverrenewed,Anduntoall,theirseasons,aftertheirkind,Whereintheyarrivethefloweroftheirage.

Again,ifboundshavenotbeensetagainstThebreakingdownofthiscorporealworld,Yetmustallbodiesofwhateverthings

HavestillenduredfromeverlastingtimeUntothispresent,asnotyetassailedByshocksofperil.ButbecausethesameAre,tothythinking,ofanaturefrail,Itillaccordsthatthustheycouldremain(Asthustheydo)througheverlastingtime,Vexedthroughtheages(asindeedtheyare)Bytheinnumerableblowsofchance.

Soinourprogrammeofcreation,markHow'tisthat,thoughthebodiesofallstuffThewayswherebysomethingsarefashionedsoft-Air,water,earth,andfieryexhalations-

Andbywhatforcetheyfunctionandgoon:Thefactisfoundedinthevoidofthings.Butiftheprimalgermsthemselvesbesoft,ReasoncannotbebroughttobeartoshowThewayswherebymaybecreatedtheseGreatcragsofbasaltandtheduringiron;FortheirwholenaturewillprofoundlylackThefirstfoundationsofasolidframe.Butpowerfulinoldsimplicity,Abidethesolid,theprimevalgerms;Andbytheircombinationsmorecondensed,AllobjectscanbetightlyknitandboundAndmadetoshowunconquerablestrength.

Again,sinceallthingskindbykindobtainFixedboundsofgrowingandconservinglife;SinceNaturehathinviolablydecreedWhateachcando,whateachcanneverdo;Sincenaughtischanged,butallthingssoabideThateverthevariegatedbirdsrevealThespotsorstripespeculiartotheirkind,Springafterspring:thussurelyallthatisMustbecomposedofmatterimmutable.Foriftheprimalgermsinanywise



Wereopentoconquestandtochange,'twouldbeUncertainalsowhatcouldcometobirthAndwhatcouldnot,andbywhatlawtoeachItsscopeprescribed,itsboundarystonethatclingsSodeepinTime.NorcouldthegenerationsKindafterkindsooftenreproduceThenature,habits,motions,waysoflife,Oftheirprogenitors.Andthenagain,Sincethereiseveranextremeboundingpoint

OfthatfirstbodywhichoursensesnowCannotperceive:ThatboundingpointindeedExistswithoutallparts,aminimumOfnature,norwase'erathingapart,Asofitself,-norshallhereafterbe,Since'tisitselfstillparcelofanother,Afirstandsinglepart,whenceotherpartsAndotherssimilarinorderlieInapackedphalanx,fillingtothefullThenatureoffirstbody:beingthusNotself-existent,theymustcleavetothatFromwhichinnowisetheycansunderedbe.Soprimalgermshavesolidsingleness,

WhichtightlypackedandcloselyjoinedcohereByvirtueoftheirminimparticles-Nocompoundbymereunionofthesame;Butstrongintheireternalsingleness,Nature,reservingthemasseedsforthings,Permittethnaughtofruptureordecrease.

Moreover,weretherenotaminimum,Thesmallestbodieswouldhaveinfinites,Sincethenahalf-of-halfcouldstillbehalved,Withlimitlessdivisionlessandless.Thenwhatthedifference'twixtthesumandleast?None:forhoweverinfinitethesum,

YeteventhesmallestwouldconsistthesameOfinfiniteparts.ButsincetruereasonhereProtests,denyingthatthemindcanthinkit,ConvincedthoumustconfesssuchthingsthereareAshavenoparts,theminimumsofnature.Andsincetheseare,likewiseconfessthoumustThatprimalbodiesaresolidandeterne.Again,ifNature,creatressofallthings,WerewonttoforceallthingstoberesolvedUntoleastparts,thenwouldshenotavailToreproducefromoutthemanything;Becausewhate'erisnotendowedwithpartsCannotpossessthosepropertiesrequired

Ofgenerativestuff-diversconnections,Weights,blows,encounters,motions,wherebythingsForevermorehavebeingandgoon.

ConfutationofOtherPhilosophers

AndonsuchgroundsitisthatthosewhoheldThestuffofthingsisfire,andoutoffireAlonethecosmicsumisformed,areseenMightilyfromtruereasontohavelapsed.



Ofwhom,chiefleadertodobattle,comesThatHeraclitus,famousfordarkspeechAmongthesilly,nottheseriousGreeksWhosearchfortruth.FordoltsareeverproneThattobewonderandadorewhichhidesBeneathdistortedwords,holdingthattrueWhichsweetlyticklesintheirstupidears,Orwhichisrougedinfinelyfinishedphrase.Forhow,Iask,canthingssovariedbe,Ifformedoffire,singleandpure?Nowhit'Twouldhelpforfiretobecondensedorthinned,IfallthepartsoffiredidstillpreserveButfire'sownnature,seenbeforeingross.Theheatwerekeenerwiththepartscompressed,Milder,againwhenseveredordispersed-AndmorethanthisthoucanstconceiveofnaughtThatfromsuchcausescouldbecome;muchlessMightearth'svarietyofthingsbebornFromanyfiressoever,denseorrare.Thistoo:iftheysupposeavoidinthings,Thenfirescanbecondensedandstillleftrare;ButsincetheyseesuchoppositesofthoughtRisingagainstthem,andareloathtoleaveAnunmixedvoidinthings,theyfearthesteep

Andlosetheroadoftruth.Nordotheysee,That,iffromthingswetakeawaythevoid,Allthingsarethencondensed,andoutofallOnebodymade,whichhasnopowertodartSwiftlyfromoutitselfnotanything-Asthrowsthefireitslightandwarmtharound,Givingtheeproofitspartsarenotcompact.Butifperhapstheythink,inotherwise,FiresthroughtheircombinationscanbequenchedAndchangetheirsubstance,verywell:behold,Iffireshallsparetodosoinnopart,Thenheatwillperishutterlyandall,Andoutofnothingwouldtheworldbeformed.

ForchangeinanythingfromoutitsboundsMeansinstantdeathofthatwhichwasbefore;AndthusasomewhatmustpersistunharmedAmidtheworld,lestallreturntonaught,And,bornfromnaught,abundancethriveanew.NowsinceindeedtherearethosesurestbodiesWhichkeeptheirnatureevermorethesame,UponwhosegoingoutandcominginAndchangedorderthingstheirnaturechange,Andallcorporealsubstancestransformed,'Tisthinetoknowthoseprimalbodies,then,Arenotoffire.For'twereofnoavailShouldsomedepartandgoaway,andsome

Beaddednew,andsomebechangedinorder,Ifstillallkepttheirnatureofoldheat:ForwhatsoevertheycreatedthenWouldstillinanycasebeonlyfire.Thetruth,Ifancy,this:bodiesthereareWhoseclashings,motions,order,posture,shapesProducethefireandwhich,byorderchanged,Dochangethenatureofthethingproduced,AndarethereafternothingliketofireNorwhatsoelsehaspowertosenditsbodies



Withimpacttouchingonthesenses'touch.

Again,tosaythatallthingsarebutfireAndnotruethinginnumberofallthingsExistsbutfire,asthissamefellowsays,Seemscrazedfolly.ForthemanhimselfAgainstthesensesbythesensesfights,Andhewsatthatthroughwhichisallbelief,ThroughwhichindeeduntohimselfisknownThethinghecallsthefire.For,thoughhethinksThesensestrulycanperceivethefire,Hethinkstheycannotasregardsallelse,Whichstillarepalpablyascleartosense-Tomeathoughtineptandcrazytoo.Forwhithershallwemakeappeal?forwhatMorecertainthanoursensescantherebeWherebytomarkasundererrorandtruth?Besides,whyratherdoawaywithall,Andwishtoallowheatonly,thendenyThefireandstillallowallelsetobe?-Alikethemadnesseitherwayitseems.Thuswhosoe'erhaveheldthestuffofthingsTobebutfire,andoutoffirethesum,Andwhosoeverhaveconstitutedair

Asfirstbeginningofbegottenthings,AndallwhoeverhaveheldthatofitselfWateralonecontrivesthings,orthatearthCreatethallandchangesthingsanewTodiversnatures,mightilytheyseemAlongwaytohavewanderedfromthetruth.

Add,too,whoevermaketheprimalstuffTwofold,byjoiningairtofire,andearthTowater;addwhodeemthatthingscangrowOutofthefour-fire,earth,andbreath,andrain;AsfirstEmpedoclesofAcragas,Whomthatthree-corneredisleofallthelands

Boreonhercoasts,aroundwhichflowsandflowsInmightybendandbaytheIonicseas,Splashingthebrinefromofftheirgray-greenwaves.Here,billowingonwardthroughthenarrowstraits,SwiftoceancutsherboundariesfromtheshoresOftheItalicmainland.HerethewasteCharybdis;andhereAetnarumblesthreatsTogatheranewsuchfuriesofitsflamesAswithitsforceanewtovomitfires,Belchedfromitsthroat,andskywardbearanewItslightnings'flash.AndthoughformuchsheseemThemightyandthewondrousisletomen,Mostrichinallgoodthings,andfortified

Withgenerousstrengthofheroes,shehathne'erPossessedwithinheraughtofmorerenown,Noraughtmoreholy,wonderful,anddearThanthistrueman.Nay,eversofarandpureTheloftymusicofhisbreastdivineLiftsupitsvoiceandtellsofgloriesfound,Thatscarceheseemsofhumanstockcreate.

Yetheandthoseforementioned(knowntobeSofarbeneathhim,lessthanheinall),



Though,asdiscoverersofmuchgoodlytruth,Theygave,as'twerefromoutoftheheart'sownshrine,

ResponsesholierandsoundlierbasedThaneverthePythiapronouncedformenFromoutthetripodandtheDelphianlaurel,Havestillinmatteroffirst-elementsMaderuinofthemselves,and,greatmen,greatIndeedandheavythereforthemthefall:First,because,banishingthevoidfromthings,Theyyetassignthemmotion,andallowThingssoftandlooselytexturedtoexist,Asair,dew,fire,earth,animals,andgrains,Withoutadmixtureofvoidamidtheirframe.Next,because,thinkingtherecanbenoendIncuttingbodiesdowntolessandlessNorpauseestablishedtotheirbreakingup,Theyholdthereisnominimuminthings;AlbeitweseetheboundarypointofaughtIsthatwhichtooursensesseemsitsleast,Wherebythoumaystconjecture,that,becauseThethingsthoucanstnotmarkhaveboundarypoints,Theysurelyhavetheirminimums.Then,too,Sincethesephilosophersascribetothings

Softprimalgerms,whichwebeholdtobeOfbirthandbodymortal,thus,throughout,Thesumofthingsmustbereturnedtonaught,And,bornfromnaught,abundancethriveanew-Thouseesthowfareachdoctrinestandsfromtruth.And,next,thesebodiesareamongthemselvesInmanywayspoisonsandfoestoeach,WhereforetheircongresswilldestroythemquiteOrdriveasunderasweseeinstormsRains,winds,andlightningsallasunderfly.Thustoo,ifallthingsarecreateoffour,Andallagaindissolvedintothefour,Howcanthefourbecalledtheprimalgerms

Ofthings,morethanallthingsthemselvesbethought,Byretroversion,primalgermsofthem?Foreveralternatelyarebothbegot,WithinterchangeofnatureandaspectFromimmemorialtime.ButifpercaseThouthink'sttheframeoffireandearth,theair,ThedewofwatercaninsuchwisemeetAsnotbyminglingtoresigntheirnature,Fromthemfortheenoworldcanbecreate-Nothingofbreath,nostockorstalkoftree:InthewildcongressofthisvariedheapEachthingitspropernaturewilldisplay,Andairwillpalpablybeseenmixedup

Withearthtogether,unquenchedheatwithwater.ButprimalgermsinbringingthingstobirthMusthavealatent,unseenquality,LestsomeoutstandingalienelementConfuseandminishinthethingcreateItsproperbeing.ButthesemenbeginFromheaven,andfromitsfires;andfirsttheyfeignThatfirewillturnintothewindsofair,Next,thatfromairtherainbegottenis,



Andearthcreatedoutofrain,andthenThatall,reversely,arereturnedfromearth-Themoisturefirst,thenairthereafterheat-Andthatthesesamene'erceaseininterchange,Togotheirwaysfromheaventoearth,fromearthUntothestarsoftheetherealworld-Whichinnowiseatallthegermscando.Sinceanimmutablesomewhatstillmustbe,Lestallthingsutterlybespedtonaught;ForchangeinanythingfromoutitsboundsMeansinstantdeathofthatwhichwasbefore.Wherefore,sincethosethings,mentionedheretofore,Sufferachangedstate,theymustderiveFromotherseverunconvertible,Lestanthingsutterlyreturntonaught.ThenwhynotratherpresupposetherebeBodieswithsuchanaturefurnishedforthThat,ifperchancetheyhavecreatedfire,Canstill(byvirtueofafewwithdrawn,Oraddedfew,andmotionandorderchanged)Fashionthewindsofair,andthusallthingsForevermorebeinterchangedwithall?"Butfactsinproofaremanifest;"thousayest,"Thatallthingsgrowintothewindsofair

Andforthfromeartharenourished,andunlessTheseasonfavouratpropitioushourWithrainsenoughtosetthetreesa-reelUnderthesoakofbulkingthunderheads,Andsun,foritsshare,fosterandgiveheat,Nograins,nortrees,norbreathingthingscangrow."True-andunlesshardfoodandmoisturesoftRecruitedman,hisframewouldwasteaway,Andlifedissolvefromouthisthewsandbones;ForoutofdoubtrecruitedandfedareweBycertainthings,asotherthingsbyothers.BecauseinmanywaysthemanygermsCommontomanythingsaremixedinthings,

Nowonder'tisthatthereforediversthingsBydiversthingsarenourished.And,again,Oftenitmattersvastlywithwhatothers,InwhatpositionstheprimordialgermsAreboundtogether,andwhatmotions,too,Theygiveandgetamongthemselves;fortheseSamegermsdoputtogethersky,sea,lands,Rivers,andsun,grains,trees,andbreathingthings,ButyetcommixedtheyareindiversmodesWithdiversthings,foreverastheymove.Nay,thoubeholdestinourverseshereElementsmany,commontomanyworlds,Albeitthoumustconfesseachverse,eachword

FromoneanotherdiffersbothinsenseAndringofsound-somuchtheelementsCanbringaboutbychangeoforderalone.ButthosewhicharetheprimalgermsofthingsHavepowertoworkmorecombinationsstill,Whencediversthingscanbeproducedinturn.

NowletusalsotakeforscrutinyThehomeomeriaofAnaxagoras,SocalledbyGreeks,forwhichourpauper-speech



YieldethnonameintheItaliantongue,Althoughthethingitselfisnoto'erhardForexplanation.First,then,whenhespeaksOfthishomeomeriaofthings,hethinksBonestobesprungfromlittlestbonesminute,Andfromminuteandlittlestfleshallflesh,Andbloodcreatedoutofdropsofblood,Conceivinggoldcompactofgrainsofgold,Andearthconcretedoutofbitsofearth,Firemadeoffires,andwateroutofwaters,Feigningthelikewithalltherestofstuff.Yetheconcedesnotanvoidinthings,Noranylimittocuttingbodiesdown.WhereforetomeheseemsonbothaccountsToerrnolessthanthosewenamedbefore.Addtoo:thesegermshefeignsarefartoofrail-IftheybegermsprimordialfurnishedforthWithbutsamenatureasthethingsthemselves,Andtravailandperishequallywiththose,Andnoreincurbsthermfromannihilation.ForwhichwilllastagainstthegripandcrushUndertheteethofdeath?thefire?themoist?Orelsetheair?whichthen?theblood?thebones?Noone,methinks,wheneverythingwillbe

Atbottomasmortalaswhate'erwemarkToperishbyforcebeforeourgazingeyes.ButmyappealistotheproofsaboveThatthingscannotfallbacktonaught,noryetFromnaughtincrease.Andnowagain,sincefoodAugmentsandnourishesthehumanframe,'TisthinetoknowourveinsandbloodandbonesAndthewsareformedofparticlesunlikeTotheminkind;oriftheysayallfoodsAreofmixedsubstancehavinginthemselvesSmallbodiesofthews,andbones,andalsoveinsAndparticlesofblood,theneveryfood,Solidorliquid,mustitselfbethought

Asmadeandmixedofthingsunlikeinkind-Ofbones,ofthews,ofichorandofblood.Again,ifallthebodieswhichupgrowFromearth,arefirstwithintheearth,thenearthMustbecompoundofaliensubstancesearth.Whichspringandbloomabroadfromouttheearth.Transfertheargument,andthoumay'stuseTheselfsamewords:ifflameandsmokeandashStilllurkunseenwithinthewood,thewoodMustbecompoundofaliensubstancesWhichspringfromoutthewood.RighthereremainsAcertainslendermeanstoskulkfromtruth,

WhichAnaxagorastakesuntohimself,WhoholdsthatallthingslurkcommixedwithallWhilethatoneonlycomestoview,ofwhichThebodiesexceedinnumberalltherest,Andliemoreclosetohandandatthefore-Anotionbanishedfromtruereasonfar.Forthen'tweremeetthatkernelsofthegrainsShouldoft,whencrunchedbetweenthemightofstones,Giveforthasignofblood,orofaughtelseWhichinourhumanframeisfed;andthat



Rockrubbedonrockshouldyieldagoryooze.LikewisetheherbsoughtofttogiveforthdropsOfsweetmilk,flavouredliketheudderedsheep's;Indeedweoughttofind,whencrumblingupTheearthyclods,thereherbs,andgrains,andleaves,Allsortsdispersedminutelyinthesoil;LastlyweoughttofindinclovenwoodAshesandsmokeandbitsoffiretherehid.Butsincefactteachesthisisnotthecase,'TisthinetoknowthingsarenotmixedwiththingsThuswise;butseeds,commontomanythings,Commixedinmanyways,mustlurkinthings."Butoftenithappensonskieyhills"thousayest,"ThatneighbouringtopsofloftytreesarerubbedOneagainstother,smotebytheblusteringsouth,Tillallablazewithburstingflowerofflame."Goodsooth-yetfireisnotingraftinwood,Butmanyaretheseedsofheat,andwhenRubbingtogethertheytogetherflow,Theystarttheconflagrationsintheforests.Whereasifflame,alreadyfashioned,layStoredupwithintheforests,thenthefiresCouldnotforanytimebekeptunseen,Butwouldbelayingallthewildwoodwaste

Andburningalltheboscage.Nowdostsee(Evenaswesaidalittlespaceabove)Howmightilyitmatterswithwhatothers,InwhatpositionsthesesameprimalgermsAreboundtogether?Andwhatmotions,too,Theygiveandgetamongthemselves?how,hence,Thesame,ifaltered'mongstthemselves,canbodyBothigneousandligneousobjectsforth-PreciselyasthesewordsthemselvesaremadeBysomewhatalteringtheirelements,AlthoughwemarkwithnameindeeddistinctTheigneousfromtheligneous.Onceagain,Ifthousupposewhateverthoubeholdest,

Amongallvisibleobjects,cannotbe,UnlessthoufeignbodiesofmatterendowedWithalikenature,-bythyvaindeviceFortheewillperishallthegermsofthings:'Twillcometopassthey'lllaughaloud,likemen,Shakenasunderbyaspasmofmirth,Ormoistenwithsaltytear-dropscheeksandchins.

TheInfinityoftheUniverse

Nowlearnofwhatremains!Morekeenlyhear!Andformyself,mymindisnotdeceivedHowdarkitis:Butthelargehopeofpraise

Hathstrookwithpointedthyrsusthroughmyheart;OnthesamehourhathstrookintomybreastSweetloveoftheMuses,wherewithnowinstinct,Iwanderafield,thrivinginsturdythought,ThroughunpathedhauntsofthePierides,Troddenbystepofnonebefore.IjoyTocomeonundefiledfountainsthere,Todrainthemdeep;Ijoytoplucknewflowers,ToseekforthismyheadasignalcrownFromregionswheretheMusesneveryet



Havegarlandedthetemplesofaman:First,sinceIteachconcerningmightythings,AndgorightontoloosefromroundthemindThetightenedcoilsofdreadreligion;Next,since,concerningthemessodark,IframeSongssopellucid,touchingallthroughoutEvenwiththeMuses'charm-which,as'twouldseem,Isnotwithoutareasonableground:Butasphysicians,whentheyseektogiveYoungboysthenauseouswormwood,firstdotouchThebrimaroundthecupwiththesweetjuiceAndyellowoftheboney,inorderthatThethoughtlessageofboyhoodbecajoledAsfarasthelips,andmeanwhileswallowdownThewormwood'sbitterdraught,and,thoughbefooledBeyetnotmerelyduped,butratherthusGrowstrongagainwithrecreatedhealth:SonowItoo(sincethismydoctrineseemsIngeneralsomewhatwoefuluntothoseWho'vehaditnotinhand,andsincethecrowdStartsbackfromitinhorror)havedesiredToexpoundourdoctrineuntotheeinsongSoft-speakingandPierian,and,as'twere,TotouchitwithsweethoneyoftheMuse-

IfbysuchmethodhaplyImightholdThemindoftheeupontheselinesofours,Tillthouseethroughthenatureofallthings,Andhowexiststheinterwovenframe.

ButsinceI'vetaughtthatbodiesofmatter,madeCompletelysolid,hitherandthitherflyForevermoreunconqueredthroughalltime,Nowcome,andwhethertothesumofthemTherebealimitorbenone,fortheeLetusunfold;likewisewhathasbeenfoundTobethewideinane,orroom,orspaceWhereinallthingssoeverdogoon,

LetusexamineifitfinitebeAllandentire,orreachunmeasuredroundAnddownwardanillimitableprofound.

Thus,then,theAllthatisislimitedInnooneregionofitsonwardpaths,Forthen'tmusthaveforeveritsbeyond.Andabeyond'tisseencanneverbeForaught,unlessstillfurtherontherebeAsomewhatsomewherethatmayboundthesame-SothatthethingbeseenstillontowhereThenatureofsensationofthatthingCanfollowitnolonger.Nowbecause

Confesswemustthere'snaughtbesidethesum,There'snobeyond,andsoitlacksallend.Itmattersnothingwherethoupostthyself,Inwhatsoeverregionsofthesame;EvenanyplaceamanhassethimdownStillleavesabouthimtheunboundedallOutwardinalldirections;or,supposingmomenttheallofspacefinitetobe,IfsomeonefarthesttravellerrunsforthUntotheextremecoastsandthrowsahead



Aflyingspear,is'tthenthywishtothinkItgoes,hurledoffamain,towhere'twassentAndshootsafar,orthatsomeobjectthereCanthwartandstopit?FortheoneorotherThoumustadmit;andtake.EitherofwhichShutsoffescapeforthee,anddoescompelThatthouconcedetheallspreadseverywhere,Owningnoconfines.SincewhethertherebeAughtthatmayblockandcheckitsoitcomesNotwhere'twassent,norlodgesinitsgoal,Orwhetherbornealong,ineitherview'Thasstartednotfromanyend.AndsoI'llfollowon,andwhereso'erthousetTheextremecoasts,I'llquery,"whatbecomesThereafterofthyspear?"'TwillcometopassThatnowherecanaworld's-endbe,andthatThechanceforfurtherflightprolongsforeverTheflightitself.Besides,wereallthespaceOfthetotalityandsumshutinWithfixedcoasts,andboundedeverywhere,Thenwouldtheabundanceofworld'smatterflowTogetherbysolidweightfromeverywhereStilldownwardtothebottomoftheworld,Noraughtcouldhappenundercopeofsky,

Norcouldtherebeaskyatallorsun-Indeed,wherematteralloneheapwouldlie,Byhavingsettledduringinfinitetime.Butinreality,reposeisgivenUntonobodies'mongsttheelements,BecausethereisnobottomwhereuntoTheymight,as'twere,togetherflow,andwhereTheymighttakeuptheirundisturbedabodes.InendlessmotioneverythinggoesonForevermore;outofallregions,evenOutofthepitbelow,fromforththevast,Arehurtledbodiesevermoresupplied.Thenatureofroom,thespaceoftheabyss

IssuchthateventheflashingthunderboltsCanneitherspeedupontheircoursesthrough,Glidingacrosseternaltractsoftime,Nor,further,bringtopass,asontheyrun,Thattheymaybatetheirjourneyingonewhit:Suchhugeabundancespreadsforthingsaround-Roomofftoeveryquarter,withoutend.Lastly,beforeourveryeyesisseenThingtoboundthing:airhedgeshillfromhill,Andmountainwallshedgeair;landendsthesea,Andseainturnalllands;butfortheAllTrulyisnothingwhichoutsidemaybound.That,too,thesumofthingsitselfmaynot

Havepowertofixameasureofitsown,GreatNatureguards,shewhocompelsthevoidToboundallbody,asbodyallthevoid,ThusrenderingbythesealternatesthewholeAninfinite;orelsetheoneorother,Beingunboundedbytheother,spreads,Evenbyitssinglenature,ne'erthelessImmeasurablyforth....Norsea,norearth,norshiningvaultsofsky,Norbreedofmortals,norholylimbsofgods



Couldkeeptheirplaceleastportionofanhour:For,drivenapartfromoutitsmeetingsfit,Thestockofstuff,dissolved,wouldbeborneAlongtheillimitableinaneafar,Orrather,infact,wouldneverhaveoncecombinedAndgivenabirthtoaught,since,scatteredwide,Itcouldnotbeunited.ForoftruthNeitherbycounseldidtheprimalgerms'Stablishthemselves,asbykeenactofmind,Eachinitsproperplace;nordidtheymake,Forsooth,acompacthoweachgermshouldmove;Butsince,beingmanyandchangedinmanymodesAlongtheAll,they'redrivenabroadandvexedByblowonblow,evenfromalltimeofold,Theythusatlast,afterattemptingallThekindsofmotionandconjoining,comeIntothosegreatarrangementsoutofwhichThissumofthingsestablishediscreate,Bywhich,moreover,throughthemightyyears,Itispreserved,whenonceithasbeenthrownIntothepropermotions,bringingtopassThateverthestreamsrefreshthegreedymainWithriver-wavesabounding,andthatearth,Lappedinwarmexhalationsofthesun,

Renewsherbroods,andthatthelustyraceOfbreathingcreaturesbearsandblooms,andthatTheglidingfiresofetherarealive-Whatstilltheprimalgermsnowisecoulddo,UnlessfromouttheinfiniteofspaceCouldcomesupplyofmatter,whenceinseasonThey'rewontwhateverlossestorepair.Forasthenatureofbreathingcreatureswastes,Losingitsbody,whendeprivedoffood:SoallthingshavetobedissolvedassoonAsmatter,divertedbywhatmeanssoeverFromoffitscourse,shallfailtobeonhand.Norcantheblowsfromoutwardstillconserve,

Oneveryside,whateversumofaworldHasbeenunitedinawhole.TheycanIndeed,byfrequentbeating,checkapart,Tillothersarrivingmayfulfilthesum;ButmeanwhileoftenaretheyforcedtospringReboundingback,and,astheyspring,toyield,Untothoseelementswhenceaworldderives,Roomandatimeforflight,permittingthemTobefromoffthemassyunionborneFreeandafar.Wherefore,again,again:Needsmusttherecomeamanyforsupply;Andalso,thattheblowsthemselvesshallbeUnfailingever,mustthereeverbe

Aninfiniteforceofmatterallsidesround.

Andintheseproblems,shrink,myMemmius,farFromyieldingfaithtothatnotorioustalk:Thatallthingsinwardtothecentrepress;AndthusthenatureoftheworldstandsfirmWithneverblowsfromoutward,norcanbeNowheredisparted-sinceallheightanddepthHavealwaysinwardtothecentrepressed(Ifthouartreadytobelievethataught



Itselfcanrestuponitself);orthatTheponderousbodieswhichbeunderearthDoallpressupwardsanddocometorestUpontheearth,insomewaysupsidedown,LiketothoseimagesofthingsweseeAtpresentthroughthewaters.Theycontend,Withlikeprocedure,thatallbreathingthingsHeaddownwardroamabout,andyetcannotTumblefromearthtorealmsofskybelow,NomorethantheseourbodieswingawaySpontaneouslytovaultsofskyabove;That,whenthosecreatureslookuponthesun,Weviewtheconstellationsofthenight;AndthatwithustheseasonsoftheskyTheythusalternatelydivide,andthusDopassthenightcoequaltoourdays,Butavainerrorhasgiventhesedreamstofools,Whatthey'veembracedwithreasoningperverseForcentrenonecanbewhereworldisstillBoundless,noryet,ifnowacentrewere,CouldaughttakethereafixedpositionmoreThanforsomeothercause'tmightbedislodged.ForallofroomandspacewecallthevoidMustboththroughcentreandnon-centreyield

Aliketoweightswhere'ertheirmotionstend.Noristhereanyplace,where,whenthey'vecome,Bodiescanbeatstandstillinthevoid,Deprivedofforceofweight;noryetmayvoidFurnishsupporttoany,-nay,itmust,Truetoitsbentofnature,stillgiveway.ThusinsuchmannernotallcanthingsBeheldinunion,asifovercomeBycravingforacentre.Butbesides,SeeingtheyfeignthatnotallbodiespressTocentreinward,ratheronlythoseOfearthandwater(liquidofthesea,

Andthebigbillowsfromthemountainslopes,Andwhatsoeverareencased,as'twere,Inearthenbody),contrariwise,theyteachHowthethinair,andwithitthehotfire,Isborneasunderfromthecentre,andhow,Forthisalletherquiverswithbrightstars,Andthesun'sflamealongtheblueisfed(Becausetheheat,fromoutthecentreflying,Allgathersthere),andhow,again,theboughsUponthetree-topscouldnotsprouttheirleaves,Unless,littlebylittle,fromouttheearthForeachwerenutriment...

Lest,afterthemannerofthewingedflames,Therampartsoftheworldshouldfleeaway,Dissolvedamainthroughoutthemightyvoid,Andlestallelseshouldlikewisefollowafter,Aye,lestthethunderingvaultsofheavenshouldburstAndsplinterupward,andtheearthforthwithWithdrawfromunderourfeet,andallitsbulk,Amongitsmingledwrecksandthoseofheaven,Withslippingasunderoftheprimalseeds,Shouldpass,alongtheimmeasurableinane,



Awayforever,and,thatinstant,naughtOfwrackandremnantwouldbeleft,besideThedesolatespace,andgermsinvisible.ForonwhateversidethoudeemestfirstTheprimalbodieslacking,lo,thatsideWillbeforthingstheverydoorofdeath:Wherethroughthethrongofmatterallwilldash,Outandabroad.Thesepoints,ifthouwiltponder,Then,withbutpaltrytroubleledalong...

Foronethingafterotherwillgrowclear,Norshalltheblindnightrobtheeoftheroad,TohinderthygazeonNature'sFarthest-forth.Thusthingsforthingsshallkindletorchesnew.

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BOOKII

Proem

'Tissweet,when,downthemightymain,thewindsRollupitswasteofwaters,fromtheland

Towatchanother'slabouringanguishfar,NotthatwejoyouslydelightthatmanShouldthusbesmitten,butbecause'tissweetTomarkwhatevilsweourselvesbespared;'Tissweet,again,toviewthemightystrifeOfarmiesembattledyondero'ertheplains,Ourselvesnosharersintheperil;butnaughtThereismoregoodlythantoholdthehighSereneplateaus,wellfortressedbythewise,Whencethoumay'stlookbelowonothermenAndseethemev'rywherewand'ring,alldispersedIntheirloneseekingfortheroadoflife;Rivalsingenius,oremulousinrank,

PressingthroughdaysandnightswithhugesttoilForsummitsofpowerandmasteryoftheworld.Owretchedmindsofmen!Oblindedhearts!Inhowgreatperils,inwhatdarksoflifeArespentthehumanyears,howeverbrief!-OnottoseethatNatureforherselfBarksafternothing,savethatpainkeepoff,Disjoinedfromthebody,andthatmindenjoyDelightsomefeeling,farfromcareandfear!ThereforeweseethatourcorporeallifeNeedslittle,altogether,andonlysuchAstakesthepainaway,andcanbesidesStrewunderneathsomenumberofdelights.

Moregrateful'tisattimes(forNaturecravesNoartificenorluxury),ifforsoothTherebenogoldenimagesofboysAlongthehalls,withrighthandsholdingoutThelampsablaze,thelightsforeveningfeasts,AndifthehousedothglitternotwithgoldNorgleamwithsilver,andtothelyreresoundNofrettedandgildedceilingsoverhead,YetstilltoloungewithfriendsinthesoftgrassBesideariverofwater,underneath



Abigtree'sboughs,andmerrilytorefreshOurframes,withnovastoutlay-mostofallIftheweatherislaughingandthetimesoftheyearBesprinklethegreenofthegrassaroundwithflowers.Noryetthequickerwillhotfeversgo,Ifonapicturedtapestrythoutoss,Orpurplerobe,thanif'tisthinetolieUponthepoorman'sbedding.Wherefore,sinceTreasure,norrank,norgloryofareignAvailusnaughtforthisourbody,thusReckonthemlikewisenothingforthemind:Savethenperchance,whenthoubeholdestforthThylegionsswarmingroundtheFieldofMars,Rousingamimicwarfare-eithersideStrengthenedwithlargeauxiliariesandhorse,Alikeequippedwitharms,alikeinspired;OrsavewhenalsothoubeholdestforthThyfleetstoswarm,deployingdownthesea:Forthen,bysuchbrightcircumstanceabashed,Religionpalesandfleesthymind;OthenThefearsofdeathleaveheartsofreeofcare.ButifwenotehowallthispompatlastIsbutadrolleryandamockingsport,Andofatruthman'sdread,withcaresatheels,

Dreadsnotthesesoundsofarms,thesesavageswordsButamongkingsandlordsofalltheworldMinglesundaunted,norisoverawedBygleamofgoldnorbythesplendourbrightOfpurplerobe,canstthouthendoubtthatthisIsaught,butpowerofthinking?-when,besidesThewholeoflifebutlaboursinthedark.ForjustaschildrentrembleandfearallIntheviewlessdark,soevenweattimesDreadinthelightsomanythingsthatbeNowhitmorefearsomethanwhatchildrenfeign,Shuddering,willbeupontheminthedark.Thisterrorthen,thisdarknessofthemind,

Notsunrisewithitsflaringspokesoflight,Norglitteringarrowsofmorningcandisperse,ButonlyNature'saspectandherlaw.

AtomicMotions

Nowcome:IwilluntangleforthystepsNowbywhatmotionsthebegettingbodiesOftheworld-stuffbegetthevariedworld,Andthenforeverresolveitwhenbegot,Andbywhatforcetheyareconstrainedtothis,AndwhatthespeedappointeduntothemWherewithtotraveldownthevastinane:

Dothouremembertoyieldtheetomywords.Fortrulymattercoheresnot,crowdsnottight,Sincewebeholdeachthingtowaneaway,Andweobservehowallflowsonandoff,As'twere,withage-oldtime,andfromoureyesHoweldwithdrawseachobjectattheend,Albeitthesumisseentobidethesame,Unharmed,becausethesemotesthatleaveeachthingDiminishwhattheypartfrom,butendowWithincreasethosetowhichinturntheycome,



Constrainingthesetowitherinoldage,Andthosetoflowerattheprime(andyetBidingnotlongamongthem).ThusthesumForeverisreplenished,andweliveAsmortalsbyeternalgiveandtake.Thenationswax,thenationswaneaway;Inabriefspacethegenerationspass,AndliketorunnershandthelampoflifeOneuntoother.ButifthoubelieveThattheprimordialgermsofthingscanstop,Andintheirstoppinggivenewmotionsbirth,Afarthouwanderestfromtheroadoftruth.Forsincetheywanderthroughthevoidinane,AlltheprimordialgermsofthingsmustneedsBebornealong,eitherbyweighttheirown,Orhaplybyanother'sblowwithout.For,when,intheirincessancysooftTheymeetandclash,itcomestopassamainTheyleapasunder,facetoface:notstrange-Beingmosthard,andsolidintheirweights,Andnaughtopposingmotion,frombehind.AndthatmoreclearlythouperceivehowallThesemitesofmatteraredartedroundabout,

RecalltomindhownowhereinthesumOfAllexistsabottom,-nowhereisArealmofrestforprimalbodies;since(Asamplyshownandprovedbyreasonsure)Spacehasnoboundnormeasure,andextendsUnmeteredforthinalldirectionsround.Sincethisstandscertain,thus'tisoutofdoubtNorestisrenderedtotheprimalbodiesAlongtheunfathomableinane;butrather,Inveteratelypliedbymotionsmixed,Some,attheirjamming,boundabackandleaveHugegapsbetween,andsomefromofftheblowArehurriedaboutwithspacessmallbetween.

Andallwhich,broughttogetherwithslightgaps,Inmorecondensedunionboundaback,Linkedbytheirownallintertangledshapes,-TheseformtheirrefragablerootsofrocksAndthebrutebulksofiron,andwhatelseIsoftheirkind...Therestleapfarasunder,farrecoil,Leavinghugegapsbetween:andthesesupplyForusthinairandsplendour-lightsofthesun.Andmanybesideswanderthemightyvoid-Castbackfromunionsofexistingthings,Nowhereacceptedintheuniverse,Andnowiselinkedinmotionstotherest.

Andofthisfact(asIrecordithere)Animage,atypegoesonbeforeoureyesPresenteachmoment;forbeholdwheneverThesun'slightandtherays,letin,pourdownAcrossdarkhallsofhouses:thouwiltseeThemanymitesinmanyamannermixedAmidavoidintheverylightoftherays,Andbattlingon,asineternalstrife,Andinbattalionscontendingwithouthalt,Inmeetings,partings,harriedupanddown.



FromthisthoumayestconjectureofwhatsortTheceaselesstossingofprimordialseedsAmidthemightiervoid-atleastsofarAssmallaffaircanforavasterserve,AndbyexampleputtheeonthespoorOfknowledge.Forthisreasontoo'tisfitThouturnthymindthemoreuntothesebodiesWhichherearewitnessedtumblinginthelight:Namely,becausesuchtumblingsareasignThatmotionsalsooftheprimalstuffSecretandviewlesslurkbeneath,behind.Forthouwiltmarkheremanyaspeck,impelledByviewlessblows,tochangeitslittlecourse,Andbeatenbackwardstoreturnagain,Hitherandthitherinalldirectionsround.Lo,alltheirshiftingmovementisofold,Fromtheprimevalatoms;forthesamePrimordialseedsofthingsfirstmoveofself,AndthenthosebodiesbuiltofunionssmallAndnearest,asitwere,untothepowersOftheprimevalatoms,arestirredupByimpulseofthoseatoms'unseenblows,Andthesethereaftergoadthenextinsize;Thusmotionascendsfromtheprimevalson,

Andstagebystageemergestooursense,UntilthoseobjectsalsomovewhichweCanmarkinsunbeams,thoughitnotappearsWhatblowsdourgethem.HereinwondernotHow'tisthat,whiletheseedsofthingsareallMovingforever,thesumyetseemstostandSupremelystill,exceptincaseswhereAthingshowsmotionofitsframeaswhole.ForfarbeneaththekenofsensesliesThenatureofthoseultimatesoftheworld;Andso,sincethosethemselvesthoucanstnotsee,Theirmotionalsomusttheyveilfrommen-

Formark,indeed,howthingswecansee,oftYethidetheirmotions,whenafarfromusAlongthedistantlandscape.Oftenthus,UponahillsidewillthewoollyflocksBecroppingtheirgoodlyfoodandcreepingaboutWhitherthesummonsofthegrass,begemmedWiththefreshdew,iscalling,andthelambsWellfilled,arefrisking,lockinghornsinsport:Yetallforusseemblurredandblentafar-Aglintofwhiteatrestonagreenhill.Again,whenmightylegions,marchinground,Fillallthequartersoftheplainsbelow,Rousingamimicwarfare,therethesheen

Shootsupthesky,andallthefieldsaboutGlitterwithbrass,andfrombeneath,asoundGoesforthfromfeetofstalwartsoldiery,Andmountainwalls,smotebytheshouting,sendThevoicesonwardtothestarsofheaven,Andhitherandthitherdartsthecavalry,AndofasuddendownthemidmostfieldsChargeswithonsetstoutenoughtorockThesolidearth:andyetsomepostthereisUpthehighmountains,viewedfromwhichtheyseem



Tostand-agleamatrestalongtheplains.

Nowwhatthespeedtomatter'satomsgivenThoumayestinfew,myMemmius,learnfromthis:WhenfirstthedawnissprinklingwithnewlightThelands,andallthebreedofbirdsabroadFlitroundthetracklessforests,withliquidnotesFillingtheregionsalongthemellowair,Wesee'tisforthwithmanifesttomanHowsuddenlytherisensuniswontAtsuchanhourtooverspreadandclotheThewholewithitsownsplendour;butthesun'sWarmexhalationsandthisserenelightTravelnotdownanemptyvoid;andthusTheyarecompelledmoreslowlytoadvance,Whilst,asitwere,theycleavethewavesofair;NoronebyonetraveltheseparticlesOfthewarmexhalations,butareallEntangledandenmassed,wherebyatonceEachisrestrainedbyeach,andfromwithoutChecked,tillcompelledmoreslowlytoadvance.ButtheprimordialatomswiththeiroldSimplesolidity,whenforththeytravelAlongtheemptyvoid,allundelayed

Byaughtoutsidethemthere,andthey,eachoneBeingoneunitfromnatureofitsparts,ArebornetothatoneplaceonwhichtheystriveStilltolayhold,mustthen,beyondadoubt,Outstripinspeed,andbemoreswiftlyborneThanlightofsun,andoverregionsrush,Ofspacemuchvaster,intheself-sametimeThesun'seffulgencewidensroundthesky.

Nortopursuetheatomsonebyone,Toseethelawwherebyeachthinggoeson.Butsomemen,ignorantofmatter,think,Opposingthis,thatnotwithoutthegods,

Insuchadjustmenttoourhumanways,CanNaturechangetheseasonsoftheyears,AndbringtobirththegrainsandallofelseTowhichdivineDelight,theguideoflife,Persuadesmortalityandleadsiton,That,throughherartfulblandishmentsoflove,Itpropagatethegenerationsstill,Lesthumankindshouldperish.WhentheyfeignThatgodshavestablishedallthingsbutforman,TheyseeminallwaysmightilytolapseFromreason'struth:forev'nifne'erIknewWhatseedsprimordialare,yetwouldIdareThistoaffirm,ev'nfromdeepjudgmentbased

Uponthewaysandconductoftheskies-Thistomaintainbymanyafactbesides-ThatinnowisethenatureoftheworldForuswasbuildedbyapowerdivine-Sogreatthefaultsitstandsencumberedwith:Thewhich,myMemmius,lateron,fortheeWewillclearup.NowastowhatremainsConcerningmotionswe'llunfoldourthought.Nowistheplace,meseems,intheseaffairsToprovefortheethistoo:nothingcorporeal



Ofitsownforcecane'erbeupwardborne,Orupwardgo-norletthebodiesofflamesDeceivetheehere:fortheyengenderedareWithurgetoupwards,takingthusincrease,Wherebygrowupwardsshininggrainsandtrees,Thoughalltheweightwithinthemdownwardbears.Nor,whenthefireswillleapfromunderroundTheroofsofhouses,andswiftflamelapsupTimberandbeam,'tisthentobesupposedTheyactofownaccord,noforcebeneathTourgethemup.'Tisthusthatblood,dischargedFromoutourbodies,spurtsitsjetsaloftAndspattersgore.AndhastthounevermarkedWithwhataforcethewaterwilldisgorgeTimberandbeam?Thedeeper,straightanddown,Wepushthemin,and,manythoughwebe,Themorewepresswithmainandtoil,themoreThewatervomitsupandflingsthemback,That,morethanhalftheirlength,theythereemerge,Rebounding.Yetweneverdoubt,meseems,ThatalltheweightwithinthemdownwardbearsThroughemptyvoid.Well,inlikemanner,flamesOughtalsotobeable,whenpressedout,Throughwindsofairtorisealoft,eventhough

Theweightwithinthemstrivetodrawthemdown.Hastthounotseen,sweepingsofarandhigh,Themeteors,midnightflambeausofthesky,HowafterthemtheydrawlongtrailsofflameWhereverNaturegivesathoroughfare?Howstarsandconstellationsdroptoearth,Seestnot?Nay,too,thesunfrompeakofheavenShedsroundtoeveryquarteritslargeheat,Andsowsthenew-ploughedintervaleswithlight:Thusalsosun'sheatdownwardtendstoearth.Athwarttherainthouseestthelightningfly;Nowhere,nowthere,burstingfromouttheclouds,Thefiresdashzig-zag-andthatflamingpower

Fallslikewisedowntoearth.IntheseaffairsWewishtheealsowellawareofthis:Theatoms,astheirownweightbearsthemdownPlumbthroughthevoid,atscarcedeterminedtimes,Inscarcedeterminedplaces,fromtheircourseDeclinealittle-callit,sotospeak,Merechangedtrend.ForwereitnottheirwontThuswisetoswerve,downwouldtheyfall,eachone,Likedropsofrain,throughtheunbottomedvoid;Andthencollisionsne'ercouldbenorblowsAmongtheprimalelements;andthusNaturewouldneverhavecreatedaught.

But,ifperchancebeanythatbelieveTheheavierbodies,asmoreswiftlybornePlumbdownthevoid,areablefromaboveTostrikethelighter,thusengenderingblowsAbletocausethoseprocreantmotions,farFromhighwaysoftruereasontheyretire.Forwhatsoeverthroughthewatersfall,Orthroughthinair,musttheirdescent,Eachafteritsweight-onthisaccount,because



BothbulkofwaterandthesubtleairBynomeanscanretardeachthingalike,Butgivemorequickbeforetheheavierweight;Butcontrariwisetheemptyvoidcannot,Onanyside,atanytime,toaughtOpposeresistance,butwilleveryield,Truetoitsbentofnature.Whereforeall,Withequalspeed,thoughequalnotinweight,Mustrush,bornedownwardthroughthestillinane.Thusne'eratallhaveheavierfromaboveBeenswifttostrikethelighter,genderingstrokesWhichcausethosediversmotions,bywhosemeansNaturetransactsherwork.AndsoIsay,Theatomsmustalittleswerveattimes-Butonlytheleast,lestweshouldseemtofeignMotionsoblique,andfactrefuteusthere.Forthisweseeforthwithismanifest:Whatevertheweight,itcan'tobliquelygo,Downonitsheadlongjourneyfromabove,Atleastsofarasthoucanstmark;butwhoIstherecanmarkbysensethatnaughtcanswerveAtallasidefromoffitsroad'sstraightline?

Again,ifev'rallmotionsareco-linked,

AndfromtheoldeverarisethenewInfixedorder,andprimordialseedsProducenotbytheirswervingsomenewstartOfmotiontosunderthecovenantsoffate,Thatcausesucceednotcausefromeverlasting,Whencethisfreewillforcreatureso'erthelands,Whenceisitwrestedfromthefates,-thiswillWherebywesteprightforwardwheredesireLeadseachmanon,wherebythesameweswerveInmotions,notasatsomefixedtime,Noratsomefixedlineofspace,butwhereTheminditselfhasurged?ForoutofdoubtIntheseaffairs'tiseachman'swillitself

Thatgivesthestart,andhencethroughoutourlimbsIncipientmotionsarediffused.Again,Dostthounotsee,when,atapointoftime,Thebarsareopened,howtheeagerstrengthOfhorsescannotforwardbreakassoonAspantstheirmindtodo?ForitbehoovesThatallthestockofmatter,throughtheframe,Beroused,inorderthat,througheveryjoint,Aroused,itpressandfollowmind'sdesire;Sothusthouseestinitialmotion'sgenderedFromouttheheart,aye,verily,proceedsFirstfromthespirit'swill,whenceatthelast'Tisgivenforththroughjointsandbodyentire.

Quiteotherwiseitis,whenforthwemove,Impelledbyablowofanother'smightypowersAndmightyurge;forthen'tisclearenoughAllmatterofourtotalbodygoes,Hurriedalong,againstourowndesire-UntilthewillhaspulleduponthereinsAndcheckeditback,throughoutourmembersall;AtwhosearbitramentindeedsometimesThestockofmatter'sforcedtochangeitspath,Throughoutourmembersandthroughoutourjoints,



And,afterbeingforwardcast,tobeReinedup,whereatitsettlesbackagain.Soseestthounot,how,thoughexternalforceDrivemenbefore,andoftenmakethemmove,Onwardagainstdesire,andheadlongsnatched,YetistheresomethinginthesebreastsofoursStrongtocombat,strongtowithstandthesame?-WhereforenolesswithintheprimalseedsThoumustadmit,besidesallblowsandweight,Someothercauseofmotion,whencederivesThispowerinusinborn,ofsomefreeact.-Sincenaughtfromnothingcanbecome,wesee.ForweightpreventsallthingsshouldcometopassThroughblows,as'twere,bysomeexternalforce;Butthatman'sminditselfinallitdoesHathnotafixednecessitywithin,Norisnot,likeaconqueredthing,compelledTobearandsuffer,-thisstatecomestomanFromthatslightswervementoftheelementsInnofixedlineofspace,innofixedtime.Noreverwasthestockofstuffmorecrammed,Norever,again,sunderedbybiggergaps:Fornaughtgivesincreaseandnaughttakesaway;Onwhichaccount,justastheymoveto-day,

TheelementalbodiesmovedofoldAndshallthesamehereafterevermore.AndwhatwaswonttobebegotofoldShallbebegottenunderselfsametermsAndgrowandthriveinpower,sofarasgivenToeachbyNature'schangeless,olddecrees.Thesumofthingsthereisnopowercanchange,Fornaughtexistsoutside,towhichcanfleeOutoftheworldmatterofanykind,Norforthfromwhichafreshsupplycanspring,Breakinuponthefoundedworld,andchangeWholenatureofthings,andturntheirmotionsabout.

AtomicFormsandTheirCombinations

Nowcome,andnexthereafterapprehendWhatsorts,howvastlydifferentinform,Howvariedinmultitudinousshapestheyare-Theseoldbeginningsoftheuniverse;NotinthesensethatonlyfewarefurnishedWithonelikeform,butrathernotatallIngeneralhavetheylikenesseachwitheach,Nomarvel:sincethestockofthem'ssogreatThatthere'snoend(asIhavetaught)norsum,TheymustindeednotoneandallbemarkedByequaloutlineandbyshapethesame.

Moreover,humankind,andthemuteflocksOfscalycreaturesswimminginthestreams,Andjoyousherdsaround,andallthewild,Andallthebreedsofbirds-boththosethatteemIngladsomeregionsofthewater-haunts,Abouttheriver-banksandspringsandpools,Andthosethatthrong,flittingfromtreetotree,Throughtracklesswoods-Go,takewhichonethouwilt,Inanykind:thouwiltdiscoverstill



Eachfromtheotherstillunlikeinshape.NorinnootherwisecouldoffspringknowMother,normotheroffspring-whichweseeTheyyetcando,distinguishedonefromother,Nolessthanhumanbeings,byclearsigns.Thusoftbeforefairtemplesofthegods,Besidetheincense-burningaltarsslain,Dropsdowntheyearlingcalf,fromoutitsbreastBreathingwarmstreamsofblood;theorphanedmother,Rangingmeanwhilegreenwoodlandpasturesround,Knowswellthefootprints,pressedbyclovenhoofs,Witheyesregardingeveryspotabout,Forsightsomewhereofyounglinggonefromher;And,stoppingshort,filleththeleafylanesWithhercomplaints;andoftsheseeksagainWithinthestall,piercedbyheryearningstill.Nortenderwillows,nordew-quickenedgrass,Northelovedstreamsthatglidealonglowbanks,Canlurehermindandturnthesuddenpain;NorothershapesofcalvesthatgrazetherebyDistracthermindorlightenpaintheleast-Sokeenhersearchforsomethingknownandhers.Moreover,tenderkidswithbleatingthroatsDoknowtheirhorneddams,andbuttinglambs

Theflocksofsheep,andthustheypatteron,Unfailinglyeachtoitsproperteat,AsNatureintends.Lastly,withanygrain,Thou'ltseethatnoonekernelinonekindIssofarlikeanother,thattherestillIsnotinshapessomedifferencerunningthrough.ByalikelawweseehowearthispiedWithshellsandconchs,where,withsoftwaves,theseaBeatsonthethirstysandsofcurvingshores.Whereforeagain,again,sinceseedsofthingsExistbynature,norwerewroughtwithhandsAfterafixedpatternofoneother,Theyneedsmustflittertoandfrowithshapes

Intypesdissimilartooneanother.

EasyenoughbythoughtofmindtosolveWhyfiresoflightningmorecanpenetrateThantheseofoursfrompitch-pinebornonearth.Forthoucanstsaylightning'scelestialfire,Sosubtle,isformedoffiguresfinerfar,Andpassesthusthroughholeswhichthisourfire,Bornfromthewood,createdfromthepine,Cannot.Again,lightpassesthroughthehornOnthelantern'sside,whilerainisdashedaway.Andwhy?-unlessthosebodiesoflightshouldbeFinerthanthoseofwater'sgenialshowers.

WeseehowquicklythroughacolanderThewineswillflow;how,ontheotherhand,Thesluggisholive-oildelays:nodoubt,Because'tiswroughtofelementsmorelarge,Orelsemorecrook'dandintertangled.ThusItcomesthattheprimordialscannotbeSosuddenlysunderedonefromother,andseep,Onethrougheachseveralholeofanything.

Andnote,besides,thatliquorofhoneyormilk



Yieldsinthemouthagreeabletastetotongue,Whilstnauseouswormwood,pungentcentaury,Withtheirfoulflavoursetthelipsawry;Thussimple'tistoseethatwhatsoeverCantouchthesensespleasinglyaremadeOfsmoothandroundedelements,whilstthoseWhichseemthebitterandthesharp,areheldEntwinedbyelementsmorecrook'd,andsoArewonttoteartheirwaysintooursenses,Andrendourbodyastheyenterin.Inshortallgoodtosense,allbadtotouch,Beingup-builtoffiguressounlike,Aremutuallyatstrife-lestthousupposeThattheshrillraspingofasqueakingsawConsistsofelementsassmoothassongWhich,wakedbynimblefingers,onthestringsThesweetmusiciansfashion;orsupposeThatsame-shapedatomsthroughmen'snostrilspierceWhenfoulcadaversburn,aswhenthestageIswithCiliciansaffronsprinkledfresh,AndthealtarnearexhalesPanchaeanscent;OrholdasoflikeseedthegoodlyhuesOfthingswhichfeastoureyes,asthosewhichstingAgainstthesmartingpupilanddrawtears,

Orshow,withgruesomeaspect,grimandvile.ForneverashapewhichcharmsoursensewasmadeWithoutsomeelementalsmoothness;whilstWhate'erisharshandirksomehasbeenframedStillwithsomeroughnessinitselements.Some,too,therearewhichjustlyaresupposedTobenorsmoothnoraltogetherhooked,Withbendedbarbs,butslightlyangled-out,Totickleratherthantowoundthesense-AndofwhichsortisthesalttartarofwineAndflavoursofthegummedelecampane.Again,thatglowingfireandicyrimeArefangedwithteethunlikewherebytosting

Ourbody'ssense,thetouchofeachgivesproof.Fortouch-bysacredmajestiesofgods!-Touchisindeedthebody'sonlysense-Be'tthatsomethingin-from-outwardworks,Be'tthatsomethinginthebodybornWounds,ordelightethasitpassesoutAlongtheprocreantpathsofAphrodite;Orbe'ttheseedsbysomecollisionwhirlDisorderedinthebodyandconfoundBytumultandconfusionallthesense-Asthoumaystfind,ifhaplywiththehandThyselfthoustrikethybody'sanypart.Onwhichaccount,theelementalforms

Mustdifferwidely,asenabledthusTocausediversesensations.And,again,WhatseemstousthehardenedandcondensedMustbeofatomsamongthemselvesmorehooked,Beheldcompacteddeepwithin,as'twereBybranch-likeatoms-ofwhichsortthechiefArediamondstones,despisersofallblows,Andstalwartflintandstrengthofsolidiron,Andbrazenbars,which,budginghardinlocks,



Dograteandscream.Butwhatareliquid,formedOffluidbody,theyindeedmustbeOfelementsmoresmoothandround-becauseTheirglobulesseverallywillnotcohere:Tosuckthepoppy-seedsfrompalmofhandIsquiteaseasyasdrinkingwaterdown,Andthey,oncestruck,rolllikeuntothesame.ButthatthouseestamongthethingsthatflowSomebitter,asthebrineofoceanis,Isnottheleastamarvel...Forsince'tisfluid,smoothitsatomsareAndround,withpainfulroughonesmixedtherein;Yetneednotthesebeheldtogetherhooked:Infact,thoughrough,they'reglobularbesides,Ableatoncetoroll,andraspthesense.Andthatthemorethoumaystbelievemehere,Thatwithsmoothelementsaremixedtherough(WhenceNeptune'ssaltastringentbodycomes),Thereisameanstoseparatethetwain,AndthereupondividedlytoseeHowthesweetwater,afterfilteringthroughSooftenunderground,flowsfreshenedforthIntosomehollow;foritleavesaboveTheprimalgermsofnauseatingbrine,

Sinceclingtheroughmorereadilyinearth.Lastly,whatsothoumarkesttodisperseUpontheinstant-smoke,andcloud,andflame-Mustnot(eventhoughnotallofsmoothandround)Beyetco-linkedwithatomsintertwined,Thatthustheycan,withouttogethercleaving,Sopierceourbodyandsoboretherocks.Whateverwesee...Giventosenses,thatthoumustperceiveThey'renotfromlinkedbutpointedelements.

Thewhichnowhavingtaught,IwillgoonTobindtheretoafacttothisallied

Anddrawingfromthisitsproof:theseprimalgermsVary,yetonlywithfinitetaleofshapes.Forweretheseshapesquiteinfinite,someseedsWouldhaveabodyofinfiniteincrease.Forinoneseed,inonesmallframeofany,Theshapescan'tvaryfromoneanothermuch.Assume,we'llsay,thatofthreeminimpartsConsisttheprimalbodies,oraddafew:When,now,byplacingallthesepartsofoneAttopandbottom,changingleftsandrights,ThouhastwitheverykindofshiftfoundoutWhattheaspectofshapeofitswholebodyEachnewarrangementgives,forwhatremains,

Ifthoupercasewouldstvaryitsoldshapes,Newpartsmustthenbeadded;'twillfollownext,Ifthoupercasewouldstvarystillitsshapes,ThatbylikelogiceacharrangementstillRequiresitsincrementofotherparts.Ergo,anaugmentationofitsframeFollowsuponeachnoveltyofforms.Wherefore,itcannotbethou'ltundertakeThatseedshaveinfinitedifferencesinform,Lestthusthouforcestsomeindeedtobe



Ofanimmeasurableimmensity-WhichIhavetaughtabovecannotbeproved.

Andnowfortheebarbaricrobes,andgleamOfMeliboeanpurple,touchedwithdyeOftheThessalianshell...Thepeacock'sgoldengenerations,stainedWithspottedgaieties,wouldlieo'erthrownBysomenewcolourofnewthingsmorebright;Theodourofmyrrhandsavoursofhoneydespised;Theswan'soldlyric,andApollo'shymns,Oncemodulatedonthemanychords,Wouldlikewisesinko'ermasteredandbemute:For,lo,asomewhat,finerthantherest,Wouldbearisingevermore.So,too,Intosomebaserpartmightallretire,Evenaswesaidtobettermighttheycome:For,lo,asomewhat,loathlierthantherestTonostrils,ears,andeyes,andtasteoftongue,Wouldthen,byreasoningreversed,bethere.Since'tisnotso,butuntothingsaregivenTheirfixedlimitationswhichdoboundTheirsumoneitherside,'tmustbeconfessedThatmatter,too,byfinitetaleofshapes

Doesdiffer.Again,fromearth'smidsummerheatsUntotheicyhoar-frostsoftheyearTheforwardpathisfixed,andbylikelawO'ertravelledbackwardsatthedawnofspring.Foreachdegreeofhat,andeachofcold,Andthehalf-warm,allfillingupthesumIndueprogression,lie,myMemmius,thereBetwixtthetwoextremes:thethingscreateMustdiffer,therefore,byafinitechange,SinceateachendmarkedofftheyeverareByfixedpoint-ononesideplaguedbyflamesAndontheotherbycongealingfrosts.

Thewhichnowhavingtaught,IwillgoonTobindtheretoafacttothisalliedAnddrawingfromthisitsproof:thoseprimalgermsWhichhavebeenfashionedallofonelikeshapeAreinfiniteintale;for,sincetheformsThemselvesarefiniteindivergences,ThenthosewhicharealikewillhavetobeInfinite,elsethesumofstuffremainsAfinite-whatI'veprovedisnotthefact,Showinginversehowcorpusclesofstuff,Fromeverlastingandto-daythesame,Upholdthesumofthings,allsidesaroundByoldsuccessionofunendingblows.

Forthoughthouview'stsomebeaststobemorerare,Andmark'stinthemalessprolificstock,Yetinanotherregion,inlandsremote,Thatkindaboundingmaymakeupthecount;Evenaswemarkamongthefour-footkindSnake-handedelephants,whosethousandswallWithivoryrampartsIndiaabout,Thatherinteriorscannotenteredbe-SobighercountofbrutesofwhichweseeSuchfewexamples.Orsuppose,besides,



Wefeignsomething,oneofitskindandsoleWithbodyborn,towhichisnothinglikeInallthelands:yetnowunlessshallbeAninfinitecountofmatteroutofwhichThustoconceiveandbringitforthtolife,Itcannotbecreatedand-what'smore-Itcannottakeitsfoodandgetincrease.Yea,ifthroughalltheworldinfinitetaleBetossedtheprocreantbodiesofonething,Whence,then,andwhereinwhatmode,bywhatpower,Shalltheytomeetingcometogetherthere,Insuchvastoceanofmatterandtumultstrange?-Nomeanstheyhaveofjoiningintoone.But,justas,aftermightyshipwreckspiled,ThemightymainiswonttoscatterwideTherowers'banks,theribs,theyards,theprow,Themastsandswimmingoars,sothatafarAlongallshoresoflandsareseenafloatThecarvenfragmentsoftherendedpoop,GivingalessontomortalityToshuntheambushofthefaithlessmain,Theviolenceandtheguile,andtrustitnotAtanyhour,howevermuchmaysmileThecraftyenticementsoftheplaciddeep:

Exactlythus,ifoncethouholdesttrueThatcertainseedsarefiniteintheirtale,Thevarioustidesofmatter,then,mustneedsScatterthemflungthroughouttheagesall,Sothatnotevercantheyjoin,asdrivenTogetherintounion,norremainInunion,norwithincrementcangrow-Butfactsinproofaremanifestforeach:Thingscanbebothbegottenandincrease.'Tisthereforemanifestthatprimalgerms,Areinfiniteinanyclassthouwilt-Fromwhenceisfurnishedmatterforallthings.

NorcanthosemotionsthatbringdeathprevailForever,noreternallyentombThewelfareoftheworld;nor,further,canThosemotionsthatgivebirthtothingsandgrowthKeepthemforeverwhencreatedthere.Thusthelongwar,fromeverlastingwaged,WithequalstrifeamongtheelementsGoesonandon.Nowhere,nowthere,prevailThevitalforcesoftheworld-orfall.MixedwiththefuneralisthewilderedwailOfinfantscomingtotheshoresoflight:Nonightaday,nodawnanighthathfollowedThatheardnot,minglingwiththesmallbirth-cries,

Thewildlaments,companionsoldofdeathAndtheblackrites.This,too,intheseaffairs'Tisfitthouholdwellsealed,andkeepconsignedWithnoforgettingbrain:nothingthereisWhosenatureisapparentoutofhandThatofonekindofelementsconsists-Nothingthereisthat'snotofmixedseed.Andwhatsoe'erpossessesinitselfMorelargelymanypowersandproperties



ShowsthusthatherewithinitselfthereareThelargestnumberofkindsanddifferingshapesOfelements.And,chiefofall,theearthHathinherselffirstbodieswhencethesprings,Rollingchillwaters,renewforevermoreTheunmeasuredmain;hathwhencethefiresarise-Forburnsinmanyaspotherflamedcrust,WhilsttheimpetuousAetnaravesindeedFrommoreprofounderfires-andshe,again,HathinherselftheseedwhenceshecanraiseTheshininggrainsandgladsometreesformen;Whence,also,rivers,fronds,andgladsomepasturesCanshesupplyformountain-roamingbeasts.Whereforegreatmotherofgods,andmotherofbeasts,Andparentofmanhathshealonebeennamed.HerhymnedtheoldandlearnedbardsofGreece

Seatedincharioto'ertherealmsofairTodriveherteamoflions,teachingthusThatthegreatearthhangspoisedandcannotlieRestingonotherearth.UntohercarThey'veyokedthewildbeasts,sinceaprogeny,Howeversavage,mustbetamedandchidBycareofparents.Theyhavegirtabout

Withturret-crownthesummitofherhead,Since,fortressedinhergoodlystrongholdshigh,'Tisshesustainsthecities;now,adornedWiththatsametoken,to-dayiscarriedforth,Withsolemnawethroughmanyamightyland,Theimageofthatmother,thedivine.Herthewidenations,afterantiquerite,DonameIdaeanMother,givingherEscortofPhrygianbands,sincefirst,theysay,Fromoutthoseregions'twasthatgrainbeganThroughalltheworld.ToherdotheyassignTheGalli,theemasculate,sincethusTheywishtoshowthatmenwhoviolate

ThemajestyofthemotherandhaveprovedIngratetoparentsaretobeadjudgedUnfittogiveuntotheshoresoflightAlivingprogeny.TheGallicome:Andhollowcymbals,tight-skinnedtambourinesResoundaroundtobangingsoftheirhands;Thefiercehornsthreatenwitharaucousbray;ThetubedpipeexcitestheirmaddenedmindsInPhrygianmeasures;theybearbeforethemknives,Wildemblemsoftheirfrenzy,whichhavepowerTherabble'singrateheadsandimpiousheartsTopanicwithterrorofthegoddess'might.Andso,whenthroughthemightycitiesborne,

Sheblessesmanwithsalutationsmute,TheystrewthehighwayofherjourneyingsWithcoinofbrassandsilver,giftingherWithalmsandlargesse,andshowerherandshadeWithflowersofrosesfallinglikethesnowUpontheMotherandhercompanion-bands.Hereisanarmedtroop,thewhichbyGreeksArecalledthePhrygianCuretes.SinceHaplyamongthemselvestheyusetoplayIngamesofarmsandleapinmeasureround



WithbloodymirthandbytheirnoddingshakeTheterrorizingcrestsupontheirheads,ThisisthearmedtroopthatrepresentsThearm'dDictaeanCuretes,who,inCrete,Asrunsthestory,whilomdidout-drownThatinfantcryofZeus,whattimetheirband,Youngboys,inaswiftdancearoundtheboy,Tomeasuredstepbeatwiththebrassonbrass,ThatSaturnmightnotgethimforhisjaws,AndgiveitsmotheraneternalwoundAlongherheart.AnditisonthisaccountThatarmedtheyescortthemightyMother,OrelsebecausetheysignifybythisThatshe,thegoddess,teachesmentobeEagerwitharmedvalourtodefendTheirmotherland,andreadytostandforth,Theguardandgloryoftheirparents'years.Atale,howeverbeautifullywrought,That'swideofreasonbyalongremove:ForallthegodsmustofthemselvesenjoyImmortalaeonsandsupremerepose,Withdrawnfromouraffairs,detached,afar:Immunefromperilandimmunefrompain,Themselvesaboundinginrichesoftheirown,

Needingnotus,theyarenottouchedbywrathTheyarenottakenbyserviceorbygift.Trulyisearthinsensateforalltime;But,byobtaininggermsofmanythings,InmanyawayshebringsthemanyforthIntothelightofsun.Andhere,whosoDecidestocalltheoceanNeptune,orThegrain-cropCeres,andpreferstoabuseThenameofBacchusratherthanpronounceTheliquor'sproperdesignation,himLetuspermittogooncallingearthMotherofGods,ifonlyhewillspareTotainthissoulwithfoulreligion.

So,too,thewoolyflocks,andhornedkine,Andbroodofbattle-eagerhorses,grazingOftentogetheralongonegrassyplain,Underthecopeofonebluesky,andslakingFromoutonestreamofwatereachitsthirst,Alllivetheirliveswithfaceandformunlike,Keepingtheparents'nature,parents'habits,Which,kindbykind,throughagestheyrepeat.Sogreatinanysortofherbthouwilt,SogreatagaininanyriverofearthArethedistinctdiversitiesofmatter.Hence,further,everycreature-anyone

Fromoutthemall-compoundedisthesameOfbones,blood,veins,heat,moisture,flesh,andthews-

Alldifferingvastlyintheirforms,andbuiltOfelementsdissimilarinshape.Again,allthingsbyfireconsumedablaze,Withintheirframelayup,ifnaughtbesides,AtleastthoseatomswhencederivestheirpowerTothrowforthfireandsendoutlightfromunder,Toshootthesparksandscatteremberswide.



If,withlikereasoningofmind,allelseThoutraversethrough,thouwiltdiscoverthusThatintheirframetheseedsofmanythingsTheyhide,anddiversshapesofseedscontain.Further,thoumarkestmuch,towhicharegivenAlongtogethercolourandflavourandsmell,Amongwhich,chief,aremostburntofferings.

Thusmusttheybeofdiversshapescomposed.AsmellofscorchingentersinourframeWherethebrightcolourfromthedyegoesnot;Andcolourinoneway,flavourinquiteanotherWorksinwardtooursenses-somaystseeTheydiffertooinelementalshapes.Thusunlikeformsintoonemasscombine,Andthingsexistbyintermixedseed.

Butstill'tmustnotbethoughtthatinallwaysAllthingscanbeconjoined;forthenwouldestviewPortentsbegotabouttheeeveryside:Hulksofmankindhalfbruteastartingup,Attimesbigbranchessproutingfromman'strunk,Limbsofasea-beasttoaland-beastknit,AndNaturealongtheall-producingearth

FeedingthosedireChimaerasbreathingflameFromhideousjaws-Ofwhich'tissimplefactThatnonehavebeenbegot;becauseweseeAllarefromfixedseedandfixeddamEngenderedandsofunctionastokeepThroughouttheirgrowththeirownancestraltype.Thishappenssurelybyafixedlaw:Forfromallfood-stuff,whenonceeatendown,Gosunderedatoms,suitedtoeachcreature,Throughouttheirbodies,and,conjoiningthere,Producethepropermotions;butweseeHow,contrariwise,NatureuponthegroundThrowsoffthoseforeigntotheirframe;andmany

Withviewlessbodiesfromtheirbodiesfly,Byblowsimpelled-thoseimpotenttojoinToanypart,or,wheninside,toaccordAndtotakeonthevitalmotionsthere.Butthinknot,haply,livingformsaloneAreboundbytheselaws:theydistinguishedall.

Forjustasallthingsofcreationare,Intheirwholenature,eachtoeachunlike,Somusttheiratomsbeinshapeunlike-Notsincefewonlyarefashionedoflikeform,Butsincetheyall,asgeneralrule,arenotThesameasall.Nay,hereintheseourverses,

Elementsmany,commontomanywords,Thouseest,thoughyet'tisneedfultoconfessThewordsandversesdiffer,eachfromeach,Compoundedoutofdifferentelements-Notsincefewonly,ascommonletters,runThroughallthewords,ornotwowordsaremade,Oneandtheother,fromalllikeelements,Butsincetheyall,asgeneralrule,arenotThesameasall.Thus,too,inotherthings,Whilstmanygermscommontomanythings



Thereare,yetthey,combinedamongthemselves,Canformnewwhotoothersquiteunlike.Thusfairlyonemaysaythathumankind,Thegrains,thegladsometrees,areallmadeupOfdifferentatoms.Further,sincetheseedsAredifferent,differencemusttherealsobeIninterveningspaces,thoroughfares,Connections,weights,blows,clashings,motions,allWhichnotalonedistinguishlivingforms,Butsunderearth'swholeoceanfromthelands,Andholdallheavenfromthelandsaway.

AbsenceofSecondaryQualities

Nowcome,thiswisdombymysweettoilsoughtLookthouperceive,lesthaplythoushouldstguessThatthewhiteobjectsshiningtothineeyesAregenderedofwhiteatoms,ortheblackOfablackseed;oryetbelievethataughtThat'ssteepedinanyhueshouldtakeitsdyeFrombitsofmattertinctwithhuethesame.Formatter'sbodiesownnohuetheleast-Orliketoobjectsor,again,unlike.But,ifpercaseitseemtotheethatmind

ItselfcandartnoinfluenceofitsownIntothesebodies,widethouwand'restoff.Forsincetheblind-born,whohavene'ersurveyedThelightofsun,yetrecognisebytouchThingsthatfrombirthhadne'erahueforthem,'TisthinetoknowthatbodiescanbebroughtNolessuntothekenofourmindstoo,Thoughyetthosebodieswithnodyebesmeared.Again,ourselveswhateverinthedarkWetouch,thesamewedonotfindtobeTincturedwithanycolour.NowthathereIwintheargument,Inextwillteach

Now,everycolourchanges,noneexcept,Andevery...Whichtheprimordialsoughtnowisetodo.Sinceanimmutablesomewhatmustremain,Lestallthingsutterlybebroughttonaught.ForchangeofanythingfromoutitsboundsMeansinstantdeathofthatwhichwasbefore.WhereforebemindfulnottostainwithcolourTheseedsofthings,lestthingsreturnfortheeAllutterlytonaught.Butnow,ifseedsReceivenopropertyofcolour,andyet

BestillendowedwithvariableformsFromwhichallkindsofcolourstheybegetAndvary(byreasonthateveritmattersmuchWith,whatseeds,andinwhatpositionsjoined,Andwhatthemotionsthattheygiveandget),ForthwithmosteasilythoumaystdeviseWhywhatwasblackofhueanhouragoCanofasuddenlikethemarblegleam,-Asocean,whenthehighwindshaveupheavedItslevelplains,ischangedtohoarywaves



Ofmarblewhiteness:for,thoumaystdeclare,That,whenthethingweoftenseeasblackIsinitsmatterthencommixedanew,Someatomsrearranged,andsomewithdrawn,Andaddedsome,'tisseenforthwithtoturnGlowingandwhite.ButifofazureseedsConsistthelevelwatersofthedeep,Theycouldinnowisewhiten:forhoweverThoushakestazureseeds,thesamecanneverPassintomarblehue.But,iftheseeds-Whichthusproducetheocean'sonepuresheen-Benowwithonehue,nowanotherdyed,AsoftfromalienformsanddiversshapesAcube'sproducedalluniforminshape,'Twouldbebutnatural,evenasinthecubeWeseetheformstobedissimilar,Thatthuswe'dseeinbrightnessofthedeep(Orinwhateveronepuresheenthouwilt)Coloursdiverseandalldissimilar.Besides,theunlikeshapesdon'tthwarttheleastThewholeinbeingexternallyacube;ButdifferinghuesofthingsdoblockandkeepThewholefrombeingofoneresultanthue.Then,too,thereasonwhichenticesus

AttimestoattributecolourstotheseedsFallsquitetopieces,sincewhitethingsarenotCreatefromwhitethings,norareblackfromblack,ButevermoretheyarecreatefromthingsOfdiverscolours.Verily,thewhiteWillrisemorereadily,issoonerbornOutofnocolour,thanofblackoraughtWhichstandsinhostileoppositionthus.

Besides,sincecolourscannotbe,sanslight,Andtheprimordialscomenotforthtolight,'Tisthinetoknowtheyarenotclothedwithcolour-Truly,whatkindofcolourcouldtherebe

Intheviewlessdark?Nay,inthelightitselfAcolourchanges,gleamingvariedly,Whensmotebyverticalorslantingray.ThusinthesunlightshowsthedownofdovesThatcircles,garlanding,thenapeandthroat:Nowitisruddywithabrightgold-bronze,Now,byastrangesensationitbecomesGreen-emeraldblendedwiththecoral-red.Thepeacock'stail,filledwiththecopiouslight,Changesitscolourslikewise,whenitturns.Wherefore,sincebysomeblowoflightbegot,Withoutsuchblowthesecolourscan'tbecome.

AndsincethepupiloftheeyereceivesWithinitselfonekindofblow,whensaidTofeelawhitehue,thenanotherkind,Whenfeelingablackoranyotherhue,AndsinceitmattersnothingwithwhathueThethingsthoutouchestbeperchanceendowed,Butratherwithwhatsortofshapeequipped,'Tisthinetoknowtheatomsneednotcolour,Butrenderforthsensations,asoftouch,Thatvarywiththeirvariedforms.



Besides,Sincespecialshapeshavenotaspecialcolour,AndallformationsoftheprimalgermsCanbeofanysheenthouwilt,why,then,ArenotthoseobjectswhichareofthemmadeSuffused,eachkindwithcoloursofeverykind?Forthen'tweremeetthatravens,astheyfly,Shoulddartlefromwhitepinionsawhitesheen,Orswansturnblackfromseedofblack,orbeOfanysinglevarieddyethouwilt.

Again,themoreanobject'srenttobits,ThemorethouseeitscolourfadeawayLittlebylittletill'tisquiteextinct;Ashappenswhenthegaudylinen'spickedShredaftershredaway:thepurplethere,Phoenicianred,mostbrilliantofalldyes,Islostasunder,ravelledthreadbythread;HencecanstperceivethefragmentsdieawayFromouttheircolour,longeretheydepartBacktotheoldprimordialsofthings.And,last,sincethouconcedestnotallbodiesSendoutavoiceorsmell,ithappensthusThatnottoallthougivestsoundsandsmells.

So,too,sincewebeholdnotallwitheyes,'TisthinetoknowsomethingsthereareasmuchOrphanedofcolour,asotherswithoutsmell,Andreftofsound;andthosethemindalertNolesscanapprehendthanitcanmarkThethingsthatlacksomeotherqualities.

ButthinknothaplythattheprimalbodiesRemaindespoiledaloneofcolour:so,AretheyfromwarmthdisseveredandfromcoldAndfromhotexhalations;andtheymove,Bothsterileofsoundanddryofjuice;andthrowNotanyodourfromtheirproperbodies.

Justas,whenundertakingtoprepareAliquidbalmofmyrrhandmarjoram,Andflowerofnard,whichtoournostrilsbreathesOdourofnectar,firstofallbehoovesThouseek,asfarasfindthoumayandcan,Theinodorousolive-oil(whichneversendsOnewhiffofscenttonostrils),thatitmayTheleastdebauchandruinwithsharptangTheodorousessencewithitsbodymixedAndinitseethed.AndonthesameaccountTheprimalgermsofthingsmustnotbethoughtTofurnishcolourinbegettingthings,Norsound,sincepow'rlesstheytosendforthaught

Fromoutthemselves,noranyflavour,too,Norcold,norexhalationhotorwarm.

Therest;yetsincethesethingsaremortalall-Thepliantmortal,withabodysoft;Thebrittlemortal,withacrumblingframe;Thehollowwithaporous-allmustbeDisjoinedfromtheprimalelements,IfstillwewishundertheworldtolayImmortalground-works,whereuponmayrest



Thesumofwealandsafety,lestfortheeAllthingsreturntonothingutterly.Now,too:whate'erweseepossessingsenseMustyetconfessedlybestablishedallFromelementsinsensate.Andthosesigns,Socleartoallandwitnessedoutofhand,Donotrefutethisdictumnoroppose;Butratherthemselvesdoleadusbythehand,CompellingbeliefthatlivingthingsarebornOfelementsinsensate,asIsay.Sooth,wemayseefromoutthestinkingdungLivewormsspringup,when,aftersoakingrains,Thedrenchedearthrots;andallthingschangethesame:

Lo,changetherivers,thefronds,thegladsomepastures

Intothecattle,thecattletheirnaturechangeIntoourbodies,andfromourbody,oftGrowstrongthepowersandbodiesofwildbeastsAndmighty-wingedbirds.ThusNaturechangesAllfoodstolivingframes,andprocreatesFromthemthesensesoflivecreaturesall,InmanneraboutassheuncoilsinflamesDrylogsofwoodandturnsthemalltofire.

Andseestnot,therefore,howitmattersmuchAfterwhatorderaresettheprimalgerms,Andwithwhatothergermstheyallaremixed,Andwhatthemotionsthattheygiveandget?

Butnow,whatis'tthatstrikesthyscepticmind,ConstrainingtheetosundryargumentsAgainstbeliefthatfrominsensategermsThesensibleisgendered?-Verily,'Tisthis:thatliquids,earth,andwood,thoughmixed,Areyetunabletogendervitalsense.And,therefore,'twillbewellintheseaffairsThistoremember:thatIhavenotsaid

Sensesareborn,underconditionsall,FromallthingsabsolutelywhichcreateObjectsthatfeel;butmuchitmattershereFirstly,howsmalltheseedswhichthuscomposeThefeelingthing,then,withwhatshapesendowed,Andlastlywhattheyinpositionsbe,Inmotions,inarrangements.OfwhichfactsNaughtweperceiveinlogsofwoodandclods;Andyeteventhese,whensoddenbytherains,Givebirthtowormygrubs,becausethebodiesOfmatter,fromtheiroldarrangementsstirredBythenewfactor,thencombineanewInsuchawayasgenderslivingthings.

Next,theywhodeemthatfeelingobjectscanFromfeelingobjectsbecreate,andthese,Inturn,fromothersthatarewonttofeel

Whensofttheymakethem;forallsenseislinkedWithflesh,andthews,andveins-andsuch,wesee,Arefashionedsoftandofamortalframe.Yetbe'tthatthesecanlastforeveron:They'llhavethesensethat'spropertoapart,



OrelsebejudgedtohaveasensethesameAsthatwithinlivecreaturesasawhole.Butofthemselvesthosepartscanneverfeel,ForallthesenseineverymemberbackTosomethingelserefers-aseveredhand,Oranyothermemberofourframe,Itselfalonecannotsupportsensation.Itthusremainstheymustresemble,then,Livecreaturesasawhole,tohavethepowerOffeelingsensationconcordantineachpartWiththevitalsense;andsothey'reboundtofeelThethingswefeelexactlyasdowe.Ifsuchthecase,how,then,cantheybenamedTheprimalgermsofthings,andhowavoidThehighwaysofdestruction?-sincetheybeMerelivingthingsandlivingthingsbeallOneandthesamewithmortal.Granttheycould,Yetbytheirmeetingsandtheirunionsall,Naughtwouldresult,indeed,besidesathrongAndhurly-burlyalloflivingthings-Preciselyasmen,andcattle,andwildbeasts,BymereconglomerationeachwitheachCanstillbegetnotanythingofnew.Butifbychancetheylose,insideabody,

Theirownsenseandanothersensetakeon,What,then,availsittoassignthemthatWhichiswithdrawnthereafter?Andbesides,Totouchonproofthatwepronouncedbefore,JustasweseetheeggsoffeatheredfowlsTochangetolivingchicks,andswarmingwormsTobubbleforthwhenfromthesoakingrainsTheearthissodden,sure,sensationsallCanoutofnon-sensationsbebegot.

ButifonesaythatsensecansofarriseFromnon-sensebymutation,orbecauseBroughtforthasbyacertainsortofbirth,

'TwillservetorenderplaintohimandproveThereisnobirth,unlesstherebebeforeSomeformedunionoftheelements,Noranychange,unlesstheybeunite.

Infirstplace,sensescan'tinbodybeBeforeitslivingnature'sbeenbegot,-Sinceallitsstuff,infaith,ishelddispersedAboutthroughrivers,air,andearth,andallThatisfromearthcreated,norhasmetIncombination,and,inpropermode,ConjoinedintothosevitalmotionswhichKindletheall-perceivingsenses-they

Thatkeepandguardeachlivingthingsoever.

Again,ablowbeyonditsnature'sstrengthShattersforthwitheachlivingthingsoe'er,AndonitgoesconfoundingallthesenseOfbodyandmind.ForoftheprimalgermsAreloosedtheiroldarrangements,and,throughout,Thevitalmotionsblocked,-untilthestuff,Shakenprofoundlythroughtheframeentire,Undoesthevitalknotsofsoulfrombody



Andthrowsthatsoul,tooutwardwide-dispersed,Throughallthepores.ForwhatmaywesurmiseAblowinflictedcanachievebesidesShakingasunderandlooseningallapart?Ithappensalso,whenlesssharptheblow,ThevitalmotionswhichareleftarewontOfttowinout-winout,andstopandstillTheuncouthtumultsgenderedbytheblow,Andcalleachparttoitsowncoursesback,AndshakeawaythemotionofdeathwhichnowBeginsitsowndominioninthebody,Andkindleanewthesensesalmostgone.ForbywhatothermeanscouldtheythemoreCollecttheirpowersofthoughtandturnagainFromverydoorwaysofdestructionBackuntolife,ratherthanpasswheretoTheybealreadywell-nighspedandsoPassquiteaway?Again,sincepainisthereWherebodiesofmatter,bysomeforcestirredup,Throughvitalsandthroughjoints,withintheirseatsQuiverandquakeinside,butsoftdelight,Whentheyremoveuntotheirplaceagain:'Tisthinetoknowtheprimalgermscanbe

Assaultedbynopain,norfromthemselvesTakenodelight;becauseindeedtheyareNotmadeofanybodiesoffirstthings,UnderwhosestrangenewmotionstheymightacheOrpluckthefruitofanydearnewsweet.Andsotheymustbefurnishedwithnosense.

Oncemore,ifthus,thateverylivingthingMayhavesensation,needful'tistoassignSensealsotoitselements,whatthenOfthosefixedelementsfromwhichmankindHathbeen,bytheirpeculiarvirtue,formed?Ofverity,they'lllaughaloud,likemen,

Shakenasunderbyaspasmofmirth,Orsprinklewithdewytear-dropscheeksandchins,AndhavethecunninghardihoodtosayMuchonthecompositionoftheworld,AndintheirturninquirewhatelementsTheyhavethemselves,-since,thusthesameinkindAsawholemortalcreature,eventheyMustalsobefromotherelements,Andthenthoseothersfromothersevermore-Sothatthoudarestnowheremakeastop.Oho,I'llfollowtheeuntilthougrantTheseed(whichherethousay'stspeaks,laughs,andthinks)

IsyetderivedoutofotherseedsWhichintheirturnaredoingjustthesame.Butifweseewhatravingnonsensethis,Andthatamanmaylaugh,thoughnot,forsooth,Compoundedoutoflaughingelements,Andthinkandutterreasonwithlearn'dspeech,Thoughnothimselfcompounded,forafact,Ofsapientseedsandeloquent,why,then,CannotthosethingswhichweperceivetohaveTheirownsensationbecomposedaswell



Ofintermixedseedsquitevoidofsense?

InfiniteWorlds

Oncemore,weallfromseedcelestialspring,Toallisthatsamefather,fromwhomearth,Thefosteringmother,asshetakesthedropsOfliquidmoisture,pregnantbearsherbroods-Theshininggrains,andgladsomeshrubsandtrees,AndbearsthehumanraceandofthewildThegenerationsall,thewhilesheyieldsThefoodswherewithallfeedtheirframesandleadThegeniallifeandpropagatetheirkind;Whereforesheowneththatmaternalname,Byolddesert.Whatwasbeforefromearth,Thesameinearthsinksback,andwhatwassentFromshoresofether,that,returninghome,Thevaultsofskyreceive.NorthusdothdeathSofarannihilatethingsthatshedestroysThebodiesofmatter;butshedissipatesTheircombinations,andconjoinsanewOneelementwithothers;andcontrivesThatallthingsvaryformsandchangetheircoloursAndgetsensationsandstraightgivethemo'er.

Andthusmay'stknowitmatterswithwhatothersAndinwhatstructuretheprimordialgermsAreheldtogether,andwhatmotionstheyAmongthemselvesdogiveandget;northinkThataughtweseehitherandthitherafloatUponthecrestofthings,andnowabirthAndstraightwaynowaruin,inheresatrestDeepintheeternalatomsoftheworld.

Why,evenintheseourveryverseshereItmattersmuchwithwhatandinwhatorderEachelementisset:thesamedenoteSky,andtheocean,lands,andstreams,andsun;

Thesame,thegrains,andtrees,andlivingthings.Andifnotallalike,atleastthemost-Butwhatdistinctionsbypositionswrought!Andthusnolessinthingsthemselves,whenonceAroundarechangedtheintervalsbetween,Thepathsofmatter,itsconnections,weights,Blows,clashings,motions,order,structure,shapes,Thethingsthemselvesmustlikewisechangedbe.Nowtotruereasongivethymindforus.SinceherestrangetruthisputtingforthitsmightTohittheeinthineears,anewaspectOfthingstoshowitsfront.YetnaughtthereisSoeasythatitstandethnotatfirst

Morehardtocreditthanitafteris;Andnaughtsoe'erthat'sgreattosuchdegree,Norwonderfulsofar,butallmankindLittlebylittleabandontheirsurprise.LookupwardyonderatthebrightclearskyAndwhatitholds-thestarsthatwandero'er,Themoon,theradianceofthesplendour-sun:Yetall,ifnowtheyfirstformortalswere,Ifunforeseennowfirstasuddenshown,Whatmighttherebemorewonderfultotell,



WhatthatthenationswouldbeforehavedaredLesstobelievemightbe?-Ifancy,naught-Sostrangehadbeenthemarvelofthatsight.Thewhicho'erweariedtobehold,to-dayNonedeignslookupwardtothoselucentrealms.Then,spewnotreasonfromthymindaway,Besidethyselfbecausethematter'snew,Butratherwithkeenjudgmentnicelyweigh;Andiftotheeitthenappearethtrue,Renderthyhands,or,if'tisfalseatlast,Girdtheetocombat.Formymind-of-manNowseeksthenatureofthevastBeyondThereontheotherside,thatboundlesssumWhichlieswithouttherampartsoftheworld,Towardwhichthespiritlongstopeerafar,TowardwhichindeedtheswiftelanofthoughtFliesunencumberedforth.Firstly,wefind,Offtoallregionsround,oneitherside,Above,beneath,throughouttheuniverseEndistherenone-asIhavetaught,astooTheverythingofitselfdeclaresaloud,AndasfromnatureoftheunbottomeddeepShinesclearlyforth.Norcanweoncesuppose

Inanyway'tislikely,(seeingthatspaceToallsidesstretchesinfiniteandfree,Andseeds,innumerableinnumber,insumBottomless,thereinmanyamannerfly,Bestirredineverlastingmotionthere),ThatonlythisoneearthandskyofoursHathbeencreateandthatthosebodiesofstuff,Somany,performnoworkoutsidethesame;Seeing,moreover,thisworldtoohathbeenByNaturefashioned,evenasseedsofthingsByinnatemotionchancedtoclashandcling-Afterthey'dbeeninmanyamannerdrivenTogetheratrandom,withoutdesign,invain-

Andatlastthoseseedstogetherdwelt,Which,whentogetherofasuddenthrown,ShouldalwayfurnishthecommencementsfitOfmightythings-theearth,thesea,thesky,Andraceoflivingcreatures.Thus,Isay,Again,again,'tmustbeconfessedthereareSuchcongregationsofmatterotherwhere,LikethisourworldwhichvastyetherholdsInhugeembrace.Besides,whenmatterabundantIsreadythere,whenspaceonhand,norobjectNoranycauseretards,nomarvel'tisThatthingsarecarriedonandmadecomplete,

Perforce.Andnow,ifstoreofseedsthereisSogreatthatnotwholelife-timesofthelivingCancountthetale...Andiftheirforceandnatureabidethesame,AbletothrowtheseedsofthingstogetherIntotheirplaces,evenasherearethrownTheseedstogetherinthisworldofours,'TmustbeconfessedinotherrealmsthereareStillotherworlds,stillotherbreedsofmen,Andothergenerationsofthewild.



HencetooithappensinthesumthereisNoonethingsingleofitskindinbirth,Andsingleandsoleingrowth,butratheritisOnememberofsomegeneratedrace,Amongfullmanyothersoflikekind.First,castthymindabroadupontheliving:Thou'ltfindtheraceofmountain-rangingwildEventhustobe,andthusthescionsofmenTobebegot,andlastlythemuteflocksOfscaledfish,andwingedframesofbirds.WhereforeconfesswemustongroundsthesameThatearth,sun,moon,andocean,andallelse,Existnotsoleandsingle-ratherinnumberExceedingnumber.SincethatdeeplysetOldboundarystoneofliferemainsforthemNoless,andtheirsabodyofmortalbirthNoless,thaneverykindwhichhereonearthIssoabundantinitsmembersfound.Whichwellperceivedifthouholdinmind,ThenNature,deliveredfromeveryhaughtylord,Andforthwithfree,isseentodoallthingsHerselfandthroughherselfofownaccord,Ridofallgods.For-bytheirholyheartsWhichpassinlongtranquillityofpeace

Untroubledagesandaserenelife!-Whohaththepower(Iask),whohaththepowerTorulethesumoftheimmeasurable,ToholdwithsteadyhandthegiantreinsOftheunfathomeddeep?WhohaththepowerAtoncetoruleamultitudeofskies,AtoncetoheatwithfiresetherealallThefruitfullandsofmultitudesofworlds,Tobeatalltimesinallplacesnear,Tostablishdarknessbyhisclouds,toshakeTheserenespacesoftheskywithsound,Andhurlhislightnings,-ha,andwhelmhowoftInruinshisowntemples,andtorave,

Retiringtothewildernesses,thereAtpracticewiththatthunderboltofhis,Whichyethowoftenshootstheguiltyby,Andslaysthehonourableblamelessones!

Eresincethebirth-timeoftheworld,eresinceTherisenfirst-borndayofsea,earth,sun,Havemanygermsbeenaddedfromoutside,Havemanyseedsbeenaddedroundabout,WhichthegreatAll,thewhileitflungthemon,Broughthither,thatfromthemtheseaandlandsCouldgrowmorebig,andthatthehouseofheavenMightgetmoreroomandraiseitsloftyroofs

Faroverearth,andairarisearound.Forbodiesall,fromoutallregions,areDividedbyblows,eachtoitsproperthing,Andallretiretotheirownproperkinds:Themoisttomoistretires;earthgetsincreaseFromearthybody;andfires,asonaforge,Beatoutnewfire;andetherforgesether;TillNature,authorandenderoftheworld,Hathledallthingstoextremeboundofgrowth:Ashapswhenthatwhichhathbeenpouredinside



ThevitalveinsoflifeisnownomoreThanthatwhichebbswithinthemandrunsoff.Thisisthepointwherelifeforeachthingends;ThisisthepointwhereNaturewithherpowersCurbsallincrease.Forwhatsoe'erthouseestGrowbigwithgladincrease,andstepbystepClimbupwardtoripeage,thesetothemselvesTakeinmorebodiesthantheysendfromselves,WhilststillthefoodiseasilyinfusedThroughalltheveins,andwhilstthethingsarenotSofarexpandedthattheycastawaySuchnumerousatomsastocauseawasteGreaterthannutrimentwherebytheywax.For'tmustbegranted,truly,thatfromthingsManyabodyebbethandrunsoff;Butyetstillmoremustcome,untilthethingsHavetoucheddevelopment'stoppinnacle;ThenoldagebreakstheirpowersandripestrengthAndfallsawayintoaworserpart.Forevertheamplerandmorewideathing,Assoonaseveritsaugmentationends,ItscattersabroadforthwithtoallsidesroundMorebodies,sendingthemfromoutitself.Noreasilynowisfooddisseminate

Throughallitsveins;noristhatfoodenoughToequalwithanewsupplyonhandThoseplenteousexhalationsitgivesoff.Thus,fairly,allthingsperish,whenwithebbingThey'remadelessdenseandwhenfromblowswithoutTheyarelaidlow;sincefoodatlastwillfailExtremesteld,andbodiesfromoutsideCeasenotwiththumpingtoundoathingAndovermasterbyinfestingblows.Thus,too,therampartsofthemightyworldOnallsidesroundshalltakenbebystorm,Andtumbletowrackandshiveredfragmentsdown.Forfooditismustkeepthingswhole,renewing;

'Tisfoodmustpropandgivesupporttoall,-Buttonopurpose,sincenorveinssufficeToholdenough,nornatureministersAsmuchasneedful.Andevennow'tisthus:Itsageisbrokenandtheearth,outwornWithmanyparturitions,scarcecreatesThelittlelives-shewhocreatederstAllgenerationsandgaveforthatbirthEnormousbodiesofwildbeastsofold.Fornever,Ifancy,didagoldencordFromoffthefirmamentaboveletdownThemortalgenerationstothefields;Norsea,norbreakerspoundingontherocks

Createdthem;butearthitwaswhobore-Thesametodaywhofeedsthemfromherself.Besides,herselfofownaccord,shefirstTheshininggrainsandvineyardsofalljoyCreatedformortality;herselfGavethesweetfruitageandthepasturesglad,Whichnowto-dayyetscarcelywaxinsize,Evenwhenaidedbyourtoilingarms.Webreaktheox,andwearawaythestrengthOfsturdyfarm-hands;irontoolsto-day



Barelyavailfortillingofthefields,Soniggardlytheygrudgeourharvestings,Somuchincreaseourlabour.Nowto-dayTheagedploughman,shakingofhishead,Sighso'erando'erthatlaboursofhishandsHavefallenoutinvain,and,ashethinksHowpresenttimesarenotastimesofold,Oftenhepraisesthefortunesofhissire,Andcrackles,prating,howtheancientrace,Fulfilledwithpiety,supportedlifeWithsimplecomfortinanarrowplot,Since,manforman,themeasureofeachfieldWassmallerfari'theolddays.And,again,ThegloomyplanterofthewitheredvineRailsattheseason'schangeandweariesheaven,NorgraspsthatallofthingsbysuredegreesArewastingawayandgoingtothetomb,Outwornbyvenerablelengthoflife.

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BOOKIII

Proem

OthouwhofirstupliftedinsuchdarkSoclearatorchaloft,whofirstshedlightUpontheprofitableendsofman,OtheeIfollow,gloryoftheGreeks,AndsetmyfootstepssquarelyplantednowEvenintheimpressandthemarksofthine-Lesslikeoneeagertodisputethepalm,MoreasonecravingoutofveryloveThatImaycopythee!-forhowshouldswallowContendwithswansorwhatcomparecouldbeInaracebetweenyoungkidswithtumblinglegsAndthestrongmightofthehorse?Ourfatherthou,

Andfinder-outoftruth,andthoutousSuppliestafather'sprecepts;andfromoutThosescrivenleavesofthine,renownedsoul(Likebeesthatsipofallinflowerywolds),Wefeeduponthygoldensayingsall-Golden,andeverworthiestendlesslife.ForsoonaseverthyplanningthoughtthatsprangFromgod-likemindbeginsitsloudproclaimOfnature'scourses,terrorsofthebrainAsunderflee,therampartsoftheworldDispartaway,andthroughthevoidentireIseethemovementsoftheuniverse.Risestovisionthemajestyofgods,

AndtheirabodesofeverlastingcalmWhichneitherwindmayshakenorrain-cloudsplash,Norsnow,congealedbysharpfrosts,mayharmWithitswhitedownfall:ever,uncloudedskyO'erroofs,andlaughswithfar-diffusedlight.Andnaturegivestothemtheirall,noraughtMayeverplucktheirpeaceofmindaway.ButnowheretomyvisionrisenomoreThevaultsofAcheron,thoughthebroadearthBarsmenomorefromgazingdowno'erall



WhichunderourfeetisgoingonbelowAlongthevoid.O,hereintheseaffairsSomenewdivinedelightandtremblingaweTakesholdthroughme,thatthusbypowerofthineNature,soplainandmanifestatlast,Hathbeenoneverysidelaidbaretoman!

AndsinceI'vetaughtalreadyofwhatsortTheseedsofallthingsare,andhow,distinctIndiversforms,theyflitofownaccord,Stirredwithamotioneverlastingon,Andinwhatmodethingsbefromthemcreate,Now,aftersuchmatters,shouldmyverse,meseems,Makeclearthenatureofthemindandsoul,AnddrivethatdreadofAcheronwithout,Headlong,whichsoconfoundsourhumanlifeUntoitsdeeps,pouringo'erallthatisTheblackofdeath,norleavesnotanythingToprosper-aliquidandunsulliedjoy.Forastowhatmensometimeswillaffirm:ThatmorethanTartarus(therealmofdeath)Theyfeardiseasesandalifeofshame,Andknowthesubstanceofthesoulisblood,Orratherwind(ifhaplythustheirwhim),

Andsoneednaughtofthisourscience,thenThouwellmay'stnotefromwhat'stofollownowThatmoreforglorydotheybraggartforthThanforbelief.Formarktheseverysame:Exilesfromcountry,fugitivesafarFromsightofmen,withchargesfoulattaint,Abasedwitheverywretchedness,theyyetLive,andwhere'erthewretchescome,theyyetMaketheancestralsacrificesthere,Butchertheblacksheep,andtogodsbelowOfferthehonours,andinbittercaseTurnmuchmorekeenlytoreligion.Wherefore,it'ssurertestingofaman

Indoubtfulperils-markhimasheisAmidadversities;forthenaloneArethetruevoicesconjuredfromhisbreast,Themaskoff-stripped,realitybehind.Andgreed,again,andtheblindlustofhonoursWhichforcepoorwretchespasttheboundsoflaw,And,oftalliesandministersofcrime,TopushthroughnightsanddaysofthehugesttoilToriseuntrammelledtothepeaksofpower-ThesewoundsoflifeinnomeanpartarekeptFesteringandopenbythisfrightofdeath.ForeverweseefierceWantandfoulDisgraceDislodgedafarfromsecurelifeandsweet,

LikehuddlingShapesbeforethedoorsofdeath.Andwhilst,fromthese,menwishtoscapeafar,Drivenbyfalseterror,andafarremove,Withcivicbloodafortunetheyamass,Theydoubletheirriches,greedy,heapers-upOfcorpseoncorpsetheyhaveacruellaughForthesadburialofabrother-born,Andhatredandfearoftablesoftheirkin.Likewise,throughthissameterror,envyoftMakesthemtopeakbecausebeforetheireyes



Thatmanislordly,thatmangazeduponWhowalksbegirtwithhonourglorious,Whilsttheyinfilthanddarknessrollaround;Someperishawayforstatuesandaname,Andofttothatdegree,fromfrightofdeath,WillhateoflivingandbeholdinglightTakeholdonhumankindthattheyinflictTheirowndestructionwithagloomyheart-Forgetfulthatthisfearisfontofcares,Thisfeartheplagueupontheirsenseofshame,AndthisthatbreaksthetiesofcomradryAndoversetsallreverenceandfaith,Middirestslaughter.Forlongereto-dayOftenweretraitorstocountryanddearparentsThroughquesttoshuntherealmsofAcheron.ForjustaschildrentrembleandfearallIntheviewlessdark,soevenweattimesDreadinthelightsomanythingsthatbeNowhitmorefearsomethanwhatchildrenfeign,Shuddering,willbeupontheminthedark.Thisterror,then,thisdarknessofthemind,Notsunrisewithitsflaringspokesoflight,Norglitteringarrowsofmorningsundisperse,ButonlyNature'saspectandherlaw.

NatureandCompositionoftheMind

First,then,Isay,themindwhichoftwecallTheintellect,whereinisseatedlife'sCounselandregimen,ispartnolessOfmanthanhandandfootandeyesarepartsOfonewholebreathingcreature.ButsomeholdThatsenseofmindisinnofixedpartseated,Butisofbodysomeonevitalstate,-Named"harmony"byGreeks,becausetherebyWelivewithsense,thoughintellectbenotInanypart:asoftthebodyissaid

Tohavegoodhealth(whenhealth,however,'snotOnepartofhimwhohasit),sotheyplaceThesenseofmindinnofixedpartofman.Mightily,diversly,meseemstheyerr.OftenthebodypalpableandseenSickens,whileyetinsomeinvisiblepartWefeelapleasure;ofttheotherway,AmiserableinmindfeelspleasurestillThroughouthisbody-quitethesameaswhenAfootmaypainwithoutapaininhead.Besides,whentheseourlimbsaregiveno'erTogentlesleepandliestheburdenedframeAtrandomvoidofsense,asomethingelse

Isyetwithinus,whichuponthattimeBestirsitselfinmanyawise,receivingAllmotionsofjoyandphantomcaresofheart.Now,fortoseethatinman'smembersdwellsAlsothesoul,andbodyne'eriswontTofeelsensationbya"harmony"Takethisinchief:thefactthatliferemainsOftinourlimbs,whenmuchofbody'sgone;Yetthatsamelife,whenparticlesofheat,Thoughfew,havescatteredbeen,andthroughthemouth



Airhasbeengivenforthabroad,forthwithForeverdesertstheveins,andleavesthebones.ThusmaystthouknowthatnotallparticlesPerformlikeparts,norinlikemannerallArepropsofwealandsafety:ratherthose-Theseedsofwindandexhalationswarm-Takecarethatinourmembersliferemains.ThereforeavitalheatandwindthereisWithintheverybody,whichatdeathDesertsourframes.Andso,sincenatureofmindAndevenofsoulisfoundtobe,as'twere,Apartofman,giveover"harmony"-NametomusiciansbroughtfromHelicon,-Unlessthemselvestheyfilcheditotherwise,Toserveforwhatwaslackingnametillthen.Whate'eritbe,they'rewelcometoit-thou,Hearkenmyothermaxims.Mindandsoul,Isay,areheldconjoinedonewithother,Andformonesinglenatureofthemselves;ButchiefandregnantthroughtheframeentireIsstillthatcounselwhichwecallthemind,Andthatcleavesseatedinthemidmostbreast.Hereleapdismayandterror;roundthesehaunts

Beblandishmentsofjoys;andthereforehereTheintellect,themind.Therestofsoul,Throughoutthebodyscattered,butobeys-Movedbythenodandmotionofthemind.This,foritself,solethroughitself,haththought;Thisforitselfhathmirth,evenwhenthethingThatmovesit,movesnorsoulnorbodyatall.Andas,whenheadoreyeinusissmitByassailingpain,wearenottorturedthenThroughallthebody,sothemindaloneIssometimessmitten,orlivenswithajoy,Whilstyetthesoul'sremainderthroughthelimbsAndthroughtheframeisstirredbynothingnew.

Butwhenthemindismovedbyshockmorefierce,WemarkthewholesoulsufferingallatonceAlongman'smembers:sweatsandpallorsspreadOverthebody,andthetongueisbroken,Andfailsthevoiceaway,andringtheears,Mistsblindtheeyeballs,andthejointscollapse,-Aye,mendropdeadfromterrorofthemind.Hence,whosowillcanreadilyremarkThatsoulconjoinediswithmind,and,when'Tisstrookbyinfluenceofthemind,forthwithInturnithitsanddrivesthebodytoo.

Andthissameargumentestablisheth

Thatnatureofmindandsoulcorporealis:Forwhen'tisseentodrivethememberson,Tosnatchfromsleepthebody,andtochangeThecountenance,andthewholestateofmanToruleandturn,-whatyetcouldneverbeSanscontact,andsansbodycontactfails-MustwenotgrantthatmindandsoulconsistOfacorporealnature?-AndbesidesThoumarkstthatlikewisewiththisbodyofoursSuffersthemindandwithourbodyfeels.



IfthedirespeedofspearthatcleavesthebonesAndbarestheinnerthewshitsnotthelife,Yetfollowsafaintingandafoulcollapse,And,ontheground,dazedtumultinthemind,Andwhilesawaveringwilltoriseafoot.Sonatureofmindmustbecorporeal,sinceFromstrokeandspearcorporeal'tisinthroes.Now,ofwhatbody,whatcomponentsformedIsthissamemindIwillgoontotell.First,Iaver,'tissuperfine,composedOftiniestparticles-thatsuchthefactThoucanstperceive,ifthouattend,fromthis:NothingisseentohappenwithsuchspeedAswhatthemindproposesandbegins;ThereforethesamebestirsitselfmoreswiftlyThanaughtwhosenature'spalpabletoeyes.Butwhat'ssoagilemustofseedsconsistMostround,mosttiny,thattheymaybemoved,Whenhitbyimpulseslight.Sowatermoves,Inwavesalong,atimpulsejusttheleast-Beingcreateoflittleshapesthatroll;But,contrariwise,thequalityofhoneyMorestableis,itsliquidsmoreinert,Moretardyitsflow;forallitsstockofmatter

Cleavesmoretogether,since,indeed,'tismadeOfatomsnotsosmooth,sofine,andround.ForthelightbreezethathoversyetcanblowHighheapsofpoppy-seedawayfortheeDownwardfromoffthetop;but,contrariwise,ApileofstonesorspinyearsofwheatItcan'tatall.Thus,insofarasbodiesAresmallandsmooth,istheirmobility;But,contrariwise,theheavierandmorerough,Themoreimmovabletheyprove.Now,then,Sincenatureofmindismovablesomuch,ConsistitmustofseedsexceedingsmallAndsmoothandround.Whichfactonceknowntothee,

Goodfriend,willservetheeopportuneinelse.Thisalsoshowsthenatureofthesame,Howniceitstexture,inhowsmallaspace'Twouldgo,ifoncecompactedasapellet:Whendeath'sunvexedreposegetsholdonmanAndmindandsoulretire,thoumarkestthereFromthewholebodynothingta'eninform,Nothinginweight.Deathgrantsyeeverything,Butvitalsenseandexhalationhot.Thussoulentiremustbeofsmallmostseeds,Twinedthroughtheveins,thevitals,andthethews,Seeingthat,when'tisfromwholebodygone,Theoutwardfigurationofthelimbs

Isunimpairedandweightfailsnotawhit.Justso,whenvanishedthebouquetofwine,Orwhenanunguent'sperfumedelicateIntothewindsawaydeparts,orwhenFromanybodysavour'sgone,yetstillThethingitselfseemsminishednaughttoeyes,Thereby,noraughtabstractedfromitsweight-Nomarvel,becauseseedsmanyandminuteProducethesavoursandtheredolenceInthewholebodyofthethings.Andso,



Again,again,natureofmindandsoul'TisthinetoknowcreatedisofseedsThetiniestever,sinceatflying-forthItbearethnothingoftheweightaway.Yetfancynotitsnaturesimpleso.Foranimpalpableaura,mixedwithheat,Desertsthedying,andheatdrawsofftheair;Andheatthere'snone,unlesscommixedwithair:For,sincethenatureofallheatisrare,Athroughitmanyseedsofairmustmove.Thusnatureofmindistriple;yetthoseallSufficenotforcreatingsense-sincemindAcceptethnotthataughtofthesecancauseSense-bearingmotions,andmuchlessthethoughtsAmanrevolvesinmind.SountotheseMustaddedbeasomewhat,andafourth;Thatsomewhat'saltogethervoidofname;Thanwhichexistethnaughtmoremobile,naughtMoreanimpalpable,ofelementsMoresmallandsmoothandround.ThatfirsttransmitsSense-bearingmotionsthroughtheframe,forthatIsrousedthefirst,composedoflittleshapes;ThenceheatandviewlessforceofwindtakeupThemotions,andthenceair,andthenceallthings

Areputinmotion;thebloodisstrook,andthenThevitalsallbegintofeel,andlastTobonesandmarrowthesensationcomes-Pleasureortorment.NorwillpainfornaughtEntersofar,norasharpillseepthrough,ButallthingsbeperturbedtothatdegreeThatroomforlifewillfail,andpartsofsoulWillscatterthroughthebody'severypore.Yetasarule,almostupontheskinThesemotionaIlarestopped,andthisiswhyWehavethepowertoretainourlife.

Nowinmyeagernesstotelltheehow

Theyarecommixed,throughwhatunionsfitTheyfunctionso,mycountry'spauper-speechConstrainsmesadly.AsIcan,however,I'lltouchsomepointsandpass.InsuchawiseCoursetheseprimordials'mongstoneanotherWithintermotionsthatnoonecanbeFromothersundered,noritsagencyPerform,ifoncedividedbyaspace;Likemanypowersinonebodytheywork.AsinthefleshofanycreaturestillIsodourandsavourandacertainwarmth,AndyetfromanoftheseonebulkofbodyIsmadecomplete,so,viewlessforceofwind

Andwarmthandair,commingled,docreateOnenature,bythatmobileenergyAssistedwhichfromoutitselftothemImpartsinitialmotion,wherebyfirstSense-bearingmotionalongthevitalssprings.Forlurksthisessencefaranddeepandunder,Norinourbodyisaughtmoreshutfromview,And'tistheverysoulofallthesoul.AndaswithinourmembersandwholeframeTheenergyofmindandpowerofsoul



Ismixedandlatent,sincecreateitisOfbodiessmallandfew,solurksthisfourth,Thisessencevoidofname,composedofsmall,Andseemstheverysoulofallthesoul,Andholdsdominiono'erthebodyall.AndbylikereasonwindandairandheatMustfunctionso,commingledthroughtheframe,AndnowtheonesubsideandnowanotherIninterchangeofdominance,thatthusFromallofthemonenaturebeproduced,Lestheatandwindapart,andairapart,Makesensetoperish,bydisseverment.ThereisindeedinmindthatheatitgetsWhenseethinginrage,andflashesfromtheeyesMoreswiftlyfire;thereis,again,thatwind,Much,andsocold,companionofalldread,Whichrousestheshudderintheshakenframe;Thereisnolessthatstateofaircomposed,Makingthetranquilbreast,thesereneface.Butmoreofhothavetheywhoserestivehearts,Whosemindsofpassionquicklyseetheinrage-Ofwhichkindchiefarefierceaboundinglions,Whooftenwithroaringburstthebreasto'erwrought,Unabletoholdthesurgingwrathwithin;

Butthecoldmindofstagshasmoreofwind,AndspeedierthroughtheirinwardsrousesupTheicycurrentswhichmaketheirmembersquake.Butmoretheoxenlivebytranquilair,Nore'erdothsmokytorchofwrathapplied,O'erspreadingwithshadowsofadarklingmurk,Rousethemtoofar;norwilltheystiffenstark,Piercedthroughbyicyjavelinsoffear;Buthavetheirplacehalf-waybetweenthetwo-Stagsandfiercelions.Thustheraceofmen:Thoughtrainingmakethemequallyrefined,ItleavesthosepristinevestigesbehindOfeachmind'snature.Normaywesuppose

Evilcane'erberootedupsofarThatoneman'snotmoregiventofitsofwrath,Another'snotmorequicklytouchedbyfear,Athirdnotmorelong-sufferingthanheshould.AndneedsmustdifferinmanythingsbesidesThevariednaturesandresultinghabitsOfhumankind-ofwhichnotnowcanIExpoundthehiddencauses,norfindnamesEnoughforallthediversshapesofthosePrimordialswhencethisvariationsprings.ButthismeseemsI'mabletodeclare:ThosevestigesofnaturesleftbehindWhichreasoncannotquiteexpelfromus

ArestillsoslightthatnaughtpreventsamanFromlivingalifeevenworthyofthegods.

Sothenthissouliskeptbyallthebody,Itselfthebody'sguard,andsourceofweal;Fortheywithcommonrootscleaveeachtoeach,Norcanbetornasunderwithoutdeath.Noteasy'tisfromlumpsoffrankincenseToteartheirfragranceforth,withoutitsnaturePerishinglikewise:so,noteasy'tis



FromallthebodynatureofmindandsoulTodrawaway,withoutthewholedissolved.Withseedssointertwinedevenfrombirth,They'redoweredconjointlywithapartner-life;Noenergyofbodyormind,apart,Eachofitselfwithouttheother'spower,Canhavesensation;butoursense,enkindledAlongthevitals,toflameisblownbybothWithmutualmotions.BesidesthebodyaloneIsnorbegotnorgrows,norafterdeathSeentoendure.FornotaswaterattimesGivesoffthealienheat,noristherebyItselfdestroyed,butunimpairedremains-Notthus,Isay,canthedesertedframeBearthedisseveringofitsjoinedsoul,But,rentandruined,mouldersallaway.ThusthejointcontactofthebodyandsoulLearnsfromtheirearliestagethevitalmotions,Evenwhenstillburiedinthemother'swomb;Sonodisseveringcanhaptothem,Withouttheirbaneandill.AndthencemaystseeThat,asconjoinedistheirsourceofweal,Conjoinedalsomusttheirnaturebe.

Ifone,moreover,deniesthatbodyfeel,Andholdsthatsoul,throughallthebodymixed,Takesonthismotionwhichwetitle"sense"Hebattlesinvainindubitablefacts:Forwho'llexplainwhatbody'sfeelingis,ExceptbywhatthepublicfactitselfHasgivenandtaughtus?"Butwhensoulisparted,Body'swithoutallsense."True!-loseswhatWaseveninitslife-timenotitsown;Andmuchbesideitloses,whensoul'sdrivenForthfromthatlife-time.Or,tosaythateyesThemselvescanseenothing,butthroughthesameThemindlooksforth,asoutofopeneddoors,

Is-ahardsaying;sincethefeelineyesSaysthereverse.ForthisitselfdrawsonAndforcesintothepupilsofoureyesOurconsciousness.AndnotethecasewhenoftenWelackthepowertoseerefulgentthings,Becauseoureyesarehamperedbytheirlight-Withameredoorwaythiswouldhappennot;For,sinceitisourveryselvesthatsee,Noopenportalsundertakethetoil.Besides,ifeyesofoursbutactasdoors,Methinksthat,wereoursightremoved,themindOughtthenstillbettertobeholdathing-Wheneventhedoor-postshavebeenclearedaway.

HereinintheseaffairsnowisetakeupWhathonouredsage,Democritus,laysdown-Thatproposition,thatprimordialsOfbodyandmind,eachsuper-posedoneach,VaryalternatelyandinterweaveThefabricofourmembers.FornotonlyArethesoul-elementssmallerfarthanthoseWhichthisourbodyandinwardpartscompose,Butalsoaretheyintheirnumberless,



Andscatteredsparselythroughourframe.AndthusThiscanstthouguarantee:soul'sprimalgermsMaintainbetweenthemintervalsaslargeAtleastasarethesmallestbodies,which,Whenthrownagainstus,inourbodyrouseSense-bearingmotions.HenceitcomesthatweSometimesdon'tfeelalightingonourframesTheclingingdust,orchalkthatsettlessoft;Normistsofnight,norspider'sgossamerWefeelagainstus,when,uponourroad,Itsnetentanglesus,noronourheadThedroppingofitswitheredgarmentings;Norbird-feathers,norvegetabledown,Flyingabout,solighttheybarelyfall;Norfeelthestepsofeverycrawlingthing,NoreachofallthosefootprintsonourskinOfmidgesandthelike.TothatdegreeMustmanyprimalgermsbestirredinusEreoncetheseedsofsoulthatthroughourframeAreintermingled'gintofeelthatthosePrimordialsofthebodyhavebeenstrook,Andere,inpoundingwithsuchgapsbetween,Theyclash,combineandleapapartinturn.Butmindismorethekeeperofthegates,

Hathmoredominionoverlifethansoul.Forwithoutintellectandmindthere'snotOnepartofsoulcanrestwithinourframeLeastpartoftime;companioning,itgoesWithmindintothewindsaway,andleavesTheicymembersinthecoldofdeath.ButhewhosemindandintellectabideHimselfabidesinlife.HowevermuchThetrunkbemangled,withthelimbsloppedoff,Thesoulwithdrawnandtakenfromthelimbs,Stilllivesthetrunkanddrawsthevitalair.Evenwhendeprivedofallbutallthesoul,Yetwillitlingeronandcleavetolife,-

Justasthepowerofvisionstillisstrong,Ifbutthepupilshallabideunharmed,Evenwhentheeyearoundit'ssorelyrent-ProvidedonlythoudestroyestnotWhollytheball,but,cuttingroundthepupil,Leavestthatpupilbyitselfbehind-Formorewouldruinsight.Butifthatcentre,Thattinypartofeye,beeatenthrough,Forthwiththevisionfailsanddarknesscomes,Thoughinallelsetheunblemishedballbeclear.'TisbylikecompactthatthesoulandmindAreeachtootherboundforevermore.

TheSoulisMortal

Nowcome:thatthoumaystablebetoknowThatmindsandthelightsoulsofallthatliveHavemortalbirthanddeath,IwillgoonVersestobuildmeetforthyruleoflife,Soughtafterlong,discoveredwithsweettoil.ButunderonenameI'dhavetheeyokethemboth;Andwhen,forinstance,Ishallspeakofsoul,Teachingthesametobebutmortal,think



TherebyI'mspeakingalsoofthemind-Sincebothareone,asubstanceinterjoined.

First,then,sinceIhavetaughthowsoulexistsAsubtlefabric,ofparticlesminute,MadeupfromatomssmallermuchthanthoseOfwater'sliquiddamp,orfog,orsmoke,Soinmobilityitfarexcels,Morepronetomove,thoughstrookbylightercauseEvenmovedbyimagesofsmokeorfog-Aswhereweview,wheninoursleepswe'relulled,Thealtarsexhalingsteamandsmokealoft-For,beyonddoubt,theseapparitionscomeTousfromoutward.Now,then,sincethouseest,Theirliquidsdepart,theirwatersflowaway,Whenjarsareshivered,andsincefogandsmokeDepartintothewindsaway,believeThesoulnolessisshedabroadanddiesMorequicklyfar,morequicklyisdissolvedBacktoitsprimalbodies,whenwithdrawnFromoutman'smembersithasgoneaway.For,sure,ifbody(containerofthesameLikeasajar),whenshiveredfromsomecause,Andrarefiedbylossofbloodfromveins,

Cannotforlongerholdthesoul,howthenThinkstthouitcanbeheldbyanyair-Astuffmuchrarerthanourbodiesbe?

BesideswefeelthatmindtobeingcomesAlongwithbody,withbodygrowsandages.ForjustaschildrentotterroundaboutWithframesinfirmandtender,sotherefollowsAweaklingwisdomintheirminds;andthen,Whereyearshaveripenedintorobustpowers,Counselisalsogreater,moreincreasedThepowerofmind;thereafter,wherealreadyThebody'sshatteredbymaster-powersofeld,

Andfallentheframewithitsenfeebledpowers,Thoughthobbles,tonguewanders,andthemindgivesway;

Allfails,all'slackingattheselfsametime.Thereforeitsuitsthateventhesoul'sdissolved,Likesmoke,intotheloftywindsofair;SincewebeholdthesametobeingcomeAlongwithbodyandgrow,and,asI'vetaught,Crumbleandcrack,therewithoutwornbyeld.

Then,too,wesee,that,justasbodytakesMonstrousdiseasesandthedreadfulpain,Sominditsbittercares,thegrief,thefear;

WhereforeittalliesthatthemindnolessPartakerisofdeath;forpainanddiseaseArebothartificersofdeath,-aswellWe'velearnedbythepassingofmanyamanerenow.Nay,too,indiseasesofbody,oftenthemindWandersafield;for'tisbesideitself,Andcrazeditspeaks,ormanyatimeitsinks,Witheyelidsclosingandadroopingnod,Inheavydrowse,ontoeternalsleep;Fromwhencenorhearsitanyvoicesmore,



NorableistoknowthefaceshereOfthoseabouthimstandingwithwetcheeksWhovainlycallhimbacktolightandlife.Whereforemindtoo,confesswemust,dissolves,Seeing,indeed,contagionsofdiseaseEnterintothesame.Again,Owhy,Whenthestrongwinehasenteredintoman,Anditsdiffusedfiregoneroundtheveins,Whyfollowsthenaheavinessoflimbs,Atangleofthelegsasroundhereels,Astutteringtongue,anintellectbesoaked,Eyesallaswim,andhiccups,shouts,andbrawlsAndwhatsoelseisofthatilk?-Whythis?-IfnotthatviolentandimpetuouswineIswonttoconfoundthesoulwithinthebody?Butwhatsocanconfoundedbeandbalked,Givesproof,thatifahardiercausegotin,'Twouldhapthatitwouldperishthen,bereavedOfanylifethereafter.And,moreover,Oftenwillsomeoneinasuddenfit,Asifbystrokeoflightning,tumbledownBeforeoureyes,andsputterfoam,andgrunt,Blither,andtwistaboutwithsinewstaut,Gaspupinstarts,andwearyouthislimbs

Withtossinground.Nomarvel,sincedistractThroughframebyviolenceofdisease.

Confounds,hefoams,asiftovomitsoul,AsonthesaltseaboilthebillowsroundUnderthemastermightofwinds.AndnowAgroan'sforcedout,becausehislimbsaregripedBut,inthemain,becausetheseedsofvoiceAredrivenforthandcarriedinamassOutwardsbymouth,wheretheyarewonttogo,Andhaveabuildedhighway.HebecomesMerefool,sinceenergyofmindandsoulConfoundedis,and,asI'veshown,to-riven,

Asunderthrown,andtorntopiecesallBythesamevenom.But,again,wherecauseOfthatdiseasehasfacedabout,andbackRetreatssharppoisonofcorruptedframeIntoitsshadowylairs,themanatfirstArisesreeling,andgraduallycomesbackToallhissensesandrecoverssoul.Thus,sincewithinthebodyitselfofmanThemindandsoularebysuchgreatdiseasesShaken,somiserablyinlabourdistraught,Why,then,believethatintheopenair,Withoutabody,theycanpasstheirlife,Immortal,battlingwiththemasterwinds?

And,sincewemarktheminditselfiscured,Likethesickbody,andrestoredcanbeBymedicine,thisisforewarningtoThatmortallivesthemind.ForproperitisThatwhosoe'erbeginsandundertakesToalterthemind,ormeditatestochangeAnyanothernaturesoever,shouldaddNewparts,orreadjusttheordergiven,Orfromthesumremoveatleastabit.Butwhat'simmortalwillethforitself



Itspartsbenorincreased,norrearranged,Noranybitsoeverflowaway:ForchangeofanythingfromoutitsboundsMeansinstantdeathofthatwhichwasbefore.Ergo,themind,whetherinsicknessfallen,Orbythemedicinerestored,givessigns,AsIhavetaught,ofitsmortality.Sosurelywillafactoftruthmakehead'Gainsterrors'theoriesall,andsoshutoffAllrefugefromtheadversary,androutErrorbytwo-edgedconfutation.

Andsincethemindisofamanonepart,Whichinonefixedplaceremains,likeears,Andeyes,andeverysensewhichpilotslife;Andjustashand,oreye,ornose,apart,Severedfromus,canneitherfeelnorbe,Butintheleastoftimeislefttorot,Thusmindalonecanneverbe,withoutThebodyandthemanhimself,whichseems,As'twerethevesselofthesame-oraughtWhate'erthou'ltfeignasyetmorecloselyjoined:Sincebodycleavestomindbysurestbonds.

Again,thebody'sandthemind'slivepowersOnlyinunionprosperandenjoy;Forneithercannatureofmind,aloneofitselfSansbody,givethevitalmotionsforth;Nor,then,canbody,wantingsoul,endureAndusethesenses.Verily,astheeye,Alone,up-rendedfromitsroots,apartFromallthebody,canpeeraboutatnaught,Sosoulandminditseemsarenothingable,Whenbythemselves.Nomarvel,because,commixedThroughveinsandinwards,andthroughbonesandthews,TheirelementsprimordialareconfinedByallthebody,andownnopowerfree

Toboundaroundthroughinterspacesbig,Thus,shutwithintheseconfines,theytakeonMotionsofsense,which,afterdeath,thrownoutBeyondthebodytothewindsofair,Takeontheycannot-andonthisaccount,Becausenomoreinsuchawayconfined.Forairwillbeabody,bealive,Ifinthatairthesoulcankeepitself,AndinthatairenclosethosemotionsallWhichinthethewsandinthebodyitselfAwhileago'twasmaking.Soforthis,Again,again,Isayconfesswemust,That,whenthebody'swrappingsareunwound,

Andwhenthevitalbreathisforcedwithout,Thesoul,thesensesoftheminddissolve,-SinceforthetwainthecauseandgroundoflifeIsinthefactoftheirconjoinedestate.

Oncemore,sincebody'sunabletosustainDivisionfromthesoul,withoutdecayAndobscenestench,howcanstthoudoubtbutthatThesoul,uprisenfromthebody'sdeeps,Hasfilteredaway,wide-driftedlikeasmoke,



OrthatthechangedbodycrumblingfellWithruinsoentire,because,indeed,Itsdeepfoundationshavebeenmovedfromplace,Thesoulout-filteringeventhroughtheframe,Andthroughthebody'severywindingwayAndorifice?AndsobymanymeansThou'rtfreetolearnthatnatureofthesoulHathpassedinfragmentsoutalongtheframe,Andthat'twasshiveredintheverybodyEreeveritslippedabroadandswamawayIntothewindsofair.ForneveramanDyingappearstofeelthesoulgoforthAsonesurewholefromallhisbodyatonce,Norfirstcomeupthethroatandintomouth;Butfeelsitfailinginacertainspot,EvenasheknowsthesensestoodissolveEachinitsownlocationintheframe.Butwerethismindofoursimmortalmind,Dying'twouldscarcebewailadissolution,Butratherthegoing,theleavingofitscoat,Liketoasnake.Wherefore,whenoncethebodyHathpassedaway,admitwemustthatsoul,Shiveredinallthatbody,perishedtoo.Nay,evenwhenmovingintheboundsoflife,

Oftenthesoul,nowtotteringfromsomecause,Cravestogoout,andfromtheframeentireLoosenedtobe;thecountenancebecomesFlaccid,asifthesupremehourwerethere;AndflabbilycollapsethemembersallAgainstthebloodlesstrunk-thekindofcaseWeseewhenweremarkincommonphrase,"Thatman'squitegone,"or"fainteddeadaway";Andwherethere'snowabustleofalarm,AndallareeagertogetsomeholduponTheman'slastlinkoflife.ForthenthemindAndallthepowerofsoulareshooksosore,Andthesesototteralongwithalltheframe,

ThatanycausealittlestrongermightDissolvethemaltogether.-Why,then,doubtThatsoul,whenoncewithoutthebodythrust,Thereintheopen,anenfeebledthing,Itswrappingsstrippedaway,cannotendureNotonlythroughnoeverlastingage,Buteven,indeed,throughnottheleastoftime?

Then,too,whyneveristheintellect,Thecounsellingmind,begotteninthehead,Thefeet,thehands,insteadofcleavingstillToonesoleseat,toonefixedhaunt,thebreast,Ifnotthatfixedplacesbeassigned

Foreachthing'sbirth,whereeach,when'tiscreate,Isabletoendure,andthatourframesHavesuchcomplexadjustmentsthatnoshiftInorderofourmembersmayappear?Tothatdegreeeffectsucceedstocause,NoristheflameoncewonttobecreateInflowingstreams,norcoldbegotinfire.Besides,ifnatureofsoulimmortalbe,Andabletofeel,whenfromourframedisjoined,Thesame,Ifancy,mustbethoughttobe



Endowedwithsensesfive,-noristherewayButthiswherebytoimagetoourselvesHowunder-soulsmayroaminAcheron.ThuspaintersandtheelderraceofbardsHavepicturedsoulswithsensessoendowed.Butneithereyes,nornose,norhand,aloneApartfrombodycanexistforsoul,Nortonguenorearsapart.AndhenceindeedAlonebyselftheycannorfeelnorbe.

AndsincewemarkthevitalsensetobeInthewholebody,allonelivingthing,IfofasuddenaforcewithrapidstrokeShouldsliceitdownthemiddleandcleaveintwain,Beyondadoubtlikewisethesoulitself,Divided,dissevered,asunderwillbeflungAlongwithbody.ButwhatseveredisAndintosundrypartsdivides,indeedAdmitsitownsnoeverlastingnature.Wehearhowchariotsofwar,areekWithhurlyslaughter,lopwithflashingscythesThelimbsawaysosuddenlythatthere,Fallenfromthetrunk,theyquiverontheearth,Thewhilethemindandpowersoftheman

Canfeelnopain,forswiftnessofhishurt,Andsheerabandoninthezestofbattle:WiththeremainderofhisframeheseeksAnewthebattleandtheslaughter,normarksHowtheswiftwheelsandscythesofravinhavedraggedOffwiththehorseshisleftarmandshield;Norotherhowhisrighthasdroppedaway,Mountingagainandon.AthirdattemptsWithlegdismemberedtoariseandstand,Whilst,onthegroundhardby,thedyingfootTwitchesitsspreadingtoes.Andeventhehead,Whenfromthewarmandlivingtrunkloppedoff,Keepsonthegroundthevitalcountenance

Andopeneyes,until'thasrenderedupAllremnantsofthesoul.Nay,onceagain:If,whenaserpent'sdartingforthitstongue,Andlashingitstail,thougettestchancetohewWithaxeitslengthoftrunktomanyparts,Thou'ltseeeachseveredfragmentwrithingroundWithitsfreshwound,andspatteringupthesod,Andtherethefore-partseekingwiththejawsAfterthehinder,withbitetostopthepain.SoshallwesaythatthesebesoulsentireInallthosefractions?-butfromthat'twouldfollowOnecreature'dhaveinbodymanysouls.Therefore,thesoul,whichwasindeedbutone,

Hasbeendividedwiththebodytoo:Eachisbutmortal,sincealikeiseachHewnintomanyparts.Again,howoftenWeviewourfellowgoingbydegrees,Andlosinglimbbylimbthevitalsense;Firstnailsandfingersofthefeetturnblue,Nextdiethefeetandlegs,theno'ertherestSlowcrawlthecertainfootstepsofcolddeath.Andsincethisnatureofthesoulistorn,Normountsaway,asatonetime,entire,



Weneedsmustholditmortal.ButperchanceIfthousupposestthatthesoulitselfCaninwarddrawalongtheframe,andbringItspartstogethertooneplace,andsoFromallthemembersdrawthesenseaway,Why,then,thatplaceinwhichsuchstockofsoulCollectedis,shouldgreaterseeminsense.Butsincesuchplaceisnowhere,forafact,Assaidbefore,'tisrentandscatteredforth,Andsogoesunder.Oragain,ifnowIpleasetograntthefalse,andsaythatsoulCanthusbelumpedwithintheframesofthoseWholeavethesunshine,dyingbitbybit,Stillmustthesoulasmortalbeconfessed;Noraughtitmatterswhethertowrackitgo,Dispersedinthewinds,or,gatheredinamassFromallitsparts,sinkdowntobrutishdeath,SincemoreandmoreineveryregionsenseFailsthewholeman,andlessandlessoflifeIneveryregionlingers.Andbesides,Ifsoulimmortalis,andwindsitswayIntothebodyatthebirthofman,Whycanwenotremembersomething,then,

Oflife-timespentbefore?whykeepwenotSomefootprintsofthethingswedidof,old?Butifsochangedhathbeenthepowerofmind,ThateveryrecollectionofthingsdoneIsfallenaway,atnoo'erlongremoveIsthat,Itrow,fromwhatwemeanbydeath.Wherefore'tissurethatwhathathbeenbeforeHathdied,andwhatnowisisnowcreate.Moreover,ifafterthebodyhathbeenbuiltOurmind'slivepowersarewonttobeputin,Justatthemomentthatwecometobirth,Andcrossthesillsoflife,'twouldscarcelyfitForthemtoliveasiftheyseemedtogrow

Alongwithlimbsandframe,evenintheblood,Butratherasinacavernallalone.(Yetallthebodydulythrongswithsense.)Butpublicfactdeclaresagainstallthis:Forsoulissoentwinedthroughtheveins,Theflesh,thethews,thebones,thateventheteethShareinsensation,asprovenbydullache,Bytwingefromicywater,orgratingcrunchUponastonethatgotinmouthwithbread.Wherefore,again,again,soulsmustbethoughtNorvoidofbirth,norfreefromlawofdeath;Nor,if,fromoutward,intheywoundtheirway,Couldtheybethoughtasablesotocleave

Totheseourframes,nor,sincesointerwove,Appearsitthatthey'reabletogoforthUnhurtandwholeandloosethemselvesunscathedFromallthethews,articulations,bones.But,ifperchancethouthinkestthatthesoul,Fromoutwardwindinginitsway,iswontToseepandsoakalongthesemembersours,Thenallthemore'twillperish,beingthusWithbodyfused-forwhatwillseepandsoakWillbedissolvedandwillthereforedie.



Forjustasfood,dispersedthroughalltheporesOfbody,andpassedthroughlimbsandalltheframe,Perishes,supplyingfromitselfthestuffForothernature,thusthesoulandmind,Thoughwholeandnewintoabodygoing,Areyet,byseepingin,dissolvedaway,Whilst,asthroughpores,toalltheframetherepassThoseparticlesfromwhichcreatedisThisnatureofmind,nowrulerofourbody,Bornfromthatsoulwhichperished,whendividedAlongtheframe.WhereforeitseemsthatsoulHathbothanatalandfuneralhour.BesidesareseedsofsoulthereleftbehindInthebreathlessbody,ornot?Iftheretheyare,Itcannotjustlybeimmortaldeemed,Since,shornofsomepartslost,'thasgoneaway:Butif,borneoffwithmembersuncorrupt,'ThasfledsoabsolutelyallawayItleavesnotoneremainderofitselfBehindinbody,whencedocadavers,then,Fromouttheirputridfleshexhaletheworms,Andwhencedoessuchamassoflivingthings,Bonelessandbloodless,o'erthebloatedframeBubbleandswarm?Butifperchancethouthinkest

Thatsoulsfromoutwardintowormscanwind,Andeachintoaseparatebodycome,AndreckonestnotwhymanythousandsoulsCollectwhereonlyonehasgoneaway,Hereisapoint,insooth,thatseemstoneedInquiryandaputtingtothetest:WhetherthesoulsgoonahuntforseedsOfwormswherewithtobuildtheirdwellingplaces,Orenterbodiesready-made,as'twere.Butwhythemselvestheythusshoulddoandtoil'Tishardtosay,since,beingfreeofbody,Theyflitaround,harassedbynodisease,Norcoldnorfamine;forthebodylabours

Bymoreofkinshiptotheseflawsoflife,AndmindbycontactwiththatbodysuffersSomanyills.ButgrantitbeforthemHoweverusefultoconstructabodyTowhichtoenterin,'tisplaintheycan't.Then,soulsforselfnoframesnorbodiesmake,NoristherehowtheyoncemightenterinTobodiesready-made-fortheycannotBenicelyinterwovenwiththesame,Andthere'llbeformednointerplayofsenseCommontoeach.Again,whyis'ttheregoesImpetuousragewithlion'sbreedmorose,

Andcunningwithfoxes,andtodeerwhygivenTheancestralfearandtendencytoflee,AndwhyinshortdoalltherestoftraitsEngenderfromtheverystartoflifeInthemembersandmentality,ifnotBecauseonecertainpowerofmindthatcameFromitsownseedandbreedwaxesthesameAlongwithallthebody?ButweremindImmortal,wereitwonttochangeitsbodies,Howtopsy-turvywouldearth'screaturesact!



TheHyrcanhoundwouldfleetheonsetoftOfantleredstag,thescurryinghawkwouldquakeAlongthewindsofairatthecomingdove,Andmenwoulddote,andsavagebeastsbewise;ForfalsethereasoningofthosethatsayImmortalmindischangedbychangeofbody-Forwhatischangeddissolves,andthereforedies.Forpartsarere-disposedandleavetheirorder;WhereforetheymustbealsocapableOfdissolutionthroughtheframeatlast,Thattheyalongwithbodyperishall.ButshouldsomesaythatalwayssoulsofmenGointohumanbodies,Iwillask:Howcanawisebecomeadullardsoul?Andwhyisneverachild'saprudentsoul?Andthemare'sfillywhynottrainedsowellAssturdystrengthofsteed?WemaybesureThey'lltaketheirrefugeinthethoughtthatmindBecomesaweaklinginaweaklingframe.Yetbethisso,'tisneedfultoconfessThesoulbutmortal,since,soalterednowThroughouttheframe,itlosesthelifeandsenseIthadbefore.OrhowcanmindwaxstrongCo-equallywithbodyandattain

Thecravedfloweroflife,unlessitbeThebody'scolleagueinitsorigins?Orwhat'sthepurportofitsgoingforthFromagedlimbs?-fearsit,perhaps,tostay,Pentinacrumbledbody?Orlestitshouse,Outwornbyvenerablelengthofdays,Maytoppledownuponit?ButindeedForanimmortal,perilsaretherenone.

Again,atparturitionsofthewildAndattheritesofLove,thatsoulsshouldstandReadyhardbyseemsludicrousenough-Immortalswaitingfortheirmortallimbs

Innumbersinnumerable,contendingmadlyWhichshallbefirstandchieftoenterin!-UnlessperchanceamongthesoulstherebeSuchtreatiesstablishedthatthefirsttocomeFlyingalong,shallenterinthefirst,Andthattheymakenorivalriesofstrength!

Again,inethercan'texistatree,Norcloudsinoceandeeps,norinthefieldsCanfisheslive,norbloodintimberbe,Norsapinboulders:fixedandarrangedWhereeverythingmaygrowandhaveitsplace.Thusnatureofmindcannotarisealone

Withoutthebody,norexistafarFromthewsandblood.Butif'twerepossible,MuchrathermightthisverypowerofmindBeinthehead,theshouldersortheheels,And,borninanypartsoever,yetInthesameman,inthesamevesselabide.ButsincewithinthisbodyevenofoursStandsfixedandappearsarrangedsureWheresoulandmindcaneachexistandgrow,Denywemustthemorethattheycanhave



Durationandbirth,whollyoutsidetheframe.For,verily,themortaltoconjoinWiththeeternal,andtofeigntheyfeelTogether,andcanfunctioneachwitheach,Isbuttodote:forwhatcanbeconceivedOfmoreunlike,discrepant,ill-assorted,ThansomethingmortalinaunionjoinedWithanimmortalandasecularTobeartheoutrageoustempests?Then,again,WhateverabideseternalmustindeedEitherrepelallstrokes,because'tismadeOfsolidbody,andpermitnoentranceOfaughtwithpowertosunderfromwithinThepartscompact-asarethoseseedsofstuffWhosenaturewe'veexhibitedbefore;OrelsebeabletoendurethroughtimeForthis:becausetheyarefromblowsexempt,Asisthevoid,thewhichabidesuntouched,Unsmitbyanystroke;orelsebecauseThereisnoroomaround,wheretothingscan,As'twere,departindissolutionall,-Evenasthesumofsumseternalis,Withoutorplacebeyondwheretothingsmay

Asunderfly,orbodieswhichcansmite,Andthusdissolvethembytheblowsofmight.Butifperchancethesoul'stobeadjudgedImmortal,mainlyonground'tiskeptsecureInvitalforces-eitherbecausetherecomeNeveratallthingshostiletoitsweal,Orelsebecausewhatcomesomehowretire,Repelledorerewefeeltheharmtheywork,

For,lo,besidesthat,whentheframe'sdiseased,Soulsickenstoo,therecometh,manyatime,Thatwhichtormentsitwiththethingstobe,Keepsitindread,andweariesitwithcares;

Andevenwhenevilactsareofthepast,Stillgnawtheoldtransgressionsbitterly.Add,too,thatfrenzy,peculiartothemind,Andthatoblivionofthethingsthatwere;AdditssubmergenceinthemurkywavesOfdrowseandtorpor.

FollyoftheFearofDeath

ThereforedeathtousIsnothing,norconcernsusintheleast,Sincenatureofmindismortalevermore.Andjustasintheagesgonebefore

Wefeltnotouchofill,whenallsidesroundTobattlecametheCarthaginianhost,Andthetimes,shakenbytumultuouswar,UndertheaerycoastsofarchingheavenShudderedandtrembled,andallhumankindDoubtedtowhichtheemperyshouldfallBylandandsea,thuswhenwearenomore,WhencomesthatsunderingofourbodyandsoulThroughwhichwe'refashionedtoasinglestate,Verilynaughttous,usthennomore,



Cancometopass,naughtmoveoursensesthen-No,notifearthconfoundedwerewithsea,Andseawithheaven.ButifindeeddofeelThenatureofmindandenergyofsoul,Aftertheirseverancefromthisbodyofours,Yetnothing'tistouswhointhebondsAndwedlockofthesoulandbodylive,Throughwhichwe'refashionedtoasinglestate.And,eveniftimecollectedafterdeathThematterofourframesandsetitallAgaininplaceasnow,andifagainTousthelightoflifeweregiven,OyetThatprocesstoowouldnotconcernusaught,Whenoncetheself-successionofoursenseHasbeenasunderbroken.Andnowandhere,Littleenoughwe'rebusiedwiththeselvesWewereaforetime,nor,concerningthem,Sufferasoredistress.ForshouldstthougazeBackwardsacrossallyesterdaysoftimeTheimmeasurable,thinkinghowmanifoldThemotionsofmatterare,thencouldstthouwellCreditthistoo:oftentheseveryseeds(Fromwhichweareto-day)ofoldweresetInthesameorderastheyareto-day-

Yetthiswecan'ttoconsciousnessrecallThroughtherememberingmind.FortherehathbeenAninterposedpauseoflife,andwideHaveallthemotionswanderedeverywhereFromtheseoursenses.ForifwoeandailPerchancearetoward,thenthemantowhomThebanecanhappenmusthimselfbethereAtthatsametime.Butdeathprecludeththis,ForbiddinglifetohimonwhommightcrowdSuchirkandcare;andgranted'tistoknow:Nothingforusthereistodreadindeath,Nowretchednessforhimwhoisnomore,Thesameestateasifne'erbornbefore,

Whendeathimmortalhathta'enthemortallife.

Hence,wherethouseestamantogrievebecauseWhendeadherotswithbodylaidaway,Orperishesinflamesorjawsofbeasts,Knowwell:heringsnottrue,andthatbeneathStillworksanunseenstinguponhisheart,Howeverhedenythathebelieves.Hisshallbeaughtoffeelingafterdeath.Forhe,Ifancy,grantsnotwhathesays,Norwhatthatpresupposes,andhefailsTopluckhimselfwithallhisrootsfromlifeAndcastthatselfaway,quiteunawares

Feigningthatsomeremainder'sleftbehind.ForwheninlifeonepicturestooneselfHisbodydeadbybeastsandvulturestorn,Hepitieshisstate,dividingnothimselfTherefrom,removingnottheselfenoughFromthebodyflungaway,imaginingHimselfthatbody,andprojectingthereHisownsense,ashestandsbesideit:henceHegrievesthatheismortalborn,normarksThatintruedeaththereisnosecondself



Aliveandabletosorrowforselfdestroyed,OrstandlamentingthattheselfliesthereMangledorburning.ForifitanevilisDeadtobejerkedaboutbyjawandfangOfthewildbrutes,Iseenotwhy'twerenotBittertolieonfiresandroastinflames,Orsuffocateinhoney,and,reclinedOnthesmoothoblongofanicyslab,Growstiffincold,orsinkwithloadofearthDown-crushingfromabove."TheenownomoreThejoyfulhouseandbestofwivesshallwelcome,NorlittlesonsrunuptosnatchtheirkissesAndtouchwithsilenthappinessthyheart.Thoushaltnotspeedinundertakingsmore,Norbethewarderofthineownnomore.Poorwretch,"theysay,"onehostilehourhathta'enWretchedlyfromtheealllife'smanyguerdons,"Butaddnot,"yetnolongeruntotheeRemainsaremnantofdesireforthem"IfthistheyonlywellperceivedwithmindAndfollowedupwithmaxims,theywouldfreeTheirstateofmanfromanguishandfromfear."Oevenasherethouart,aslumberindeath,

Soshaltthouslumberdowntherestoftime,Releasedfromeveryharryingpang.Butwe,Wehavebewepttheewithinsatiatewoe,StandingbesidewhilstontheawfulpyreThouwertmadeashes;andnodayshalltakeForustheeternalsorrowfromthebreast."Butaskthemournerwhat'sthebitternessThatmanshouldwasteinaneternalgrief,If,afterall,thething'sbutsleepandrest?ForwhenthesoulandframetogetheraresunkInslumber,noonethendemandshisselfOrbeing.Well,thissleepmaybeforever,Withoutdesireofanyselfhoodmore,

Forallitmattersuntousasleep.YetnotatalldothoseprimordialgermsRoamroundourmembers,atthattime,afarFromtheirownmotionsthatproduceoursenses-Since,whenhe'sstartledfromhissleep,amanCollectshissenses.Deathis,then,tousMuchless-iftherecanbealessthanthatWhichisitselfanothing:fortherecomesHardupondeathascatteringmoregreatOfthethrongofmatter,andnomanwakesupOnwhomoncefallstheicypauseoflife.Thistoo,Ooftenfromthesoulmensay,Alongtheircouchesholdingofthecups,

Withfacesshadedbyfreshwreathsawry:"Briefisthisfruitofjoytopaltryman,Soon,soondeparted,andthereafter,no,Itmaynotberecalled."-Asif,forsooth,ItweretheirprimeofevilsingreatdeathToparch,poortongues,withthirstandariddrought,Orchafeforanylack.Oncemore,ifNatureShouldofasuddensendavoiceabroad,Andherownselfinveighagainstusso:



"Mortal,whathastthouofsuchgraveconcernThatthouindulgestintoosicklyplaints?Whythisbemoaningandbeweepingdeath?ForifthylifeaforetimeandbehindTotheewasgrateful,andnotallthygoodWasheapedasinsievetoflowawayAndperishunavailingly,whynot,Evenlikeabanqueter,departthehalls,Ladenwithlife?whynotwithmindcontentTakenow,thoufool,thyunafflictedrest?ButifwhateverthouenjoyedhathbeenLavishedandlost,andlifeisnowoffence,Whyseekestmoretoadd-whichinitsturnWillperishfoullyandfalloutinvain?Owhynotrathermakeanendoflife,Oflabour?ForallImaydeviseorfindTopleasuretheeisnothing:allthingsareThesameforever.ThoughnotyetthybodyWrinkleswithyears,noryettheframeexhaustsOutworn,stillthingsabidethesame,evenifThougoestontoconqueralloftimeWithlengthofdays,yea,ifthouneverdiest"-Whatwereouranswer,butthatNaturehereUrgesjustsuitandinherwordslaysdown

Truecauseofaction?Yetshouldonecomplain,Riperinyearsandelder,andlament,Poordevil,hisdeathmoresorelythanisfit,Thenwouldshenot,withgreaterright,onhimCryout,inveighingwithavoicemoreshrill:"Offwiththytears,andchokethywhines,buffoon!Thouwrinklest-afterthouhasthadthesumOftheguerdonsoflife;yet,sincethoucravesteverWhat'snotathand,contemningpresentgood,Thatlifehasslippedaway,unperfectedAndunavailinguntothee.Andnow,Orerethouguessedit,deathbesidethyheadStands-andbeforethoucanstbegoinghome

Satedandladenwiththegoodlyfeast.Butnowyieldallthat'salientothineage,-Up,withgoodgrace!makeroomforsons:thoumust."Justly,Ifancy,wouldshereasonthus,Justlyinveighandgird:sinceevertheoldOutcrowdedbythenewgivesway,andeverTheonethingfromtheothersisrepaired.NornomanisconsignedtotheabyssOfTartarus,theblack.Forstuffmustbe,Thatthustheafter-generationsgrow,-Thoughthese,theirlifecompleted,followthee;Andthusliketheearegenerationsall-Alreadyfallen,orsometimetofall.

Soonethingfromanotherrisesever;Andinfee-simplelifeisgiventonone,Butuntoallmereusufruct.Lookback:Nothingtouswasallfore-passedeldOftimetheeternal,erewehadabirth.AndNatureholdsthislikeamirrorupOftime-to-bewhenwearedeadandgone.Andwhatistheresohorribleappears?Nowwhatistheresosadaboutitall?



Is'tnotserenerfarthananysleep?And,verily,thosetorturessaidtobeInAcheron,thedeep,theyallareoursHereinthislife.NoTantalus,benumbedWithbaselessterror,asthefablestell,Fearsthehugeboulderhangingintheair:But,rather,inlifeanemptydreadofgodsUrgesmortality,andeachonefearsSuchfalloffortuneasmaychancetohim.NoreatthevulturesintoTityusProstrateinAcheron,norcantheyfind,Forsooth,throughouteternalages,aughtTopryaroundforinthatmightybreast.Howeverhugelyheextendhisbulk-Whohathforoutspreadlimbsnotacresnine,Butthewholeearth-heshallnotablebeTobeareternalpainnorfurnishfoodFromhisownframeforever.ButforusATityusishewhomvulturesrendProstrateinlove,whomanxiousanguisheats,WhomtroublesofanyunappeaseddesiresAsunderrip.WehavebeforeoureyesHereinthislifealsoaSisyphusInhimwhoseekethofthepopulace

Therods,theaxesfell,andevermoreRetiresabeatenandagloomyman.Fortoseekafterpower-anemptyname,Norgivenatall-andeverinthesearchToendureaworldoftoil,OthisitisToshovewithshoulderupthehillastoneWhichyetcomesrollingbackfromoffthetop,Andheadlongmakesforlevelsoftheplain.Thentobealwaysfeedinganingratemind,Fillingwithgoodthings,satisfyingnever-Asdotheseasonsoftheyearforus,WhentheyreturnandbringtheirprogeniesAndvariedcharms,andweareneverfilled

Withthefruitsoflife-Othis,Ifancy,'tisTopour,likethoseyoungvirginsinthetale,Watersintoasieve,unfilledforever.

CerberusandFuries,andthatLackofLight

Tartarus,out-belchingfromhismouththesurgeOfhorribleheat-thewhicharenowhere,norIndeedcanbe:butinthislifeisfearOfretributionsjustandexpiationsForevilacts:thedungeonandtheleapFromthatdreadrockofinfamy,thestripes,Theexecutioners,theoakenrack,

Theironplates,bitumen,andthetorch.Andeventhoughtheseareabsent,yetthemind,Withafore-fearingconscience,pliesitsgoadsAndburnsbeneaththelash,norseesmeanwhileWhatterminusofills,whatendofpineCaneverbe,andfearethlestthesameButgrowmoreheavyafterdeath.Oftruth,ThelifeoffoolsisAcherononearth.ThisalsotothyveryselfsometimesRepeatthoumayst:"Lo,evengoodAncusleft



Thesunshinewithhiseyes,indiversthingsAbettermanthanthou,Oworthlesshind;AndmanyotherkingsandlordsofruleThereafterhavegoneunder,oncewhoswayedO'ermightypeoples.Andhealso,he-Whowhilompavedahighwaydownthesea,AndgavehislegionariesthoroughfareAlongthedeep,andtaughtthemhowtocrossThepoolsofbrineafoot,anddidcontemn,Tramplinguponitwithhiscavalry,Thebellowingsofocean-pouredhissoulFromdyingbody,ashislightwasta'en.AndScipio'sson,thethunderboltofwar,HorrorofCarthage,gavehisbonestoearth,Liketothelowliestvilleininthehouse.Addfinders-outofsciencesandarts;AddcomradesoftheHeliconiandames,AmongwhomHomer,scepteredo'erthemallNowliesinslumbersunkenwiththerest.Then,too,Democritus,whenripenedeldAdmonishedhimhismemorywanedaway,Ofownaccordofferedhisheadtodeath.EvenEpicuruswent,hislightoflifeRunout,themaningeniuswhoo'er-topped

Thehumanrace,extinguishingallothers,Assun,inetherarisen,allthestars.Wiltthou,then,dally,thoucomplaintogo?-Forwhomalreadylife'sasgoodasdead,Whilstyetthoulivestandlookest?-whoinsleepWastestthylife-time'smajorpart,andsnorestEvenwhenawake,andceasestnottoseeThestuffofdreams,andbearestamindbesetBybaselessterror,nordiscoverestoftWhat'swrongwiththee,when,likeasottedwretch,Thou'rtjostledalongbymanycrowdingcares,Andwanderestreelinground,withmindaswim."Ifmen,inthatsamewayasonthemind

Theyfeeltheloadthatwearieswithitsweight,Couldalsoknowthecauseswhenceitcomes,Andwhysogreattheheapofillonheart,Onotinthissortwouldtheylivetheirlife,Asnowsomuchweseethem,knowingnotWhat'tistheywant,andseekingeverandeverAchangeofplace,asiftodroptheburden.Themanwhosickensofhishomegoesout,Forthfromhissplendidhalls,andstraight-returns,Feelingi'faithnobetteroffabroad.Heraces,drivinghisGallicponiesalong,Downtohisvilla,madly,-asinhasteTohurryhelptoahouseafire.-Atonce

Heyawns,assoonasfoothastouchedthethreshold,OrdrowsilygoesoffinsleepandseeksForgetfulness,ormaybebustlesaboutAndmakesfortownagain.InsuchawayEachhumanfleeshimself-aselfinsooth,Ashappens,hebynomeanscanescape;Andwilly-nillyhecleavestoitandloathes,Sick,sick,andguessingnotthecauseofail.Yetshouldheseebutthat,Ochieflythen,Leavingallelse,he'dstudytodivine



Thenatureofthings,sincehereisindebateEternaltimeandnotthesinglehour,Mortal'sestateinwhatsoeverremainsAftergreatdeath.Andtoo,whenallissaid,WhatevillustoflifeisthissogreatSubduesustolive,sodreadfullydistraughtInperilsandalarms?onefixedendOflifeabidethformortality;Death'snottoshun,andwemustgotomeet.Besideswe'rebusiedwiththesamedevices,Everandever,andweareatthemever,Andthere'snonewdelightthatmaybeforgedBylivingon.ButwhilstthethingwelongforIslacking,thatseemsgoodaboveallelse;Thereafter,whenwe'vetouchedit,somethingelseWelongfor;everoneequalthirstoflifeGripsusagape.Anddoubtful'tiswhatfortuneThefuturetimesmaycarry,orwhatbeThatchancemaybring,orwhattheissuenextAwaitingus.NorbyprolonginglifeTakewetheleastawayfromdeath'sowntime,Norcanwepluckonemomentoff,wherebyTominishtheaeonsofourstateofdeath.

Therefore,Oman,bylivingon,fulfilAsmanygenerationsasthoumay:Eternaldeathshalltherebewaitingstill;AndhewhodiedwithlightofyesterdayShallbenobriefertimeindeath'sNo-moreThanhewhoperishedmonthsoryearsbefore.

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BOOKIV

Proem

Iwanderafield,thrivinginsturdythought,ThroughunpathedhauntsofthePierides,Troddenbystepofnonebefore.IjoyTocomeonundefiledfountainsthere,Todrainthemdeep;Ijoytoplucknewflowers,ToseekforthismyheadasignalcrownFromregionswheretheMusesneveryetHavegarlandedthetemplesofaman:First,sinceIteachconcerningmightythings,AndgorightontoloosefromroundthemindThetightenedcoilsofdreadReligion;Next,since,concerningthemessodark,IframeSongsopellucid,touchingallthroughout

EvenwiththeMuses'charm-which,as'twouldseem,Isnotwithoutareasonableground:Forasphysicians,whentheyseektogiveYoungboysthenauseouswormwood,firstdotouchThebrimaroundthecupwiththesweetjuiceAndyellowofthehoney,inorderthatThethoughtlessageofboyhoodbecajoledAsfarasthelips,andmeanwhileswallowdownThewormwood'sbitterdraught,and,thoughbefooled,Beyetnotmerelyduped,butratherthus



Growstrongagainwithrecreatedhealth:SonowItoo(sincethismydoctrineseemsIngeneralsomewhatwoefuluntothoseWho'vehaditnotinhand,andsincethecrowdStartsbackfromitinhorror)havedesiredToexpoundourdoctrineuntotheeinsongSoft-speakingandPierian,and,as'twere,TotouchitwithsweethoneyoftheMuse-IfbysuchmethodhaplyImightholdThemindoftheeupontheselinesofours,TillthoudostlearnthenatureofallthingsAndunderstandesttheirutility.

ExistenceandCharacteroftheImages

ButsinceI'vetaughtalreadyofwhatsortTheseedsofallthingsare,andhowdistinctIndiversformstheyflitofownaccord,Stirredwithamotioneverlastingon,Andinwhatmodethingsbefromthemcreate,AndsinceI'vetaughtwhatthemind'snatureis,Andofwhatthings'tiswiththebodyknitAndthrivesinstrength,andbywhatmodeuptornThatmindreturnstoitsprimordials,

NowwillIundertakeanargument-Oneforthesemattersofsupremeconcern-ThatthereexistthosesomewhatswhichwecallTheimagesofthings:these,liketofilmsScaledofftheutmostoutsideofthethings,Flithitherandthitherthroughtheatmosphere,Andthesameterrifyourintellects,Cominguponuswakingorinsleep,WhenoftwepeeratwonderfulstrangeshapesAndimagesofpeoplelornoflight,WhichofthavehorriblyrouseduswhenwelayInslumber-thathaplynevermoremayweSupposethatsoulsgetloosefromAcheron,

Orshadesgofloatinginamongtheliving,Oraughtofusisleftbehindatdeath,Whenbodyandmind,destroyedtogether,eachBacktoitsownprimordialsgoesaway.

AndthusIsaythateffigiesofthings,Andtenuousshapesfromoffthethingsaresent,Fromofftheutmostoutsideofthethings,Whicharelikefilmsormaybenamedarind,BecausetheimagebearslikelookandformWithwhatsobodyhassheditflutteringforth-Afactthoumayst,howeverdullthywits,Welllearnfromthis:mainly,becausewesee

Even'mongstvisibleobjectsmanybeThatsendforthbodies,looselysomediffused-Likesmokefromoakenlogsandheatfromfires-Andsomemoreinterwovenandcondensed-AswhenthelocustsinthesummertimePutofftheirglossytunics,orwhencalvesAtbirthdropmembranesfromtheirbody'ssurface,Orwhen,again,theslipperyserpentdoffsItsvestments'mongstthethorns-foroftweseeThebreresaugmentedwiththeirflyingspoils:



Sincesuchtakesplace,'tislikewisecertaintooThattenuousimagesfromthingsaresent,Fromofftheutmostoutsideofthethings.Forwhythosekindsshoulddropandpartfromthings,Ratherthanotherstenuousandthin,Nopowerhasmantoopenmouthtotell;Especially,sinceonoutsidesofthingsArebodiesmanyandminutewhichcould,Inthesameorderwhichtheyhadbefore,Andwiththefigureoftheirformpreserved,Bethrownabroad,andmuchmoreswiftlytoo,Beinglesssubjecttoimpediments,Asfewinnumberandplacedalongthefront.FortrulymanythingsweseedischargeTheirstuffatlarge,notonlyfromtheircoresDeep-setwithin,aswehavesaidabove,Butfromtheirsurfacesattimesnoless-Theirverycolourstoo.AndcommonlyTheawnings,saffron,redandduskyblue,Stretchedoverheadinmightytheatres,Upontheirpolesandcross-beamsfluttering,Havesuchanactionquite;fortheretheydyeAndmaketoundulatewiththeireveryhueThecircledthrongbelow,andallthestage,

Andrichattireinthepatricianseats.Andeverthemorethetheatre'sdarkwallsAroundthemshut,themoreallthingswithinLaughinthebrightsuffusionofstrangeglints,Thedaylightbeingwithdrawn.Andtherefore,sinceThecanvashangingsthusdischargetheirdyeFromofftheirsurface,thingsingeneralmustLikewisetheirtenuouseffigiesdischarge,Becauseineithercasetheyareoff-thrownFromoffthesurface.SothereareindeedSuchcertainprintsandvestigesofformsWhichflitaround,ofsubtlesttexturemade,Invisible,whenseparate,eachandone.

Again,allodour,smoke,andheat,andsuchStreamsoutofthingsdiffusedly,because,WhilstcomingfromthedeepsofbodyforthAndrisingout,alongtheirbendingpathThey'retornasunder,norhavegatewaysstraightWherethroughtomassthemselvesandstruggleabroad.Butcontrariwise,whensuchatenuousfilmOfoutsidecolouristhrownoff,there'snaughtCanrendit,since'tisplacedalongthefrontReadytohand.LastlythoseimagesWhichtooureyesinmirrorsdoappear,Inwater,orinanyshiningsurface,Mustbe,sincefurnishedwithlikelookofthings,

Fashionedfromimagesofthingssentout.Thereare,then,tenuouseffigiesofforms,Likeuntothem,whichnoonecandivineWhentakensingly,whichdoyetgiveback,WhenbycontinuedandrecurrentdischargeExpelled,apicturefromthemirrors'plane.Norotherwise,itseems,cantheybekeptSowellconservedthatthusbegivenbackFiguressolikeeachobject.Nowthen,learn



Howtenuousisthenatureofanimage.Andinthefirstplace,sinceprimordialsbeSofarbeneathoursenses,andmuchlessE'enthanthoseobjectswhichbegintogrowToosmallforeyestonote,learnnowinfewHownicearethebeginningsofallthings-Thatthis,too,Imayyetconfirminproof:First,livingcreaturesaresometimessosmallThateventheirthirdpartcannowisebeseen;Judge,then,thesizeofanyinwardorgan-Whatoftheirspheredheart,theireyes,theirlimbs,Theskeleton?-Howtinythustheyare!AndwhatbesidesofthosefirstparticlesWhencesoulandmindmustfashionedbe?-SeestnotHowniceandhowminute?Besides,whateverExhalesfromoutitsbodyasharpsmell-Thenauseousabsinth,orthepanacea,Strongsouthernwood,orbittercentaury-Ifneversolightlywiththy[fingers]twainPerchance[thoutouch]aoneofthem

ThenwhynotratherknowthatimagesFlithitherandthither,many,inmanymodes,Bodilessandinvisible?

ButlestHaplythouholdestthatthoseimagesWhichcomefromobjectsarethesolethatflit,OthersindeedtherebeofownaccordBegot,self-formedinearth'saeryskies,Which,mouldedtoinnumerableshapes,Arebornealoft,and,fluidastheyare,CeasenottochangeappearanceandtoturnIntonewoutlinesofallsortsofforms;AswebeholdthecloudsgrowthickonhighAndsmirchtheserenevisionoftheworld,Strokingtheairwithmotions.ForoftareseenThegiants'facesflyingfaralong

Andtrailingaspreadofshadow;andattimesThemightymountainsandmountain-sunderedrocksGoingbeforeandcrossingonthesun,WhereafteramonstrousbeastdraggingamainAndleadingintheotherthunderheads.Now[hear]howeasyandhowswifttheybeEngendered,andperpetuallyflowoffFromthingsandglidingpassaway....

ForevereveryoutsidestreamsawayFromoffallobjects,sincedischargetheymay;Andwhenthisoutsidereachesotherthings,Aschieflyglass,itpassesthrough;butwhere

Itreachestheroughrocksorstuffofwood,There'tissorentthatitcannotgivebackAnimage.Butwhengleamingobjectsdense,Aschieflymirrors,havebeensetbeforeit,Nothingofthissorthappens.Foritcan'tGo,asthroughglass,noryetberent-itssafety,Byvirtueofthatsmoothness,beingsure.'TisthereforethatfromthemtheimagesStreambacktous;andhowsosuddenlyThouplace,atanyinstant,anything



Beforeamirror,thereanimageshows;Provingthateverfromabody'ssurfaceFlowoffthintexturesandthinshapesofthings.ThusmanyimagesinlittletimeAregendered;sotheiroriginisnamedRightlyaspeedy.AndevenasthesunMustsendbelow,inlittletime,toearthSomanybeamstokeepallthingssofullOflightincessant;thus,ongroundsthesame,Fromthingstheremustbeborne,inmanymodes,Toeveryquarterround,uponthemoment,Themanyimagesofthings;becauseUntowhateverfaceofthingsweturnThemirror,thingsofformandhuethesameRespond.Besides,thoughbutamomentsinceSerenestwastheweatherofthesky,SofiercelysuddenisitfoullythickThatyemightthinkthatroundaboutallmurkHadpartedforthfromAcheronandfilledThemightyvaultsofsky-sogrievously,Asgathersthusthestorm-clouds'gruesomenight,Dofacesofblackhorrorhangonhigh-OfwhichhowsmallapartanimageisThere'snonetotellorreckonoutinwords.

Nowcome;withwhatswiftmotiontheyareborne,Theseimages,andwhatthespeedassignedTothemacrossthebreezesswimmingon-Sothato'erlengthsofspacealittlehourAloneiswasted,towardwhateverregionEachwithitsdiversimpulsetends-I'lltellInversessweeterthantheymanyare;Evenastheswan'sslightnoteisbetterfarThanthatdispersedclamourofthecranesAmongthesouthwind'saeryclouds.Andfirst,OneoftmayseethatobjectswhicharelightAndmadeoftinybodiesaretheswift;

Inwhichclassisthesun'slightandhisheat,SincemadefromsmallprimordialelementsWhich,asitwere,areforwardknockedalongAndthroughtheinterspacesoftheairTopassdelaynot,urgedbyblowsbehind;ForlightbylightisinstantlysuppliedAndgleambyfollowinggleamisspurredanddriven.ThuslikewisemusttheimageshavepowerThroughunimaginablespacetospeedWithinapointoftime,-first,sinceacauseExceedingsmallthereis,whichattheirbackFarforwarddrivesthemandpropels,where,too,They'recarriedwithsuchwingedlightnesson;

And,secondly,sincefurnished,whensentoff,WithtextureofsuchrarenessthattheycanThroughobjectswhatsoeverpenetrateAndooze,as'twere,throughinterveningair.Besides,ifthosefineparticlesofthingsWhichfromsodeepwithinaresentabroad,Aslightandheatofsun,areseentoglideAndspreadthemselvesthroughallthespaceofheavenUpononeinstantoftheday,andflyO'erseaandlandsandfloodtheheaven,whatthen



Ofthosewhichontheoutsidestandprepared,Whenthey'rehurledoffwithnotathingtocheckTheirgoingout?DostthounotseeindeedHowswifterandhowfarthermusttheygoAndspeedthroughmanifoldthelengthofspaceIntimethesamethatfromthesuntheraysO'erspreadtheheaven?ThisalsoseemstobeExamplechiefandtruewithwhatswiftspeedTheimagesofthingsareborneabout:ThatsoonaseverunderopenskiesIsspreadtheshiningwater,allatonce,Ifstarsbeoutinheaven,upgleamfromearth,Sereneandradiantinthewaterthere,Theconstellationsoftheuniverse-NowseestthounotinwhatapointoftimeAnimagefromtheshoresofetherfallsUntotheshoresofearth?Wherefore,again,Andyetagain,'tisneedfultoconfessWithwondrous...

TheSensesandMentalPictures

Bodiesthatstriketheeyes,awakingsight.Fromcertainthingsflowodoursevermore,

Ascoldfromrivers,heatfromsun,andsprayFromwavesofocean,eater-outofwallsAroundthecoasts.NoreverceasetoflitThevariedvoices,soundsathroughtheair.ThentootherecomesintothemouthattimesThewetofasalttaste,whenbytheseaWeroamabout;andso,whene'erwewatchThewormwordbeingmixed,itsbitterstings.TosuchdegreefromallthingsiseachthingBornestreaminglyalong,andsentaboutToeveryregionround;andNaturegrantsNorrestnorrespiteoftheonwardflow,Since'tisincessantlywefeelinghave,

AndallthetimearesufferedtodescryAndsmellallthingsathand,andhearthemsound.Besides,sinceshapeexaminedbyourhandsWithinthedarkisknowntobethesameAsthatbyeyesperceivedwithinthelightAndlustrousday,bothtouchandsightmustbeByonelikecausearoused.So,ifwetestAsquareandgetitsstimulusonusWithinthedark,withinthelightwhatsquareCanfalluponoursight,exceptasquareThatimagesthethings?WhereforeitseemsThesourceofseeingisinimages,Norwithoutthesecananythingbeviewed.

NowthesesamefilmsInameareborneaboutAndtossedandscatteredintoregionsall.Butsincewedoperceivealonethrougheyes,ItfollowshencethatwhithersoweturnOursight,allthingsdostrikeagainstitthereWithformandhue.AndjusthowfarfromusEachthingmaybeaway,theimageyieldsTousthepowertoseeandchancetotell:Forwhen'tissent,atonceitshovesahead



Anddrivesalongtheairthat'sinthespaceBetwixtitandoureyes.AndthusthisairAllglidesathroughoureyeballs,and,as'twere,BrushesathroughourpupilsandthuswisePassesacross.ThereforeitcomesweseeHowfarfromuseachthingmaybeaway,Andthemoreairtherebethat'sdrivenbefore,AndtoothelongerbethebrushingbreezeAgainstoureyes,thefartheroffremovedEachthingisseentobe:forsooth,thisworkWithmightilyswiftorderallgoeson,SothatupononeinstantwemayseeWhatkindtheobjectandhowfaraway.

Norover-marvellousmustthisbedeemedIntheseaffairsthat,thoughthefilmswhichstrikeUpontheeyescannotbesinglyseen,Thethingsthemselvesmaybeperceived.ForthusWhenthewindbeatsuponusstrokebystrokeAndwhenthesharpcoldstreams,'tisnotourwontTofeeleachprivateparticleofwindOrofthatcold,butratherallatonce;Andsoweseehowblowsaffectourbody,Asifonethingwerebeatingonthesame

AndgivingusthefeelofitsownbodyOutsideofus.Again,whene'erwethumpWithfinger-tipuponastone,wetouchButtherock'ssurfaceandtheouterhue,Norfeelthathuebycontact-ratherfeelTheveryhardnessdeepwithintherock.

Nowcome,andwhybeyondalooking-glassAnimagemaybeseen,perceive.ForseenItsoothlyis,removedfarwithin.'TisthesamesortasobjectspeereduponOutsideintheirtrueshape,whene'eradoorYieldsthroughitselfanopenpeering-place,

AndletsusseesomanythingsoutsideBeyondthehouse.AlsothatsightismadeByatwofoldtwinair:forfirstisseenTheairinsidethedoor-posts;nextthedoors,Thetwaintoleftandright;andafterwardsAlightbeyondcomesbrushingthroughoureyes,Thenotherair,thenobjectspeereduponOutsideintheirtrueshape.Andthus,whenfirstTheimageoftheglassprojectsitself,Astoourgazeitcomes,itshovesaheadAnddrivesalongtheairthat'sinthespaceBetwixtitandoureyes,andbringstopassThatweperceivetheairereyettheglass.

Butwhenwe'vealsoseentheglassitself,ForthwiththatimagewhichfromusisborneReachestheglass,andtherethrownbackagainComesbackuntooureyes,anddrivingrollsAheadofitselfanotherair,thatthen'Tisthisweseebeforeitself,andthusItlookssofarremovedbehindtheglass.Whereforeagain,again,there'snaughtforwonder

Inthosewhichrenderfromthemirror'splane



Avisionback,sinceeachthingcomestopassBymeansofthetwoairs.Now,intheglassTherightpartofourmembersisobservedUpontheleft,because,whencomestheimageHittingagainsttheleveloftheglass,'Tisnotreturnedunshifted;butforcedoffBackwardsinlinedirectandnotoblique,-Exactlyaswhosohisplaster-maskShoulddash,before'tweredry,onpostorbeam,Anditshouldstraightwaykeep,atclingingthere,Itsshape,reversed,facinghimwhothrew,Andsoremouldthefeaturesitgivesback:Itcomesthatnowtherighteyeistheleft,Thelefttheright.AnimagetoomaybeFrommirrorintomirrorhandedon,Untilofidol-filmsevenfiveorsixHavethusbeengendered.ForwhateverthingsShallhidebackyonderinthehouse,thesame,Howeverfarremovedintwistingways,MaystillbeallbroughtforththroughbendingpathsAndbytheseseveralmirrorsseentobeWithinthehouse,sinceNaturesocompelsAllthingstobebornebackwardandspringoffAtequalanglesfromallotherthings.

TosuchdegreetheimagegleamsacrossFrommirroruntomirror;where'twasleftItcomestobetheright,andthenagainReturnsandchangesrounduntotheleft.Again,thoselittlesidesofmirrorscurvedProportionatetothebulgeofourownflankSendbacktoustheiridolswiththerightUpontheright;andthisissobecauseEithertheimageispassedonalongFrommirroruntomirror,andthereafter,Whentwicedashedoff,fliesbackuntoourselves;Orelsetheimagewheelsitselfaround,Whenonceuntothemirrorithascome,

SincethecurvedsurfaceteachesittoturnTousward.Further,thoumight'stwellbelieveThatthesefilm-idolsstepalongwithusAndsettheirfeetinunisonwithoursAndimitateourcarriage,sincefromthatPartofamirrorwhencethouhastwithdrawnStraightwaynoimagescanbereturned.

Further,oureye-ballstendtofleethebrightAndshuntogazethereon;thesunevenblinds,Ifthougoestontostrainthemuntohim,Becausehisstrengthismighty,andthefilmsHeavilydownwardfromonhighareborne

Throughthepureetherandtheviewlesswinds,Andstriketheeyes,disorderingtheirjoints.Sopiecinglustreoftenburnstheeyes,BecauseitholdethmanyseedsoffireWhich,workingintoeyes,engenderpain.Again,whateverjaundicedpeopleviewBecomeswan-yellow,sincefromouttheirbodiesFlowmanyseedswan-yellowforthtomeetThefilmsofthings,andmanytooaremixedWithintheireye,whichbycontagionpaint



Allthingswithsallowness.Again,weviewFromdarkrecessesthingsthatstandinlight,Because,whenfirsthasenteredandpossessedTheopeneyesthisnearerdarklingair,SwiftlytheshiningairandluminousFollowethin,whichpurgesthentheeyesAndscattersasunderofthatotherairThesableshadows,forinlargedegreesThisairisnimbler,nicer,andmorestrong.Andsoonasever'thasfilledandopedwithlightThepathwaysoftheeyeballs,whichbeforeBlackairhadblocked,therefollowstraightawayThosefilmsofthingsout-standinginthelight,Provokingvision-whatwecannotdoFromoutthelightwithobjectsinthedark,BecausethatdenserdarklingairbehindFollowethin,andfillseachapertureAndthusblockadesthepathwaysoftheeyesThattherenoimagesofanythingsCanbethrowninandagitatetheeyes.

AndwhenfromfarawaywedobeholdThesquaredtowersofacity,oftRoundedtheyseem,-onthisaccountbecause

Eachdistantangleisperceivedobtuse,Orratheritisnotperceivedatall;AndperishesitsblownortoourgazeArrivesitsstroke,sincethroughsuchlengthofairArebornealongtheidolsthattheairMakesblunttheidoloftheangle'spointBynumerouscollidings.WhenthuswiseTheanglesofthetowereachandallHavequiteescapedthesense,thestonesappearAsrubbedandroundedonaturner'swheel-Yetnotlikeobjectsnearandtrulyround,Butwithasemblancetothem,shadowily.Likewise,ourshadowinthesunappears

TomovealongandfollowourownstepsAndimitateourcarriage-ifthouthinkestAirthatisthusbereftoflightcanwalk,Followingthegaitandmotionofmankind.Forwhatweusetonameashadow,sureIsnaughtbutairdeprivedoflight.Nomarvel:BecausetheearthfromspottospotisreftProgressivelyoflightofsun,wheneverInmovingroundwegetwithinitsway,WhileanyspotofearthbyusabandonedIsfilledwithlightagain,onthisaccountItcomestopassthatwhatwasbody'sshadowSeemsstillthesametofollowafterus

Inonestraightcourse.Since,evermorepourinNewlightsofrays,andperishthentheold,Justlikethewoolthat'sdrawnintotheflame.ThereforetheearthiseasilyspoiledoflightAndeasilyrefilledandfromherselfWasheththeblackshadowsquiteaway.

Andyetinthiswedon'tatallconcedeThateyesbecheated.FortheirtaskitisTonoteinwhatsoeverplacebelight,



Inwhatbeshadow:whetherornothegleamsBestillthesame,andwhethertheshadowwhichJustnowwashereisthatonepassingthither,Orwhetherthefactsbewhatwesaidabove,'TisafterallthereasoningofmindThatmustdecide;norcanoureyeballsknowThenatureofreality.AndsoAttachthounotthisfaultofmindtoeyes,NorlightlythinkoursenseseverywhereAretottering.TheshipinwhichwesailIsbornealong,althoughitseemstostand;TheshipthatbidesinroadsteadissupposedTheretobepassingby.AndhillsandfieldsSeemfleeingfastastern,pastwhichweurgeTheshipandflyunderthebellyingsails.Thestars,eachone,doseemtopause,affixedTotheetherealcaverns,thoughtheyallForeverareinmotion,risingoutAndthencerevisitingtheirfardescentsWhentheyhavemeasuredwiththeirbodiesbrightThespanofheaven.AndlikewisesunandmoonSeembidinginaroadstead,-objectswhich,Asplainfactproves,arereallybornealong.Betweentwomountainsfarawayaloft

FrommidstthewhirlofwatersopenliesAgapingexitforthefleet,andyetTheyseemconjoinedinasingleisle.Whenboysthemselveshavestoppedtheirspinninground,Thehallsstillseemtowhirlandpoststoreel,UntiltheynowmustalmostthinktheroofsThreatentoruindownupontheirheads.Andnow,whenNaturebeginstoliftonhighThesun'sredsplendourandthetremulousfires,Andraisehimo'erthemountain-tops,thosemountains-O'erwhichheseemeththentotheetobe,HisglowingselfhardbyatingeingthemWithhisownfire-areyetawayfromus

Scarcelytwothousandarrow-shots,indeedOftscarcefivehundredcoursesofadart;AlthoughbetweenthosemountainsandthesunLiethehugeplainsofoceanspreadbeneathThevastyshoresofether,andinterveneAthousandlands,possessedbymanyafolkAndgenerationsofwildbeasts.Again,Apoolofwaterofbutafinger'sdepth,Whichliesbetweenthestonesalongthepave,OffersavisiondownwardintoearthAsfar,asfromtheeartho'erspreadonhighThegulfsofheaven;thatthusthouseemesttoviewCloudsdownbelowandheavenlybodiesplunged

Wondrouslyinheavenunderearth.Thentoo,wheninthemiddleofthestreamSticksfastourdashinghorse,anddownwegazeIntotheriver'srapidwaves,someforceSeemsthentobearthebodyofthehorse,Thoughstandingstill,reverselyfromhiscourse,Andswiftlypushup-stream.Andwheresoe'erWecastoureyesacross,allobjectsseemThustobeonwardborneandflowalongInthesamewayaswe.Aportico,



AlbeititstandswellproppedfromendtoendOnequalcolumns,parallelandbig,Contractsbystagesinanarrowcone,Whenfromoneendthelong,longwholeisseen,-Until,conjoiningceilingwiththefloor,Andthewholerightsidewiththeleft,itdrawsTogethertoacone'snigh-viewlesspoint.TosailorsonthemainthesunheseemsFromoutthewavestorise,andinthewavesTosetandburyhislight-becauseindeedTheygazeonnaughtbutwaterandthesky.Again,togazersignorantofthesea,Vesselsinportseem,aswithbrokenpoops,Toleanuponthewater,quiteagog;Foranyportionoftheoarsthat'sraisedAbovethebrinysprayisstraight,andstraightTheruddersfromabove.Butotherparts,Thosesunk,immersedbelowthewater-line,SeembrokenallandbendedandinclinedSlopingtoupwards,andturnedbacktofloatAlmostatopthewater.AndwhenthewindsCarrythescattereddriftsalongtheskyInthenight-time,thenseemtoglidealongTheradiantconstellations'gainsttheclouds

AndthereonhightotakefarothercourseFromthatwhereonintruththey'reborne.Andthen,IfhaplyourhandbesetbeneathoneeyeAndpressbelowthereon,thentoourgazeEachobjectwhichwegazeonseemstobe,Bysomesensationtwain-thentwainthelightsOflampionsburgeoninginflowersofflame,Andtwainthefurnitureinallthehouse,Two-foldthevisagesoffellow-men,Andtwaintheirbodies.Andagain,whensleepHasboundourmembersdowninslumbersoftAndallthebodyliesindeeprepose,Yetthenweseemtoselftobeawake

Andmoveourmembers;andinnight'sblindgloomWethinktomarkthedaylightandthesun;And,shutwithinaroom,yetstillweseemTochangeourskies,ouroceans,rivers,hills,Tocrosstheplainsafoot,andhearnewsounds,ThoughstilltheausteresilenceofthenightAbidesaroundus,andtospeakreplies,Thoughvoiceless.OthercasesofthesortWondrouslymanydowesee,whichallSeek,sotosay,toinjurefaithinsense-Invain,becausethelargestpartoftheseDeceivesthroughmereopinionsofthemind,Whichwedoaddourselves,feigningtosee

Whatbythesensesarenotseenatall.FornaughtisharderthantoseparatePlainfactsfromdubious,whichthemindforthwithAddsbyitself.Again,ifonesupposeThatnaughtisknown,heknowsnotwhetherthisItselfisabletobeknown,sinceheConfessesnaughttoknow.ThereforewithhimIwaivediscussion-whohassethisheadEvenwherehisfeetshouldbe.Butletmegrant



Thatthisheknows,-Iquestion:whenceheknowsWhat'tistoknowandnot-to-knowinturn,Andwhatcreatedconceptofthetruth,AndwhatdevicehasprovedthedubiousTodifferfromthecertain?-sinceinthingsHe'sheretoforeseennaughtoftrue.Thou'ltfindThatfromthesensesfirsthathbeencreateConceptoftruth,norcanthesensesbeRebutted.ForcriterionmustbefoundWorthyofgreatertrust,whichshalldefeatThroughownauthoritythefalsebytrue;What,then,thantheseoursensesmusttherebeWorthyagreatertrust?Shallreason,sprungFromsomefalsesense,prevailtocontradictThosesenses,sprungasreasonwhollyisFromoutofthesenses?-Forlestthesebetrue,Allreasonalsothenisfalsified.Orshalltheearshavepowertoblametheeyes,Oryetthetouchtheears?Again,shalltasteAccusethistouchorshallthenoseconfuteOreyesdefeatit?Methinksnotsoitis:ForuntoeachhasbeendividedofItsfunctionquiteapart,itspowertoeach;Andthuswe'restillconstrainedtoperceive

Thesoft,thecold,thehotapart,apartAlldivershuesandwhatsothingstherebeConjoinedwithhues.LikewisethetastingtongueHasitsownpowerapart,andsmellsapartAndsoundsapartareknown.AndthusitisThatnoonesensecane'erconvictanother.Norshallonesensehavepowertoblameitself,Becauseitalwaysmustbedeemedthesame,Worthyofequaltrust.AndthereforewhatAtanytimeuntothesesensesshowed,Thesameistrue.AndifthereasonbeUnabletounravelusthecauseWhyobjects,whichathandweresquare,afar

Seemedrounded,yetitmoreavailethus,Lackingthereason,topretendacauseForeachconfiguration,thantoletFromoutourhandsescapetheobviousthingsAndinjureprimalfaithinsense,andwreckAllthosefoundationsuponwhichdorestOurlifeandsafety.FornotonlyreasonWouldtoppledown;butevenourverylifeWouldstraightawaycollapse,unlesswedaredTotrustoursensesandtokeepawayFromheadlongheightsandplacestobeshunnedOfalikeperil,andtoseekwithspeedTheiropposites!Again,asinabuilding,

Ifthefirstplumb-linebeaskew,andifThesquaredeceivingswervefromlinesexact,AndifthelevelwaverbuttheleastInanypart,thewholeconstructionthenMustturnoutfaulty-shelvingandaskew,Leaningtobackandfront,incongruous,Thatnowsomeportionsseemabouttofall,Andfallsthewholeerelong-betrayedindeedByfirstdeceivingestimates:sotooThycalculationsinaffairsoflife



Mustbeaskewandfalse,ifsprungfortheeFromsensesfalse.SoallthattroopofwordsMarshalledagainstthesensesisquitevain.AndnowremainstodemonstratewitheaseHowothersenseseachtheirthingsperceive.Firstly,asoundandeveryvoiceisheard,When,gettingintoears,theystrikethesenseWiththeirownbody.ForconfesswemustEvenvoiceandsoundtobecorporeal,Becausethey'reableonthesensetostrike.Besidesvoiceoftenscrapesagainstthethroat,AndscreamsingoingoutdomakemoreroughThewind-pipe-naturallyenough,methinks,When,throughthenarrowexitrisingupInlargerthrong,theseprimalgermsofvoiceHavethusbeguntoissueforth.Insooth,AlsothedoorofthemouthisscrapedagainstByairblownoutwardfromdistendedcheeks.

Andthusnodoubtthereis,thatvoiceandwordsConsistofelementscorporeal,Withpowertopain.NorartthouunawareLikewisehowmuchofbody'sta'enaway,Howmuchfromverythewsandpowersofmen

Maybewithdrawnbysteadytalk,prolongedEvenfromtherisingsplendourofthemornToshadowsofblackevening,-aboveallIf'tbeoutpouredwithmostexceedingshouts.Thereforethevoicemustbecorporeal,SincethelongtalkerlosesfromhisframeApart.Moreover,roughnessinthesoundComesfromtheroughnessintheprimalgerms,Asasmoothsoundfromsmoothonesiscreate;NorhavetheseelementsaformthesameWhenthetrumprumbleswithahollowroar,AswhenbarbaricBerecynthianpipe

Buzzeswithraucousboomings,orwhenswansBynightfromicyshoresofHeliconWithwailingvoicesraisetheirliquiddirge.

Thus,whenfromdeepwithinourframeweforceThesevoices,andatmouthexpelthemforth,Themobiletongue,artificerofwords,Makesthemarticulate,andtoothelipsBytheirformationsshareinshapingthem.Hencewhenthespaceisshortfromstarting-pointTowherethatvoicearrives,theverywordsMusttoobeplainlyheard,distinctlymarked.Forthenthevoiceconservesitsownformation,

Conservesitsshape.ButifthespacebetweenBelongerthanisfit,thewordsmustbeThroughthemuchairconfounded,andthevoiceDisorderedinitsflightacrossthewinds-Andsoithaps,thatthoucanstsoundperceive,Yetnotdeterminewhatthewordsmaymean;TosuchdegreeconfoundedandencumberedThevoiceapproachesus.Again,oneword,Sentfromthecrier'smouth,mayrouseallearsAmongthepopulace.Andthusonevoice



Scattersasunderintomanyvoices,Sinceitdividesitselfforseparateears,Imprintingformofwordandacleartone.ButwhatsopartofvoicesfailstohitTheearsthemselvesperishes,bornebeyond,Idlydiffusedamongthewinds.Apart,Beatingonsolidporticoes,tossedbackReturnsasound;andsometimesmockstheearWithamerephantomofaword.WhenthisThouwellhastnoted,thoucanstrendercountUntothyselfandotherswhyitisAlongthelonelyplacesthattherocksGivebacklikeshapesofwordsinorderlike,WhensearchweaftercomradeswanderingAmongtheshadymountains,andaloudCalluntothem,thescattered.IhaveseenSpotsthatgavebackevenvoicessixorsevenForonethrownforth-forsotheveryhills,Dashingthembackagainstthehills,keptonWiththeirreverberations.AndthesespotsTheneighbouringcountry-sidedothfeigntobeHauntsofthegoat-footsatyrsandthenymphs;Andtellsyetherebefauns,bywhosenightnoiseAndanticrevelsyondertheydeclare

Thevoicelesssilencesarebrokenoft,AndtonesofstringsaremadeandwailingssweetWhichthepipe,beatbyplayers'finger-tips,Poursout;andfarandwidethefarmer-raceBeginstohear,when,shakingthegarmentingsOfpineuponhishalf-beasthead,god-PanWithpuckeredlipoftrunnetho'erando'erTheopenreeds,-lestfluteshouldceasetopourThewoodlandmusic!OtherprodigiesAndwondersofthisilktheylovetotell,LesttheybethoughttodwellinlonelyspotsAndevenbygodsdeserted.ThisiswhyTheyboastofmarvelsintheirstory-tellings;

Orbysomeotherreasonareledon-Greedy,asallmankindhatheverbeen,Toprattlefablesintoears.Again,OneneednotwonderhowitcomesaboutThatthroughthoseplaces(throughwhicheyescannotViewobjectsmanifest)soundsyetmaypassAndassailtheears.ForoftenweobservePeopleconversing,thoughthedoorsbeclosed;Nomarveleither,sinceallvoiceunharmedCanwindthroughbendedaperturesofthings,Whileidol-filmsdeclineto-forthey'rerent,Unlessalongstraightaperturestheyswim,

Likethoseinglass,throughwhichallimagesDoflyacross.Andyetthisvoiceitself,Inpassingthroughshutchambersofahouse,Isdulled,andinajumbleentersears,Andsoundweseemtohearfarmorethanwords.Moreover,avoiceisintoalldirectionsDividedup,sinceofffromoneanotherNewvoicesareengendered,whenonevoiceHathonceleaptforth,outstartingintomany-Asoftasparkoffireiswonttosprinkle



Itselfintoitsseveralfires.Andso,Voicesdofillthoseplaceshidbehind,Whichallareinahubbubroundabout,Astirwithsound.Butidol-filmsdotend,Asoncesetforth,instraightdirectionsall;Whereforeonecaninsideawallseenaught,Yetcatchthevoicesfrombeyondthesame.

Nortongueandpalate,wherebyweflavourfeel,Presentmoreproblemsformoreworkofthought.Firstly,wefeelaflavourinthemouth,Whenforthwesqueezeit,inchewingupourfood,-AsanyoneperchancebeginstosqueezeWithhandanddryaspongewithwatersoaked.Next,allwhichforthwesqueezeisspreadaboutAlongtheporesandintertwinedpathsOftheloose-texturedtongue.Andso,whensmoothThebodiesoftheoozyflavour,thenDelightfullytheytouch,delightfullyTheytreatallspots,aroundthewetandtricklingEnclosuresofthetongue.Andcontrariwise,Theystingandpainthesensewiththeirassault,Accordingaswithroughnessthey'resupplied.Next,onlyuptopalateisthepleasure

Comingfromflavour;forintruthwhendown'Thasplungedalongthethroat,nopleasureis,Whilstintoalltheframeitspreadsaround;NoraughtitmatterswithwhatfoodisfedThebody,ifonlywhatthoutakethoucanstDistributewelldigestedtotheframeAndkeepthestomachinamoistcareer.Now,howitisweseesomefoodforsome,Othersforothers....

Iwillunfold,orwhereforewhattosomeIsfoulandbitter,yetthesametoothersCanseemdelectabletoeat,-whyhere

SogreatthedistanceandthedifferenceisThatwhatisfoodtoonetosomebecomesFiercepoison,asacertainsnakethereisWhich,touchedbyspittleofaman,willwasteAndenditselfbygnawingupitscoil.Again,fiercepoisonisthehelleboreTous,butputsthefatongoatsandquails.ThatthoumaystknowbywhatdevicesthisIsbroughtabout,inchiefthoumustrecallWhatwehavesaidbefore,thatseedsarekeptCommixedinthingsindiversmodes.Again,AsallthebreathingcreatureswhichtakefoodAreoutwardlyunlike,andoutercut

Andcontouroftheirmembersboundsthemround,Eachdifferingkindbykind,theythusconsistOfseedsofvaryingshape.Andfurthermore,Sinceseedsdodiffer,diverstoomustbeTheintersticesandpaths(whichwedocallTheapertures)inallthemembers,evenInmouthandpalatetoo.ThussomemustbeMoresmalloryetmorelarge,three-corneredsomeAndotherssquared,andmanyothersround,Andcertainofthemmany-angledtoo



Inmanymodes.For,asthecombinationAndmotionoftheirdiversshapesdemand,TheshapesofaperturesmustbediverseAndpathsmustvaryaccordingtotheirwallsThatboundthem.Hencewhenwhatissweettosome,Becomestoothersbitter,forhimtowhom'Tissweet,thesmoothestparticlesmustneedsHaveenteredcaressinglythepalate'spores.And,contrariwise,withthosetowhomthatsweetIssourwithinthemouth,beyondadoubtTheroughandbarbedparticleshavegotIntothenarrowsoftheapertures.NoweasyitisfromtheseaffairstoknowWhatever...

Indeed,whereonefromo'er-abundantbileIsstrickenwithfever,orinotherwiseFeelstherousedviolenceofsomemalady,Therethewholeframeisnowupset,andthereAllthepositionsoftheseedsarechanged,-SothatthebodieswhichbeforewerefitTocausethesavour,nowarefitnomore,AndnowmoreaptareotherswhichbeableTogetwithintheporesandgendersour.

Bothsorts,insooth,areintermixedinhoney-Whatoftwe'veprovedabovetotheebefore.Nowcome,andIwillindicatewhatwiseImpactofodouronthenostrilstouches.Andfirst,'tisneedfultherebemanythingsFromwhencethestreamingflowofvariedodoursMayrollalong,andwe'reconstrainedtothinkTheystreamanddartandsprinklethemselvesaboutImpartially.ButforsomebreathingcreaturesOneodourismoreapt,toothersanother-Becauseofdifferingformsofseedsandpores.ThusonandonalongthezephyrsbeesAreledbyodourofhoney,vulturestoo

Bycarcasses.Again,theforwardpowerOfscentindogsdothleadthehunteronWhithersoeverthesplay-footofwildbeastHathhasteneditscareer;andthewhitegoose,ThesaviouroftheRomancitadel,Forescentsafartheodourofmankind.Thus,diverselytodiversonesisgivenPeculiarsmellthatleadetheachalongTohisownfoodormakeshimstartabackFromloathsomepoison,andinthiswiseareThegenerationsofthewildpreserved.

Yetisthispungencenotaloneinodours

Orintheclassofflavours;but,likewise,ThelookofthingsandhuesagreenotallSowellwithsensesuntoall,butthatSomeuntosomewillbe,togazeupon,Morekeenandpainful.Lo,theravinglions,TheydarenotfaceandgazeuponthecockWho'swontwithwingstoflapawaythenightFromoffthestage,andcallthebeamingmornWithclarionvoice-andlionsstraightwaythusBethinkthemselvesofflight,because,yesee,



WithinthebodyofthecockstherebeSomecertainseeds,which,intolions'eyesInjected,boreintothepupilsdeepAndyieldsuchpiercingpaintheycan'tholdoutAgainstthecocks,howeverfiercetheybe-Whilstyettheseseedscan'thurtourgazetheleast,Eitherbecausetheydonotpenetrate,OrsincetheyhavefreeexitfromtheeyesAssoonaspenetrating,sothatthusTheycannothurtoureyesinanypartBythereremaining.Tospeakoncemoreofodour;Whateverassailthenostrils,somecantravelAlongerwaythanothers.Noneofthem,However,'sbornesofarassoundorvoice-WhileIomitallmentionofsuchthingsAshittheeyesightandassailthevision.ForslowlyonawanderingcourseitcomesAndperishessooner,bydegreesabsorbedEasilyintoallthewindsofair;Andfirst,becausefromdeepinsidethethingItisdischargedwithlabour(forthefactThateveryobject,when'tisshivered,ground,Orcrumbledbythefire,willsmellthestronger

IssignthatodoursflowandpartawayFrominnerregionsofthethings).Andnext,ThoumayestseethatodouriscreateOflargerprimalgermsthanvoice,becauseItentersnotthroughstonywalls,wherethroughUnfailinglythevoiceandsoundareborne;Wherefore,besides,thouwiltobserve'tisnotSoeasytotraceoutinwhatsoplaceThesmellingobjectis.For,dallyingonAlongthewinds,theparticlescooloff,AndthenthescurryingmessengersofthingsArriveoursenses,whennolongerhot.Sodogsoftwanderastray,andhuntthescent.

Nowmark,andhearwhatobjectsmovethemind,Andlearn,infew,whenceuntointellectDocomewhatcome.AndfirstItelltheethis:ThatmanyimagesofobjectsroveInmanymodestoeveryregionround-Sothinthateasilytheonewithother,Whenoncetheymeet,unitethinmid-air,Likegossamerorgold-leaf.For,indeed,FarthinneraretheyintheirfabricthanThoseimageswhichtakeaholdoneyesAndsmitethevision,sincethroughbody'sporesTheypenetrate,andinwardlystirup

Thesubtlenatureofmindandsmitethesense.Thus,CentaursandthelimbsofScyllas,thusTheCerberus-visagesofdogswesee,Andimagesofpeoplegonebefore-Deadmenwhosebonesearthbosomedlongago;BecausetheimagesofeverykindAreeverywhereaboutusborne-inpartThosewhicharegenderedintheveryairOfownaccord,inpartthoseotherswhichFromdiversthingsdopartaway,andthose



Whicharecompounded,madefromouttheirshapes.ForsoothlyfromnolivingCentaurisThatphantomgendered,sincenobreedofbeastLikehimwasever;but,whenimagesOfhorseandmanbychancehavecometogether,Theyeasilycohere,asaforesaid,Atonce,throughsubtlenatureandfabricthin.InthesamefashionothersofthisilkCreatedare.Andwhenthey'requicklyborneIntheirexceedinglightness,easily(AsearlierIshowed)onesubtleimage,Compounded,movesbyitsoneblowthemind,Itselfsosubtleandsostrangelyquick.

ThatthesethingscometopassasIrecord,Fromthisthoueasilycanstunderstand:Sofarasoneisuntootherlike,SeeingwithmindaswellaswiththeeyesMustcometopassinfashionnotunlike.Well,now,sinceIhaveshownthatIperceiveHaplyalionthroughthoseidol-filmsSuchasassailmyeyes,'tisthinetoknowAlsothemindisinlikemannermoved,Andsees,normorenorlessthaneyesdosee

(Exceptthatitperceivesmoresubtlefilms)Thelionandaughtelsethroughidol-films.Andwhenthesleephasoversetourframe,Themind'sintelligenceisnowawake,Stillfornootherreason,savethatthese-Theself-samefilmsaswhenweareawake-Assailourminds,tosuchdegreeindeedThatwedoseemtoseeforsurethemanWhom,voidoflife,nowdeathandearthhavegainedDominionover.AndNatureforcesthisTocometopassbecausethebody'ssensesAreresting,thwartedthroughthemembersall,Unablenowtoconquerfalsewithtrue;

AndmemoryliesproneandlanguishesInslumber,norproteststhathe,themanWhomthemindfeignstoseealive,longsinceHathbeenthegainofdeathanddissolution.

Andfurther,'tisnomarvelidolsmoveAndtosstheirarmsandothermembersroundInrhythmictime-andofteninmen'ssleepsIthapsanimagethisisseentodo;Insooth,whenperishestheformerimage,Andotherisgenderedofanotherpose,Thatformerseemethtohavechangeditsgestures.Ofcoursethechangemustbeconceivedasspeedy;

SogreattheswiftnessandsogreatthestoreOfidol-things,and(inaninstantbriefAsmindcanmark)sogreat,again,thestoreOfseparateidol-partstobringsupplies.

IthappensalsothatthereissuppliedSometimesanimagenotofkindthesame;Butwhatbeforewaswoman,nowathandIsseentostandthere,alteredintomale;Orothervisage,otheragesucceeds;



ButslumberandobliviontakecareThatweshallfeelnowonderatthething.

Andmuchintheseaffairsdemandsinquiry,Andmuch,illumination-ifwecraveWithplainnesstoexhibitfacts.Andfirst,WhydoththemindofonetowhomthewhimTothinkhascomebeholdforthwiththatthing?Ordotheidolswatchuponourwill,Anddothanimageuntousoccur,Directlywedesire-ifheartpreferThesea,theland,orafterallthesky?Assembliesofthecitizens,parades,Banquets,andbattles,theseandalldothshe,Nature,createandfurnishatourword?MaugrethefactthatinsameplaceandspotAnother'smindismeditatingthingsAllfarunlike.Andwhat,again,ofthis:Whenweinsleepbeholdtheidolsstep,Inmeasure,forward,movingsupplelimbs,WhilstforththeyputeachsupplearminturnWithspeedymotion,andwitheyeingheadsRepeatthemovement,asthefootkeepstime?Forsooth,theidolstheyaresteepedinart,

Andwandertoandfrowelltaughtindeed,-ThustobeableinthetimeofnightTomakesuchgames!Orwillthetruthbethis:Becauseinoneleastmomentthatwemark-Thatis,theutteringofasinglesound-Therelurkyetmanymoments,whichthereasonDiscoverstoexist,thereforeitcomesThat,inamomenthowsobriefyewill,Thediversidolsarehardby,andreadyEachinitsplacediverse?Sogreattheswiftness,Sogreat,again,thestoreofidol-things,Andso,whenperishestheformerimage,Andotherisgenderedofanotherpose,

Theformerseemethtohavechangeditsgestures.Andsincetheybesotenuous,mindcanmarkSharplyalonetheonesitstrainstosee;Andthustherestdoperishoneandall,Savethoseforwhichthemindpreparesitself.Further,itdothprepareitselfindeed,Andhopestoseewhatfollowsaftereach-Hencethisresult.ForhastthounotobservedHoweyes,essayingtoperceivethefine,Willstraininpreparation,otherwiseUnablesharplytoperceiveatall?Yetknowthoucanstthat,eveninobjectsplain,Ifthouattendestnot,'tisjustthesame

Asif'twereallthetimeremovedandfar.Whatmarvel,then,thatminddothlosetherest,Savethosetowhich'thasgivenupitself?So'tisthatweconjecturefromsmallsignsThingswideandweighty,andinvolveourselvesInsnarlsofself-deceit.

SomeVitalFunctions

Intheseaffairs



WecravethatthouwiltpassionatelyfleeTheoneoffence,andanxiouslywiltshunTheerrorofpresumingtheclearlightsOfeyescreatedwerethatwemightsee;Orthighsandknees,apropuponthefeet,Thuswisecanbendedbe,thatwemightstepWithgoodlystridesahead;orforearmsjoinedUntothesturdyuppers,orservinghandsOneithersideweregiven,thatwemightdoLife'sowndemands.AllsuchinterpretationIsaft-for-forewithinversereasoning,SincenaughtisborninbodysothatweMayusethesame,butbirthengendersuse:Noseeingerethelightsofeyeswereborn,Nospeakingerethetonguecreatedwas;ButoriginoftonguecamelongbeforeDiscourseofwords,andearscreatedwereMuchearlierthananysoundwasheard;Andallthemembers,someseems,werethereBeforetheygottheiruse:andtherefore,theyCouldnotbegenderedforthesakeofuse.Butcontrariwise,contendinginthefightWithhandtohand,andrendingofthejoints,Andfoulingofthelimbswithgore,wasthere,

Olongbeforethegleamingspearsereflew;AndNaturepromptedmantoshunawound,BeforetheleftarmbytheaidofartOpposedtheshieldingtarge.And,verily,Yieldingthewearybodytorepose,Farancienterthancushionsofsoftbeds,Andquenchingthirstisearlierthancups.Theseobjects,therefore,whichforuseandlifeHavebeendevised,canbeconceivedasfoundForsakeofusing.ButapartfromsuchAreallwhichfirstwerebornandafterwardsGaveknowledgeoftheirownutility-Chiefinwhichsortwenotethesenses,limbs:

Wherefore,again,'tisquitebeyondthypowerToholdthatthesecouldthushavebeencreateForofficeofutility.Likewise,'TisnothingstrangethatallthebreathingcreaturesSeek,evenbynatureoftheirframe,theirfood.Yes,sinceI'vetaughttheethatfromoffthethingsStreamanddepartinnumerablebodiesInmodesinnumerabletoo;butmostMustbethebodiesstreamingfromtheliving-Whichbodies,vexedbymotionevermore,Arethroughthemouthexhaledinnumerable,Whenwearycreaturespant,orthroughthesweat

Squeezedforthinnumerablefromdeepwithin.Thusbodyrarefies,sounderminedInallitsnature,andpainattendsitsstate.AndsothefoodistakentounderpropThetotteringjoints,andbyitsinterfusionTore-createtheirpowers,andtherestopupThelonging,open-mouthedthroughlimbsandveins,Foreating.AndthemoistnolessdepartsIntoallregionsthatdemandthemoist;Andmanyheaped-upparticlesofhot,



Whichcausesuchburningsinthesebelliesofours,TheliquidonarrivingdissipatesAndquencheslikeafire,thatparchingheatNolongernowcanscorchtheframe.Andso,ThouseesthowpantingthirstiswashedawayFromoffourbody,howthehunger-pangIt,too,appeased.Now,howitcomesthatwe,Whene'erwewish,canstepwithstridesahead,Andhow'tisgiventomoveourlimbsabout,AndwhatdeviceiswonttopushaheadThisthebigloadofourcorporealframe,I'llsaytothee-dothouattendwhat'ssaid.Isaythatfirstsomeidol-filmsofwalkingIntoourminddofallandsmitethemind,Assaidbefore.Thereafterwillarises;Fornoonestartstodoathing,beforeTheintellectprevisionswhatitwills;Andwhatittherepre-visionethdependsOnwhatthatimageis.When,therefore,mindDothsobestiritselfthatitdothwillTogoandstepalong,itstrikesatonceThatenergyofsoulthat'ssownaboutInallthebodythroughthelimbsandframe-

Andthisiseasyofperformance,sinceThesouliscloseconjoinedwiththemind.Next,soulinturnstrikesbody,andbydegreesThusthewholemassispushedalongandmoved.Thentoothebodyrarefies,andair,Forsoothaseverofsuchnimbleness,ComesonandpenetratesaboundinglyThroughopenedpores,andthusissprinkledroundUntoallsmallestplacesinourframe.Thusthenbythesetwainfactors,severally,Bodyisbornelikeshipwithoarsandwind.NoryetintheseaffairsisaughtforwonderThatparticlessofinecanwhirlaround

Sogreatabodyandturnthisweightofours;Forwind,sotenuouswithitssubtlebody,Yetpushes,drivingonthemightyshipOfmightybulk;onehanddirectsthesame,Whateveritsmomentum,andonehelmWhirlsitaround,whitheryeplease;andloads,Manyandhuge,aremovedandhoistedhighByengineryofpulley-blocksandwheels,Withbutlightstrain.Now,bywhatmodesthissleepPoursthroughourmemberswatersofreposeAndfreesthebreastfromcaresofmind,I'lltellInversessweeterthantheymanyare;

Evenastheswan'sslightnoteisbetterfarThanthatdispersedclamourofthecranesAmongthesouthwind'saeryclouds.DothouGivemesharpearsandasagaciousmind,-ThatthoumaystnotdenythethingstobeWhereofI'mspeaking,nordepartawayWithbosomscorningthesethespokentruths,Thyselfatfaultunabletoperceive.SleepchieflycomeswhenenergyofsoulHathnowbeenscatteredthroughtheframe,andpart



Expelledabroadandgoneaway,andpartCrammedbackandsettlingdeepwithintheframe-Whereafterthenourloosenedmembersdroop.FordoubtisnonethatbytheworkofsoulExistinusthissense,andwhenbyslumberThatsenseisthwarted,weareboundtothinkThesoulconfoundedandexpelledabroad-Yetnotentirely,elsetheframewouldlieDrenchedintheeverlastingcoldofdeath.Insooth,wherenoonepartofsoulremainedLurkingamongthemembers,evenasfireLurksburiedundermanyashes,whenceCouldsenseamainrekindledbeinmembers,Asflamecanriseanewfromunseenfire?

BywhatdevicesthisstrangestateandnewMaybeoccasioned,andbywhatthesoulCanbeconfoundedandtheframegrowfaint,Iwilluntangle:seetoit,thou,thatIPourforthmywordsnotuntoemptywinds.Infirstplace,bodyonitsouterparts-Sincethesearetouchedbyneighbouringaerygusts-MusttherebethumpedandstrookbyblowsofairRepeatedly.Andthereforealmostall

Arecoveredeitherwithhides,orelsewithshells,Orwiththehornycallus,orwithbark.Yetthissameairlashestheirinnerparts,Whencreaturesdrawabreathorblowitout.Wherefore,sincebodythusisfloggedalikeUpontheinsideandtheout,andblowsComeinuponusthroughthelittleporesEveninwardtoourbody'sprimalpartsAndprimalelements,therecomestopassByslowdegrees,alongourmembersthen,Akindofoverthrow;forthenconfoundedArethosearrangementsoftheprimalgermsOfbodyandofmind.Itcomestopass

Thatnextapartofsoul'sexpelledabroad,Apartretreatethinrecesseshid,Apart,too,scatteredallabouttheframe,CannotbecomeunitednorengageIninterchangeofmotion.NaturenowSohedgesoffapproachesandthepaths;Andthusthesense,itsmotionsallderanged,Retiresdowndeepwithin;andsincethere'snaught,As'twere,toproptheframe,thebodyweakens,Andallthememberslanguish,andthearmsAndeyelidsfall,and,asyelieabed,Eventherethehoughswillsagandloosetheirpowers.Again,sleepfollowsafterfood,because

Thefoodproducessameresultasair,Whilstbeingscatteredroundthroughalltheveins;Andmuchtheheaviestisthatslumberwhich,Fullorfatigued,thoutakest;since'tisthenThatthemostbodiesdisarrangethemselves,Bruisedbylabourshard.Andinsamewise,Thisthree-foldchange:aforcingofthesoulDowndeeper,moreacasting-forthofit,AmovingmoredividedinitspartsAndscatteredmore.



Andtowhate'erpursuitAmanmostclingsabsorbed,orwhattheaffairsOnwhichwetheretoforehavetarriedmuch,Andmindhathstraineduponthemore,weseemInsleepnotrarelytogoatthesame.Thelawyersseemtopleadandcitedecrees,Commanderstheytofightandgoatfrays,Sailorstoliveincombatwiththewinds,Andweourselvesindeedtomakethisbook,AndstilltoseekthenatureoftheworldAndsetitdown,whenoncediscovered,hereInthesemycountry'sleaves.Thusallpursuits,AllartsingeneralseeminsleepstomockAndmasterthemindsofmen.AndwhosoeverDayafterdayforlongtogameshavegivenAttentionundivided,stilltheykeep(Asoftwenote),evenwhenthey'veceasedtograspThosegameswiththeirownsenses,openpathsWithinthemindwherethroughtheidol-filmsOfjustthosegamescancome.AndthusitisFormanyadaythereafterthoseappearFloatingbeforetheeyes,thatevenawakeTheythinktheyviewthedancersmovingroundTheirsupplelimbs,andcatchwithboththeears

Theliquidsongofharpandspeakingchords,Andviewthesameassemblyontheseats,Andmanifoldbrightgloriesofthestage-Sogreattheinfluenceofpursuitandzest,Andoftheaffairswherein'thasbeenthewontOfmentobeengaged-noronlymen,Butsoothlyalltheanimals.Behold,Thou'ltseethesturdyhorses,thoughoutstretched,Yetsweatingintheirsleep,andpantingever,Andstrainingutmoststrength,asifforprize,Asif,withbarriersopenednow...AndhoundsofhuntsmenoftinsoftreposeYettossasuddenalltheirlegsabout,

Andgrowlandbark,andwiththeirnostrilssniffThewindsagain,again,thoughindeedThey'dcaughtthescentedfoot-printsofwildbeasts,And,evenwhenwakened,oftentheypursueThephantomimagesofstags,asthoughTheydidperceivethemfleeingonbefore,Untiltheillusion'sshakenoffanddogsCometothemselvesagain.AndfawningbreedOfhouse-bredwhelpsdofeelthesuddenurgeToshaketheirbodiesandstartfromofftheground,Asifbeholdingstranger-visages.Andeverthefiercerbethestock,themoreInsleepthesameiseverboundtorage.

ButfleetthediverstribesofbirdsandvexWithsuddenwingsbynightthegrovesofgods,WhenintheirgentleslumberstheyhavedreamedOfhawksinchase,aswoopingonforfight.Again,themindsofmortalswhichperformWithmightymotionsmightyenterprises,OfteninsleepwilldoanddarethesameInmannerlike.Kingstakethetownsbystorm,Succumbtocapture,battleonthefield,Raiseawildcryasiftheirthroatswerecut



Eventhenandthere.AndmanywrestleonAndgroanwithpains,andfillallregionsroundWithmightycriesandwild,asifthengnawedByfangsofpantheroroflionfierce.ManyamidtheirslumberstalkaboutTheirmightyenterprises,andhaveoftenEnoughbecometheproofoftheirowncrimes.Manymeetdeath;many,asifheadlongFromloftymountainstumblingdowntoearthWithalltheirframe,arefrenziedintheirfright;Andaftersleep,asifstillmadinmind,Theyscarcecometo,confoundedastheyareByfermentoftheirframe.Thethirstyman,Likewise,hesitsbesidedelightfulspringOrriverandgulpethdownwithgapingthroatNighthewholestream.Andofttheinnocentyoung,Bysleepo'ermastered,thinktheylifttheirdressBypailorpublicjordanandthenvoidThewaterfiltereddowntheirframeentireAnddrenchtheBabyloniancoverlets,Magnificentlybright.Again,thosemalesIntothesurgingchannelsofwhoseyearsNowfirsthaspassedtheseed(engenderedWithintheirmembersbytheripeneddays)

AreintheirsleepconfrontedfromwithoutByidol-imagesofsomefairform-Tidingsofgloriousfaceandlovelybloom,WhichstirandgoadtheregionsturgidnowWithseedabundant;sothat,asitwereWithallthematteracteddulyout,TheypourthebillowsofapotentstreamAndstaintheirgarment.Andassaidbefore,ThatseedisrousedinuswhenonceripeageHasmadeourbodystrong...

Asdiverscausesgivetodiversthings

Impulseandirritation,sooneforceInhumankindrousesthehumanseedTospurtfromman.Assoonaseveritissues,Forcedfromitsfirstabodes,itpassesdownInthewholebodythroughthelimbsandframe,Meetingincertainregionsofourthews,Andstirsamainthegenitalsofman.Thegoadedregionsswellwithseed,andthenComesthedelighttodartthesameatwhatThemaddesiresoyearns,andbodyseeksThatobject,whencethemindbyloveispierced.Forwell-nigheachmanfallethtowardhiswound,Andourbloodspurtseventowardthespotfromwhence

Thestrokewherewithwearestrook,andifindeedThefoebeclose,theredjetreacheshim.Thus,onewhogetsastrokefromVenus'shafts-WhetheraboywithlimbseffeminateAssaulthim,orawomandartingloveFromallherbody-thatonestrainstogetEventothethingwherebyhe'shit,andlongsTojoinwithitandcastintoitsframeThefluiddrawnevenfromwithinitsown.Forthemutecravingdothpresagedelight.



ThePassionofLove

Thiscraving'tisthat'sVenusuntous:Fromthis,engenderalltheluresoflove,Fromthis,OfirsthathintohumanheartsTrickledthatdropofjoyancewhicherelongIsbychillcaresucceeded.Since,indeed,Thoughshethoulovestnowbefaraway,Yetidol-imagesofherarenearAndthesweetnameisfloatinginthyear.Butitbehoovestofleethoseimages;Andscareafarwhateverfeedsthylove;Andturnelsewherethymind;andventthesperm,Withintheegathered,intosundrybodies,Nor,withthythoughtsstillbusiedwithonelove,Keepitforonedelight,andsostoreupCareforthyselfandpaininevitable.For,lo,theulcerjustbynourishingGrowstomorelifewithdeepinveteracy,Anddaybydaythefuryswellsaflame,Andthewoewaxesheavierdaybyday-UnlessthoudostdestroyevenbynewblowsTheformerwoundsoflove,andcurestthem

Whileyetthey'refresh,bywanderingfreelyroundAfterthefreely-wanderingVenus,orCanstleadelsewherethetumultsofthymind.NordoththatmanwhokeepsawayfromloveYetlackthefruitsofVenus;rathertakesThosepleasureswhicharefreeofpenalties.ForthedelightsofVenus,verily,Aremoreunmixedformortalssane-of-soulThanforthosesick-at-heartwithlove-pining.Yea,intheverymomentofpossessing,Surgestheheatofloverstoandfro,Restive,uncertain;andtheycannotfixOnwhattofirstenjoywitheyesandhands.

Thepartstheysoughtfor,thosetheysqueezesotight,Andpainthecreature'sbody,closetheirteethOftenagainstherlips,andsmitewithkissMouthintomouth,-becausethissamedelightIsnotunmixed;andunderneatharestingsWhichgoadamantohurttheverything,Whate'eritbe,fromwhenceariseforhimThosegermsofmadness.ButwithgentletouchVenussubduesthepangsinmidstoflove,AndtheadmixtureofafondlingjoyDothcurbthebitesofpassion.FortheyhopeThatbytheverybodywhencetheycaughtTheheatsoflovetheirflamescanbeputout.

ButNatureprotests'tisallquiteotherwise;ForthissameloveitistheonesolethingOfwhich,themorewehave,thefiercerburnsThebreastwithfelldesire.ForfoodanddrinkAretakenwithinourmembers;and,sincetheyCanstopupcertainparts,thus,easilyDesireofwaterisgluttedandofbread.But,lo,fromhumanfaceandlovelybloomNaughtpenetratesourframetobeenjoyedSaveflimsyidol-imagesandvain-



Asorryhopewhichoftthewindsdisperse.AswhenthethirstymaninslumberseeksTodrink,andwaterne'erisgrantedhimWherewithtoquenchtheheatwithinhismembers,ButafteridolsoftheliquidsstrivesAndtoilsinvain,andthirstsevenwhilsthegulpsInmiddleofthetorrent,thusinloveVenusdeludeswithidol-imagesThelovers.NortheycannotsatetheirlustBymerelygazingonthebodies,norTheycannotwiththeirpalmsandfingersrubAughtfromeachtenderlimb,thewhiletheystrayUncertainoverallthebody.Then,Atlast,withmembersintertwined,whentheyEnjoythefloweroftheirage,whennowTheirbodieshavesweetpresageofkeenjoys,AndVenusisabouttosowthefieldsOfwoman,greedilytheirframestheylock,Andmingletheslaveroftheirmouths,andbreatheIntoeachother,pressingteethonmouths-Yettonopurpose,sincethey'repowerlessToruboffaught,orpenetrateandpassWithbodyentireintobody-foroftTheyseemtostriveandstrugglethustodo;

SoeagerlytheyclinginVenus'bonds,Whilstmeltawaytheirmembers,overcomeByviolenceofdelight.ButwhenatlastLust,gatheredinthethews,hathspentitself,Therecomeabriefpauseintheragingheat-ButthenamadnessjustthesamereturnsAndthatoldfuryvisitsthemagain,WhenonceagaintheyseekandcravetoreachTheyknownotwhat,allpowerlesstofindTheartificetosubjugatethebane.InsuchuncertainstatetheywasteawayWithunseenwound.Towhichbeaddedtoo,

Theysquanderpowersandwiththetravailwane;Beaddedtoo,theyspendtheirfutileyearsUnderanother'sbeckandcall;theirdutiesNeglectedlanguishandtheirhonestnameReelethsick,sick;andmeantimetheirestatesArelostinBabyloniantapestries;AndunguentsanddaintySicyonianshoesLaughontheirfeet;and(asyemaybesure)Bigemeraldsofgreenlightaresetingold;Andrichsea-purpledressbyconstantwearGrowsshabbyandallsoakedwithVenus'sweat;Andthewell-earnedancestralpropertyBecomethhead-bands,coifs,andmanyatime

Thecloaks,orgarmentsAlidensianOroftheCeanisle.Andbanquets,setWithrarestclothandviands,areprepared-Andgamesofchance,andmanyadrinkingcup,Andunguents,crownsandgarlands.Allinvain,Sincefromamidthewell-springofdelightsBubblessomedropofbittertotormentAmongtheveryflowers-whenhaplymindGnawsintoself,nowstrickenwithremorseForslothfulyearsandruininbordels,



Orelsebecauseshe'slefthimallindoubtBylaunchingsomeslyword,whichstilllikefireLiveswildly,cleavingtohiseagerheart;OrelsebecausehethinksshedartshereyesToomuchaboutandgazesatanother,Andinherfaceseestracesofalaugh.

Theseillsarefoundinprosperingloveandtrue;ButincrossedloveandhelplesstherebesuchAsthroughshuteyelidsthoucanststilltakein-Uncountedills;sothat'tisbetterfarTowatchbeforehand,inthewayI'veshown,Andguardagainstenticements.FortoshunAfallintothehunting-snaresofloveIsnotsohard,astogetoutagain,Whentangledintheverynets,andburstThestoutly-knottedcordsofAphrodite.Yetevenwhenthereenmeshedwithtangledfeet,Stillcanstthouscapethedanger-lestindeedThoustandestinthewayofthineowngood,AndoverlookestfirstallblemishesOfmindandbodyofthymuchpreferred,Desirabledame.Forsomendo,Eyelesswithpassion,andassigntothem

Gracesnottheirsinfact.AndthusweseeCreaturesinmanyawisecrookedanduglyTheprosperoussweetheartsinahighesteem;AndloversgirdeachotherandadviseToplacateVenus,sincetheirfriendsaresmitWithabasepassion-miserabledupesWhoseldommarktheirownworstbaneofall.Theblack-skinnedgirlis"tawnylikethehoney";Thefilthyandthefetid's"negligee";Thecat-eyedshe's"alittlePallas,"she;Thesinewyandwizened's"agazelle";Thepudgyandthepigmyis"piquant,OneoftheGracessure";thebigandbulky

Oshe's"anAdmiration,imposante";Thestutteringandtongue-tied"sweetlylisps";Themutegirl's"modest";andthegarrulous,Thespitefulspit-fire,is"asparklingwit";AndshewhoscarcelylivesforscrawninessBecomes"aslenderdarling";"delicate"Isshewho'snearlydeadofcoughing-fit;ThepursyfemalewithprotuberantbreastsSheis"likeCereswhenthegoddessgaveYoungBacchussuck";thepug-nosedlady-love"ASatyress,afeminineSilenus";Theblubber-lippedis"allonelusciouskiss"-Awearywhileitweretotellthewhole.

Butletherfacepossesswhatcharmyewill,LetVenus'gloryrisefromallherlimbs,-Forsooththerestillareothers;andforsoothWelivedbeforewithouther;andforsoothShedoesthesamethings-andweknowshedoes-All,astheuglycreatureandshescents,Yesshe,herwretchedselfwithvileperfumes;WhomevenherhandmaidsfleeandgiggleatBehindherback.Buthe,thelover,intearsBecauseshutout,coversherthresholdo'er



Oftenwithflowersandgarlands,andanointsHerhaughtydoor-postswiththemarjoram,Andprints,poorfellow,kissesonthedoors-Admittedatlast,ifhaplybutonewhiffGottohimonapproaching,hewouldseekDecentexcusestogooutforthwith;Andhislament,longpondered,thenwouldfallDownathisheels;andtherehe'ddamnhimselfForhisfatuity,observinghowHehadassignedtothatsameladymore-Thanitispropertoconcedetomortals.AndtheseourVenusesare'wareofthis.WhereforethemorearetheyatpainstohideAllthe-behind-the-scenesoflifefromthoseWhomtheydesiretokeepinbondsoflove-Invain,sincene'erthelessthoucanstbythoughtDragallthematterforthintothelightAndwellsearchoutthecauseofallthesesmiles;Andifofgracefulmindshebeandkind,Dothou,inthyturn,overlookthesame,Andthusallowforpoormortality.

Norsighsthewomanalwayswithfeignedlove,Wholinksherbodyroundman'sbodylocked

Andholdshimfast,makinghiskisseswetWithlipssuckedintolips;foroftsheactsEvenfromdesire,and,seekingmutualjoys,Inciteshimtheretorunlove'srace-coursethrough.Norotherwisecancattle,birds,wildbeasts,Andsheepandmaressubmituntothemales,Exceptthattheirownnatureisinheat,AndburnsaboundingandwithgladnesstakesOncemoretheVenusofthemountingmales.AndseestthounothowthosewhommutualpleasureHathboundaretorturedintheircommonbonds?Howofteninthecross-roadsdogsthatpantTogetapartstraineagerlyasunder

Withutmostmight?-Whenallthewhilethey'refastInthestoutlinksofVenus.Butthey'dne'erSopull,excepttheyknewthosemutualjoys-SopowerfultocastthemuntosnaresAndholdthembound.Whereforeagain,again,EvenasIsay,thereisajointdelight.

Andwhenperchance,inminglingseedwithhis,Thefemalehatho'erpoweredtheforceofmaleAndbyasuddenflinghathseizeditfast,Thenaretheoffspring,morefrommothers'seed,Moreliketheirmothers;as,fromfathers'seed,They'reliketofathers.Butwhomseesttobe

Partakersofeachshape,oneequalblendOfparents'features,thesearegenerateFromfathers'bodyandfrommothers'blood,WhenmutualandharmoniousheathathdashedTogetherseeds,arousedalongtheirframesByVenus'goads,andneitherofthetwainMasterethorismastered.HappenstooThatsometimesoffspringcantobeingcomeInlikenessoftheirgrandsires,andbringbackOftentheshapesofgrandsires'sires,because



TheirparentsintheirbodiesoftretainConcealedmanyprimalgerms,commixedInmanymodes,which,startingwiththestock,Sirehandethdowntoson,himselfasire;WhenceVenusbyavariablechanceEngendersshapes,anddiverselybringsbackAncestralfeatures,voicestoo,andhair.AfemalegenerationrisesforthFromseedpaternal,andfrommother'sbodyExistcreatedmales:sincesexproceedsNomorefromsinglenessofseedthanfacesOrbodiesorlimbsofours:foreverybirthIsfromatwofoldseed;andwhat'screatedHath,ofthatparentwhichitismorelike,Morethanitsequalshare;asthoucanstmark,-Whetherthebreedbemaleorfemalestock.NordothepowersdivinegrudgeanymanThefruitsofhisseed-sowing,sothatneverHebecalled"father"bysweetchildrenhis,Andendhisdaysinsterileloveforever.Whatmanymensuppose;andgloomilyTheysprinklethealtarswithabundantblood,Andmakethehighplatformsodorouswithburntgifts,Torenderbigbyplenteousseedtheirwives-

Andplagueinvaingodheadsandsacredlots.Forsterile,arethesemenbyseedtoothick,Orelsebyfartoowateryandthin.BecausethethinispowerlesstocleaveFasttotheproperplaces,straightawayIttricklesfromthem,and,returnedagain,Retiresabortively.AndthensinceseedMoregrossandsolidthanwillsuitisspentBysomemen,eitheritfliesnotforthamainWithspurtprolongedenough,orelseitfailsToentersuitablytheproperplaces,Or,havingentered,theseedisweaklymixedWithseedofthewoman:harmoniesofVenus

Areseentomattervastlyhere;andsomeImpregnatesomemorereadily,andfromsomeSomewomenconceivemorereadilyandbecomePregnant.Andmanywomen,sterilebeforeInseveralmarriage-beds,haveyetthereafterObtainedthematesfromwhomtheycouldconceiveThebaby-boys,andwithsweetprogenyGrowrich.Andevenforhusbands(whoseownwives,Althoughoffertilewombs,haveborneforthemNobabiesinthehouse)arealsofoundConcordantnaturessothattheyatlastCanbulwarktheiroldagewithgoodlysons.Amatterofgreatmoment'tisintruth,

ThatseedsmayminglereadilywithseedsSuitedforprocreation,andthatthickShouldmixwithfluidseeds,withthickthefluid.Andinthisbusiness'tisofsomeimportUponwhatdietlifeisnourished:Forsomefoodsthickenseedswithinourmembers,Andothersthinthemoutandwasteaway.AndinwhatmodesthefonddelightitselfIscarriedon-thistooimportethvastly.Forcommonly'tisthoughtthatwivesconceive



Morereadilyinmannerofwild-beasts,Afterthecustomofthefour-footbreeds,Becausesopostured,withthebreastsbeneathAndbuttocksthenupreared,theseedscantakeTheirproperplaces.NorisneedtheleastForwivestousethemotionsofblandishment;ForthusthewomanhindersandresistsHerownconception,iftoojoyouslyHerselfshetreatstheVenusofthemanWithhaunchesheaving,andwithallherbosomNowyieldinglikethebillowsofthesea-Aye,fromtheploughshare'sevencourseandtrackShethrowsthefurrow,andfromproperplacesDeflectsthespurtofseed.AndcourtesansArethuswisewonttomovefortheirownends,Tokeepfrompregnancyandlyingin,AndallthewhiletorenderVenusmoreApleasureforthemen-thewhichmeseemsOurwiveshaveneverneedof.SometimestooIthappens-andthroughnodivinityNorarrowsofVenus-thatasorrychitOfscantygracewillbebelovedbyman;Forsometimessheherselfbyverydeeds,

Byhercomplyingways,andtidyhabits,WilleasilyaccustomtheetopassWithherthylife-time-and,moreover,lo,Longhabitudecangenderhumanlove,Evenasanobjectsmitteno'erando'erByblows,howeverlightly,yetatlastIsovercomeandwavers.Seestthounot,Besides,howdropsofwaterfallingdownAgainstthestonesatlastborethroughthestones?

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BOOKV

Proem

OwhocanbuildwithpuissantbreastasongWorthythemajestyofthesegreatfinds?OrwhoinwordssostrongthathecanframeThefitlaudationsfordesertsofhimWholeftusheritorsofsuchvastprizes,Byhisownbreastdiscoveredandsoughtout?-Thereshallbenone,methinks,ofmortalstock.ForifmustneedsbenamedforhimthenameDemandedbythenowknownmajestyOfthesehighmatters,thenagodwashe,-

Hearme,illustriousMemmius-agod;WhofirstandchieffoundoutthatplanoflifeWhichnowiscalledphilosophy,andwhoBycunningcraft,outofsuchmightywaves,Outofsuchmightydarkness,mooredlifeInhavenssoserene,inlightsoclear.ComparethoseolddiscoveriesdivineOfothers:lo,accordingtothetale,CeresestablishedformortalityThegrain,andBacchusjuiceofvine-borngrape,



Thoughlifemightyetwithoutthesethingsabide,Evenasreportsaithnowsomepeopleslive.Butman'swell-beingwasimpossibleWithoutabreastallfree.WhereforethemoreThatmandothjustlyseemtousagod,Fromwhomsweetsolacesoflife,afarDistributedo'erpopulousdomains,Nowsoothethemindsofmen.ButifthouthinkestLaboursofHerculesexcelthesame,Muchfartherfromtruereasoningthoufarest.ForwhatcouldhurtusnowthatmightymawOfNemeaeanLion,orwhattheBoarWhobristledinArcadia?Or,again,OwhatcouldCretanBull,orHydra,pestOfLerna,fencedwithvipersvenomous?Orwhatthetriple-breastedpowerofherThethree-foldGeryon...

ThesojournersintheStymphalianfensSodreadfullyoffendus,ortheSteedsOfThracianDiomedesbreathingfireFromouttheirnostrilsoffalongthezonesBistonianandIsmarian?AndtheSnake,Thedreadfiercegazer,guardianofthegolden

AndgleamingapplesoftheHesperides,Coiledroundthetree-trunkwithtremendousbulk,Owhat,again,couldheinflictonusAlongtheAtlanticshoreandwastesofsea?-WhereneitheroneofusapproachethnighNornobarbarianventures.AndtherestOfallthosemonstersslain,evenifalive,Unconqueredstill,whatinjurycouldtheydo?None,asIguess.ForsothegluttedearthSwarmsevennowwithsavagebeasts,evennowIsfilledwithanxiousterrorsthroughthewoodsAndmightymountainsandtheforestdeeps-Quarters'tisoursingeneraltoavoid.

Butlestthebreastbepurged,whatconflictsthen,Whatperils,mustbosom,inourowndespite!OthenhowgreatandkeenthecaresoflustThatsplitthemandistraught!Howgreatthefears!Andlo,thepride,grimgreed,andwantonness-Howgreattheslaughtersintheirtrain!andlo,Debaucheriesandeverybreedofsloth!Thereforethatmanwhosubjugatedthese,Andfromthemindexpelled,bywordsindeed,Notarms,OshallitnotbeseemlyhimTodignifybyrankingwiththegods?-Andallthemoresincehewaswonttogive,Concerningtheimmortalgodsthemselves,

Manypronouncementswithatonguedivine,AndtounfoldbyhispronouncementsallThenatureoftheworld.

ArgumentoftheBookandNewProemAgainstTeleologicalConcept

AndwalkingnowInhisownfootprints,IdofollowthroughHisreasonings,andwithpronouncementsteach



Thecovenantwherebyallthingsareframed,HowunderthatcovenanttheymustabideNoreverprevailtoabrogatetheaeons'Inexorabledecrees-how(aswe'vefound),Inclassofmortalobjects,o'erallelse,Themindexistsofearth-bornframecreateAndimpotentunscathedtoabideAcrossthemightyaeons,andhowcomeInsleepthoseidol-apparitionsThatsobefoolintelligencewhenweDoseemtoviewamanwhomlifehasleft.Thusfarwe'vegone;theorderofmyplanHathbroughtmenowuntothepointwhereIMustmakereporthow,too,theuniverseConsistsofmortalbody,bornintime,AndinwhatmodesthatcongregatedstuffEstablisheditselfasearthandsky,Ocean,andstars,andsun,andballofmoon;AndthenwhatlivingcreaturesrosefromoutTheoldtelluricplaces,andwhatonesWereneverbornatall;andinwhatmodeThehumanracebegantonameitsthingsAndusethevariedspeechfrommantoman;Andinwhatmodeshathbosomedintheirbreasts

Thataweofgods,whichhallowethinalllandsFanes,altars,groves,lakes,idolsofthegods.AlsoIshalluntanglebywhatpowerThesteersmanNatureguidesthesun'scourses,Andthemeanderingsofthemoon,lestwe,Percase,shouldfancythatofownfreewillTheycircletheirperennialcoursesround,TimingtheirmotionsforincreaseofcropsAndlivingcreatures,orlestweshouldthinkTheyrollalongbyanyplanofgods.ForeventhosemenwhohavelearnedfullwellThatgodheadsleadalonglifefreeofcare,Ifyetmeanwhiletheywonderbywhatplan

Thingscangoon(andchieflyyonhighthingsObservedo'erheadontheetherealcoasts),AgainarehurriedbackuntothefearsOfoldreligionandadoptagainHarshmasters,deemedalmighty-wretchedmen,Unwittingwhatcanbeandwhatcannot,Andbywhatlawtoeachitsscopeprescribed,ItsboundarystonethatclingssodeepinTime.

Butfortherest,lestwedelaytheehereLongerbyemptypromises-behold,Beforeallelse,theseas,thelands,thesky:OMemmius,theirthreefoldnature,lo,

Theirbodiesthree,threeaspectssounlike,Threeframessovast,asingledayshallgiveUntoannihilation!ThenshallcrashThatmassiveformandfabricoftheworldSustainedsomanyaeons!NordoIFailtoperceivehowstrangeandmarvellousThisfactmuststriketheintellectofman,-AnnihilationoftheskyandearthThatistobe,-andwithwhattoilofwords'Tisminetoprovethesame;ashappensoft



Whenonceyeoffertoman'slisteningearsSomethingbeforeunheardof,butmaynotSubjectittotheviewofeyesforhimNorputitintohand-thesightandtouch,WherebytheopenedhighwaysofbeliefLeadmostdirectlyintohumanbreastAndregionsofintelligence.ButyetIwillspeakout.Thefactitself,perchance,Willforcebeliefinthesemywords,andthouMaystsee,inlittletime,tremendouslyWithrisencommotionsofthelandsallthingsQuakingtopieces-whichafarfromusMayshe,thesteersmanNature,guide:andmayReason,Oratherthanthefactitself,Persuadeusthatallthingscanbeo'erthrownAndsinkwithawful-soundingbreakagedown!

ButereonthisItakeasteptoutterOraclesholierandsoundlierbasedThaneverthePythianpronouncedformenFromoutthetripodandtheDelphianlaurel,IwillunfoldfortheewithlearnedwordsManyaconsolation,lestperchance,Stillbridledbyreligion,thousuppose

Lands,sun,andsky,sea,constellations,moon,Mustdureforever,asofframedivine-Andsoconcludethatitisjustthatthose,(AfterthemanneroftheGiants),shouldallPaythehugepenaltiesformonstrouscrime,WhobytheirreasoningsdoovershakeTherampartsoftheuniverseandwishTheretoputoutthesplendidsunofheaven,Brandingwithmortaltalkimmortalthings-ThoughthesesamethingsareevensofarremovedFromanytouchofdeityandseemSofarunworthyofnumberingwiththegods,Thatwelltheymaybethoughttofurnishrather

AgoodlyinstanceofthesortofthingsThatlackthelivingmotion,livingsense.Forsure'tisquitebesidethemarktothinkThatjudgmentandthenatureofthemindInanykindofbodycanexist-Justasinethercan'texistatree,Norcloudsinthesaltsea,norinthefieldsCanfisheslive,norbloodintimberbe,Norsapinboulders:fixedandarrangedWhereeverythingmaygrowandhaveitsplace.ThusnatureofmindcannotarisealoneWithoutthebody,norhaveitsbeingfarFromthewsandblood.Yetif'twerepossible?-

MuchrathermightthisverypowerofmindBeinthehead,theshoulders,ortheheels,And,borninanypartsoever,yetInthesameman,inthesamevesselabideButsincewithinthisbodyevenofoursStandsfixedandappearsarrangedsureWheresoulandmindcaneachexistandgrow,DenywemustthemorethattheycandureOutsidethebodyandthebreathingformInrottingclodsofearth,inthesun'sfire,



Inwater,orinether'sskieycoasts.ThereforethesethingsnowhitarefurnishedWithsensedivine,sincenevercantheybeWithlife-forcequickened.Likewise,thoucanstne'erBelievethesacredseatsofgodsarehereInanyregionsofthismundaneworld;Indeed,thenatureofthegods,sosubtle,Sofarremovedfromtheseoursenses,scarceIsseenevenbyintelligenceofmind.Andsincethey'veevereludedtouchandthrustOfhumanhands,theycannotreachtograspAughttangibletous.ForwhatmaynotItselfbetouchedinturncannevertouch.Wherefore,besides,alsotheirseatsmustbeUnliketheseseatsofours,-evensubtletoo,Asmeetforsubtleessence-asI'llproveHereafteruntotheewithlargediscourse.Further,tosaythatforthesakeofmenTheywilledtopreparethisworld'smagnificence,Andthat'tisthereforedutyandbehoofTopraisetheworkofgodsasworthypraise,Andthat'tissacrilegeformentoshakeEverbyanyforcefromouttheirseats

WhathathbeenstablishedbytheForethoughtoldToeverlastingforracesofmankind,Andthat'tissacrilegetoassaultbywordsAndovertoppleallfrombasetobeam,-Memmius,suchnotionstoconcoctandpile,Isverily-todote.Ourgratefulness,OwhatemolumentscoulditconferUponImmortalsandupontheBlessedThattheyshouldtakeasteptomanageaughtForsakeofus?Orwhatnewfactorcould,Aftersolongatime,inveiglethem-Thehithertoreposeful-todesireTochangetheirformerlife?Forratherhe

WhomoldthingschafeseemslikelytorejoiceAtnew;butonethatinfore-passedtimeHathchanceduponnoill,throughgoodlyyears.OwhatcouldeverenkindleinsuchanonePassionforstrangeexperiment?OrwhatTheevilforus,ifwehadne'erbeenborn?-Asthough,forsooth,indarklingrealmsandwoeOurlifewerelyingtillshoulddawnatlastTheday-springofcreation!WhosoeverHathbeenbegottenwillsperforcetostayInlife,solongasfonddelightdetains;Butwhosone'erhathtastedloveoflife,Andne'erwasinthecountoflivingthings,

Whathurtsithimthathewasneverborn?Whence,further,firstwasplantedinthegodsThearchetypeforgenderingtheworldAndthefore-notionofwhatmanislike,Sothattheyknewandpre-conceivedwithmindJustwhattheywishedtomake?OrhowwereknownEvertheenergiesofprimalgerms,Andwhatthosegerms,byinterchangeofplace,Couldthusproduce,ifnature'sselfhadnotGivenexampleforcreatingall?



Forinsuchwiseprimordialsofthings,Manyinmanymodes,astirbyblowsFromimmemorialaeons,inmotiontooBytheirownweights,haveevermorebeenwontTobesobornealongandinallmodesTomeettogetherandtotryallsortsWhich,bycombiningonewithother,theyArepowerfultocreate,thatthusitisNomarvelnow,iftheyhavealsofallenIntoarrangementssuch,andifthey'vepassedIntovibrationssuch,asthosewherebyThissumofthingsiscarriedonto-dayByfixedrenewal.ButknewIneverwhatTheseedsprimordialwere,yetwouldIdareThistoaffirm,evenfromdeepjudgmentsbasedUponthewaysandconductoftheskies-Thistomaintainbymanyafactbesides-ThatinnowisethenatureofallthingsForuswasfashionedbyapowerdivine-Sogreatthefaultsitstandsencumberedwith.First,markallregionswhichareoverarchedBytheprodigiousreachesofthesky:Oneyawningpartthereofthemountain-chainsAndforestsofthebeastsdohaveandhold;

Andcliffs,anddesertfens,andwastesofsea(Whichsunderafarthebeachesofthelands)Possessitmerely;and,again,thereofWell-nightwo-thirdsintolerableheatAndaperpetualfalloffrostdothrobFrommortalkind.Andwhatislefttotill,EventhattheforceofNaturewouldo'errunWithbrambles,didnothumanforceoppose,-LongwontforlivelihoodtogroanandsweatOverthetwo-prongedmattockandtocleaveThesoilintwainbypressingontheplough.

Unless,bytheploughshareturningthefruitfulclods

Andkneadingthemould,wequickenintobirth,ThecropsspontaneouslycouldnotcomeupIntothefreebrightair.Eventhensometimes,WhenthingsacquiredbythesternesttoilArenowinleaf,arenowinblossomall,EithertheskieysunwithbanefulheatsParches,orsuddenrainsorchillingrimeDestroys,orflawsofwindswithfuriouswhirlTormentandtwist.Besidethesematters,whyDothNaturefeedandfosteronlandandseaThedreadfulbreedofsavagebeasts,thefoesOfthehumanclan?WhydotheseasonsbringDistemperswiththem?Whereforestalksatlarge

Death,sountimely?Then,again,thebabe,Liketothecastawayoftheragingsurf,Liesnakedontheground,speechless,inwantOfeveryhelpforlife,whenNaturefirstHathpouredhimforthupontheshoresoflightWithbirth-pangsfromwithinthemother'swomb,Andwithaplaintivewailhefillstheplace,-AswellbefittingoneforwhomremainsInlifeajourneythroughsomanyills.Butalltheflocksandherdsandallwildbeasts



Comeforthandgrow,norneedthelittlerattles,Normustbetreatedtothehumouringnurse'sDear,brokenchatter;norseektheydiversclothesTosuitthechangingskies;norneed,infine,Norarms,norloftyramparts,wherewithalTheirowntoguard-becausetheearthherselfAndNature,artificeroftheworld,bringforthAboundinglyallthingsforall.

TheWorldisNotEternal

Andfirst,Sincebodyofearthandwater,air'slightbreath,Andfieryexhalations(ofwhichfourThissumofthingsisseentobecompact)Soallhavebirthandperishableframe,ThusthewholenatureoftheworlditselfMustbeconceivedasperishabletoo.For,verily,thosethingsofwhichweseeThepartsandmemberstohavebirthintimeAndperishableshapes,thosesamewemarkTobeinvariablybornintimeAndborntodie.AndthereforewhenIseeThemightiestmembersandthepartsofthis

Ourworldconsumedandbegotagain,'TisminetoknowthatalsoskyaboveAndearthbeneathbeganofoldintimeAndshallintimegoundertodisaster.AndlestintheseaffairsthoudeemestmeTohaveseizeduponthispointbysleighttoserveMyowncaprice-becauseIhaveassumedThatearthandfirearemortalthingsindeed,AndhavenotdoubtedwaterandtheairBothperishtooandhaveaffirmedthesameTobeagainbegottenandwaxbig-Markwelltheargument:infirstplace,lo,Somecertainpartsofearth,grievouslyparched

Byunremittingsuns,andtrampledonByavastthrongoffeet,exhaleabroadApowderyhazeandflyingcloudsofdust,Whichthestoutwindsdisperseinthewholeair.Apart,moreover,ofhersodandsoilIssummonedtoinundationbytherains;Andriversgrazeandgougethebanksaway.Besides,whatevertakesapartitsownInfosteringandincreasingaught...

Isrenderedback;andsince,beyondadoubt,Earth,theall-mother,isbeheldtobeLikewisethecommonsepulchreofthings,

Thereforethouseestherminishedofherplenty,Andthenagainaugmentedwithnewgrowth.

Andfortherest,thatsea,andstreams,andspringsForeverwithnewwatersoverflowAndthatperenniallythefluidswell.Needethnowords-themightyfluxitselfOfmultitudinouswatersroundaboutDeclareththis.ButwhatsowaterfirstStreamsupiseverstraightwaycarriedoff,



AndthusitcomestopassthatallinallThereisnooverflow;inpartbecauseTheburlywinds(thatover-sweepamain)Andskieysun(thatwithhisraysdissolves)Dominishthelevelseas;inpartbecauseThewaterisdiffusedundergroundThroughallthelands.Thebrineisfilteredoff,AndthentheliquidstuffseepsbackagainAndallre-gathersattheriver-heads,Whenceinfresh-watercurrentsonitflowsOverthelands,adownthechannelswhichWereclefterstwhileanderstwhileborealongTheliquid-footedfloods.Now,then,ofairI'llspeak,whichhourbyhourinallitsbodyIschangedinnumerably.Forwhatso'erStreamsupindustorvapouroffofthings,ThesameisallandalwaysbornealongIntothemightyoceanoftheair;AnddidnotairinturnrestoretothingsBodies,andthusrecruitthemastheystream,AllthingsbythistimehadresolvedbeenAndchangedintoair.ThereforeitneverCeasestobeengenderedoffofthings

Andtoreturntothings,sinceverilyInconstantfluxdoallthingsstream.Likewise,Theaboundingwell-springoftheliquidlight,Theetherealsun,dothfloodtheheaveno'erWithconstantfluxofradianceevernew,Andwithfreshlightsuppliestheplaceoflight,Upontheinstant.ForwhatevereffulgenceHathfirststreamedoff,nomatterwhereitfalls,Islostuntothesun.Andthis'tisthineToknowfromtheseexamples:soonascloudsHavefirstbeguntounder-passthesun,And,asitwere,torendthedaysoflight

Intwain,atoncethelowerpartofthemIslostentire,andearthisovercastWhere'erthethunderheadsarerolledalong-SoknowthoumaystthatthingsforeverneedAfreshreplenishmentofgleamandglow,Andeacheffulgence,foremostflashedforth,Perishethonebyone.NorotherwiseCanthingsbeseeninsunlight,lestalwayThefountain-headoflightsupplynewlight.Indeedyourearthlybeaconsofthenight,Thehanginglampionsandthetorches,brightWithdartinggleamsanddensewithlividsoot,Dohurryinlikemannertosupply

Withministeringheatnewlightamain;Areallalivetoquiverwiththeirfires,-Aresoalive,thatthusthelightne'erleavesThespotsitshineson,asifrentintwain:SospeedilyisitsdestructionveiledBytheswiftbirthofflamefromallthefires.Thus,then,wemustsupposethatsunandmoonAndstarsdartforththeirlightfromunder-birthsEverandevernew,andwhatsoflamesFirstrisedoperishalwaysonebyone-



Lest,haply,thoushouldstthinktheyeachendureInviolable.Again,perceivestnotHowstonesarealsoconqueredbyTime?-Nothowtheloftytowersruindown,Andboulderscrumble?-NothowshrinesofgodsAndidolscrackoutworn?-NorhowindeedTheholyInfluencehathyetnopowerTheretopostponetheTerminalsofFate,Orheadwaymake'gainstNature'sfixeddecrees?Again,beholdwenotthemonumentsOfheroes,nowinruins,askingus,Intheirturnlikewise,ifwedon'tbelieveTheyalsoagewitheld?BeholdwenotTherendedbasaltruiningamainDownfromtheloftymountains,powerlessTodureanddreethemightyforcesthereOffinitetime?-fortheywouldneverfallRendedasudden,iffrominfinitePastTheyhadprevailedagainstallengin'riesOftheassaultingaeons,withnocrash.Again,nowlookatThis,whichround,above,Containsthewholeearthinitsoneembrace:Iffromitselfitprocreatesallthings-

Assomementell-andtakesthemtoitselfWhenoncedestroyed,entirelymustitbeOfmortalbirthandbody;forwhate'erFromoutitselfgivethtootherthingsIncreaseandfood,thesameperforcemustbeMinished,andthenrecruitedwhenittakesThingsbackintoitself.Besidesallthis,Iftherehadbeennoorigin-in-birthOflandsandsky,andtheyhadeverbeenTheeverlasting,why,ereThebanwarAndobsequiesofTroy,haveotherbardsNotalsochantedotherhighaffairs?

WhitherhavesunksooftsomanydeedsOfheroes?Whydothosedeedslivenomore,IngraftedineternalmonumentsOfglory?Verily,Iguess,becauseTheSumisnew,andofarecentdateThenatureofouruniverse,andhadNotlongagoitsownexordium.Wherefore,evennowsomeartsarebeingstillRefined,stillincreased:nowuntoshipsIsbeingaddedmanyanewdevice;Andbuttheotherdaymusician-folkGavebirthtomelicsoundsoforganing;And,then,thisnature,thisaccountofthings

Hathbeendiscoveredlatterly,andIMyselfhavebeendiscoveredonlynow,Asfirstamongthefirst,abletoturnThesameintoancestralRomanspeech.Yetif,percase,thoudeemestthaterethisExistedallthingseventhesame,butthatPerishedthecyclesofthehumanraceInfieryexhalations,orcitiesfellBysometremendousquakingoftheworld,Orriversinfury,afterconstantrains,



HadplungedforthacrossthelandsofearthAndwhelmedthetowns-then,allthemoremustthouConfess,defeatedbytheargument,ThatthereshallbeannihilationtooOflandsandsky.ForatatimewhenthingsWerebeingtaxedbymaladiessogreat,Andsogreatperils,ifsomecausemorefellHadthenassailedthem,farandwidetheywouldHavegonetodisasterandsupremecollapse.AndbynootherreasoningareweSeentobemortal,savethatallofusSickeninturnwiththosesamemaladiesWithwhichhavesickenedinthepastthosemenWhomNaturehathremovedfromlife.Again,WhateverabideseternalmustindeedEitherrepelallstrokes,because'tismadeOfsolidbody,andpermitnoentranceOfaughtwithpowertosunderfromwithinThepartscompact-asarethoseseedsofstuffWhosenaturewe'veexhibitedbefore;OrelsebeabletoendurethroughtimeForthis:becausetheyarefromblowsexempt,Asisthevoid,thewhichabidesuntouched,

Unsmitbyanystroke;orelsebecauseThereisnoroomaround,wheretothingscan,As'twere,departindissolutionall-Evenasthesumofsumseternalis,WithoutorplacebeyondwheretothingsmayAsunderfly,orbodieswhichcansmite,Andthusdissolvethembytheblowsofmight.Butnotofsolidbody,asI'veshown,Existsthenatureoftheworld,becauseInthingsisintermingledthereavoid;Noristheworldyetasthevoid,norare,Moreover,bodieslackingwhich,percase,Risingfromouttheinfinite,canfell

Withfury-whirlwindsallthissumofthings,OrbringuponthemothercataclysmOfperilstrange;andyonder,too,abidesTheinfinitespaceandtheprofoundabyss-Whereinto,lo,therampartsoftheworldCanyetbeshivered.OrsomeotherpowerCanpounduponthemtilltheyperishall.Thusisthedoorofdoom,OnowisebarredAgainstthesky,againstthesunandearthAnddeep-seawaters,butwideopenstandsAndgloatsuponthem,monstrousandagape.Wherefore,again,'tisneedfultoconfessThatthesesamethingsarebornintime;forthings

WhichareofmortalbodycouldindeedNeverfrominfinitepastuntilto-dayHavespurnedthemultitudinousassaultsOftheimmeasurableaeonsold.

Again,sincebattlesofiercelyonewithotherThefourmostmightymemberstheworld,Arousedinanallunholywar,SeestnotthattheremaybeforthemanendOfthelongstrife?-Orwhentheskieysun



Andalltheheathavewondominiono'erThesucked-upwatersall?-AndthistheytryStilltoaccomplish,thoughasyettheyfail,-ForsoaboundinglythestreamssupplyNewstoreofwatersthat'tisrathertheyWhomenacetheworldwithinundationsvastFromforththeunplumbedchasmsofthesea.Butvain-sincewinds(thatover-sweepamain)Andskieysun(thatwithhisraysdissolves)DominishthelevelseasandtrusttheirpowerTodryupall,beforethewaterscanArriveattheendoftheirendeavouring.Breathingsuchvastywarfare,theycontendInbalancedstrifetheonewithotherstillConcerningmightyissues-thoughindeedThefirewasoncethemorevictorious,Andonce-asgoesthetale-thewaterwonAkingdominthefields.Forfireo'ermasteredAndlickedupmanythingsandburntaway,WhattimetheimpetuoushorsesoftheSunSnatchedPhaethonheadlongfromhisskieyroadDownthewholeetherandoverallthelands.ButtheomnipotentFatherinkeenwrathThenwiththesuddensmiteofthunderbolt

Didhurlthemighty-mindedherooffThosehorsestotheearth.AndSol,hissire,Meetinghimashefell,caughtupinhandTheever-blazinglampionoftheworld,Anddravetogetherthepell-mellhorsesthereAndyokedthemalla-tremble,andamain,Steeringthemoveralongtheirownoldroad,Restoredthecosmos-asforsoothwehearFromsongsofancientpoetsoftheGreeks-Ataletoofarawayfromtruth,meseems.ForfirecanwinwhenfromtheinfiniteHasrisenalargerthrongofparticlesOffierystuff;andthenitspowerssuccumb,

Somehowsubduedagain,orelseatlastItshrivelsintorridatmospherestheworld.Andwhilomwatertoobegantowin-Asgoesthestory-whenitoverwhelmedThelivesofmenwithbillows;andthereafter,Whenallthatforceofwater-stuffwhichforthFromouttheinfinitehadrisenupDidnowretire,assomehowturnedaside,Therain-stormsstopped,andstreamstheirfurychecked.

FormationoftheWorldandAstronomicalQuestions

Butinwhatmodesthatconfluxoffirst-stuff

DidfoundthemultitudinousuniverseOfearth,andsky,andtheunfathomeddeepsOfocean,andcoursesofthesunandmoon,I'llnowinordertell.ForofatruthNeitherbycounseldidtheprimalgerms'Stablishthemselves,asbykeenactofmind,Eachinitsproperplace;nordidtheymake,Forsooth,acompacthoweachgermshouldmove;But,lo,becauseprimordialsofthings,Manyinmanymodes,astirbyblows



Fromimmemorialaeons,inmotiontooBytheirownweights,haveevermorebeenwontTobesobornealongandinallmodesTomeettogetherandtotryallsortsWhich,bycombiningonewithother,theyArepowerfultocreate:becauseofthisItcomestopassthatthoseprimordials,Diffusedfarandwidethroughmightyaeons,Thewhiletheyunionstry,andmotionstoo,Ofeverykind,meetatthelastamain,AndsobecomeoftthecommencementsfitOfmightythings-earth,sea,andsky,andraceOflivingcreatures.Inthatlong-agoThewheelofthesuncouldnowherebediscernedFlyingfarupwithitsaboundingblaze,Norconstellationsofthemightyworld,Norocean,norheaven,norevenearthnorair.NoraughtofthingslikeuntothingsofoursCouldthenbeseen-butonlysomestrangestormAndaprodigioushurly-burlymassCompoundedofallkindsofprimalgerms,WhosebattlingdiscordsindisorderkeptInterstices,andpaths,coherencies,

Andweights,andblows,encounterings,andmotions,Because,byreasonoftheirformsunlikeAndvariedshapes,theycouldnotallthuswiseRemainconjoinednorharmoniouslyHaveinterplayofmovements.ButfromtherePortionsbegantoflyasunder,andlikeWithliketojoin,andtoblockoutaworld,AndtodivideitsmembersanddisposeItsmightierparts-thatis,tosetsecureTheloftyheavensfromthelands,andcauseTheseatospreadwithwatersseparate,AndfiresofetherseparateandpureLikewisetocongregateapart.

For,lo,Firstcametogethertheearthyparticles(Asbeingheavyandintertangled)thereInthemid-region,andallbegantotakeThelowestabodes;andeverthemoretheygotOnewithanotherintertangled,themoreTheypressedfromouttheirmassthoseparticlesWhichweretoformthesea,thestars,thesun,Andmoon,andrampartsofthemightyworld-FortheseconsistofseedsmoresmoothandroundAndofmuchsmallerelementsthanearth.Andthusitwasthatether,fraughtwithfire,Firstbrokeawayfromouttheearthenparts,

Athroughtheinnumerableporesofearth,Andraiseditselfaloft,andwithitselfBorelightlyoffthemanystarryfires;Andnotfarotherwiseweoftensee

AndthestilllakesandtheperennialstreamsExhaleamist,andevenasearthherselfIsseenattimestosmoke,whenfirstatdawnThelightofthesun,themany-rayed,beginsToreddenintogold,overthegrass



Begemmedwithdew.WhenallofthesearebroughtTogetheroverhead,thecloudsonhighWithnowconcretedbodyweaveacoverBeneaththeheavens.Andthuswiseethertoo,Lightanddiffusive,withconcretedbodyOnallsidesspread,onallsidesbentitselfIntoadome,and,farandwidediffusedOnuntoeveryregiononallsides,Thushedgedallelsewithinitsgreedyclasp.HarduponethercametheoriginsOfsunandmoon,whoseglobesrevolveinairMidwaybetweentheearthandmightiestether,-Forneithertookthem,sincetheyweighedtoolittleTosinkandsettle,buttoomuchtoglideAlongtheupmostshores;andyettheyareInsuchawisemidwaybetweenthetwainAsevertowhirltheirlivingbodiesround,AndevertodureaspartsofthewideWhole;InthesamefashionascertainmembersmayInusremainatrest,whilstothersmove.When,then,thesesubstanceshadbeenwithdrawn,Amaintheearth,wherenowextendthevastCeruleanzonesofallthelevelseas,Cavedin,anddownalongthehollowspoured

Thewhirlpoolsofherbrine;anddaybydayThemorethetidesofetherandraysofsunOneverysideconstrainedintoonemassTheearthbylashingitagain,again,Uponitsouteredges(sothatthen,Beingthusbeatupon,'twasallcondensedAboutitspropercentre),everthemoreThesaltysweat,fromoutitsbodysqueezed,AugmentedoceanandthefieldsoffoamByseepingthroughitsframe,andallthemoreThosemanyparticlesofheatandairEscaping,begantoflyaloft,andform,Bycondensationthereafarfromearth,

Thehighrefulgentcircuitsoftheheavens.Theplainsbegantosink,andwindyslopesOfthehighmountainstoincrease;forrocksCouldnotsubside,norallthepartsofgroundSettlealiketoonesamelevelthere.

Thus,then,themassyweightofearthstoodfirmWithnowconcretedbody,when(as'twere)Alloftheslimeoftheworld,heavyandgross,Hadruntogetherandsettledatthebottom,Likeleesorbilge.Thenocean,thentheair,Thenetherherself,thefraught-with-fire,wereallLeftwiththeirliquidbodiespureandfree,

Andeachmorelighterthanthenextbelow;Andether,mostlightandliquidofthethree,Floatsonabovethelongaerialwinds,NorwiththebrawlingofthewindsofairMinglesitsliquidbody.ItdothleaveAllthere-thoseunder-realmsbelowherheights-Theretobeoversetinwhirlwindswild,-Dothleavealltheretobrawlinwaywardgusts,Whilst,glidingwithafixedimpulsestill,Itselfitbearsitsfiresalong.For,lo,



Thatethercanflowthussteadilyon,on,Withoneunalteredurge,thePontusproves-Thatseawhichflowethforthwithfixedtides,Keepingoneonwardtenorasitglides.

AndthattheearthmaythereabideatrestInthemid-regionoftheworld,itneedsMustvanishbitbybitinweightandlessen,Andhaveanothersubstanceunderneath,ConjoinedtoitfromitsearliestageInlinkedunisonwiththevastyworld'sRealmsoftheairinwhichitrootsandlives.Onthisaccount,theearthisnotaload,Norpressesdownonwindsofairbeneath;EvenasuntoamanhismembersbeWithoutallweight-theheadisnotaloadUntotheneck;nordowefeelthewholeWeightofthebodytocentreinthefeet.Butwhatsoweightscomeonusfromwithout,Weightslaiduponus,theseharassandchafe,Thoughoftenfarlighter.FortosuchdegreeItmattersalwayswhattheinnatepowersOfanygiventhingmaybe.TheearthWas,then,noaliensubstancefetchedamain,

AndfromnoalienfirmamentcastdownOnalienair;butwasconceived,likeair,Inthefirstoriginofthistheworld,Asafixedportionofthesame,asnowOurmembersareseentobeapartofus.

Besides,theearth,whenofasuddenshookBythebigthunder,dothwithhermotionshakeAllthat'saboveher-whichshene'ercoulddoByanymeans,wereearthnotboundenfastUntothegreatworld'srealmsofairandsky:Fortheycoheretogetherwithcommonroots,Conjoinedboth,evenfromtheirearliestage,

Inlinkedunison.Aye,seestthounotThatthismostsubtleenergyofsoulSupportsourbody,thoughsoheavyaweight,-Because,indeed,'tiswithitsoconjoinedInlinkedunison?Whatpower,insum,Canraisewithagileleapourbodyaloft,Saveenergyofmindwhichsteersthelimbs?NowseestthounothowpowerfulmaybeAsubtlenature,whenconjoineditisWithheavybody,asairiswiththeearthConjoined,andenergyofmindwithus?Nowlet'sussingwhatmakesthestarstomove.Infirstplace,ifthemightysphereofheaven

Revolvethround,thenneedswemustaverThatontheupperandtheunderpolePressesacertainair,andfromwithoutConfinesthemandenclosethateachend;Andthat,moreover,anotherairaboveStreamsonathwartthetopofthesphereandtendsInsamedirectionasarerolledalongTheglitteringstarsoftheeternalworld;OrthatanotherstillstreamsonbelowTowhirlthespherefromunderupandon



HereinthelandsofearthareseentochangeFromtimetotimetheirsizetolessormoreOnlytheleast,whenmoreorlessaway,Solongasstilltheybickerclear,andstillTheirglow'sperceived.NorneedtherebeformenAstonishmentthatyondersunsosmallCanyetsendforthsogreatalightasfillsOceansandallthelandsandskyaflood,AndwithitsfieryexhalationssteepsTheworldatlarge.Foritmaybe,indeed,Thatonevast-flowingwell-springofthewholeWideworldfromherehathopenedandout-gushed,Andshotitslightabroad;becausethuswiseTheelementsoffieryexhalationsFromalltheworldaroundtogethercome,AndthuswiseflowintoabulksobigThatfromonesinglefountain-headmaystreamThisheatandlight.Andseestthounot,indeed,Howwidelyonesmallwater-springmaywetThemeadow-landsattimesandfloodthefields?'Tisevenpossible,besides,thatheatFromforththesun'sownfire,albeitthatfireBenotagreat,maypermeatetheair

Withthefiercehot-ifbut,perchance,theairBeofconditionandsotemperedthenAstobekindled,evenwhenbeatuponOnlybylittleparticlesofheat-JustaswesometimesseethestandinggrainOrstubblestrawinconflagrationallFromonelonespark.Andpossiblythesun,Agleamonhighwithrosylampion,PossessesabouthimwithinvisibleheatsAplenteousfire,bynoeffulgencemarked,Sothathemaketh,he,theFraught-with-fire,Increasetosuchdegreetheforceofrays.

NoristhereonesurecauserevealedtomenHowthesunjourneysfromhissummerhauntsOntothemid-mostwinterturning-pointsInCapricorn,thethencerevertingveersBacktosolstitialgoalsofCancer;norHow'tisthemoonisseeneachmonthtocrossThatverydistancewhichintraversingThesunconsumesthemeasureofayear.Isay,nooneclearreasonhathbeengivenFortheseaffairs.YetchiefinlikelihoodSeemeththedoctrinewhichtheholythoughtOfgreatDemocrituslaysdown:thateverThenearertheconstellationsbetoearth

ThelesscantheybywhirlingoftheskyBebornealong,becausethoseskieypowersOfspeedaloftdovanishanddecreaseInunder-regions,andthesunisthusLeftbydegreesbehindamongstthosesignsThatfollowafter,sincethesunheliesFardownbelowthestarrysignsthatblaze;Andthemoonlagseventardierthanthesun:InjustsofarasishercourseremovedFromupperheavenandnighuntothelands,



InjustsofarshefailstokeepthepaceWithstarrysignsabove;forjustsofarAsfeebleristhewhirlthatbearsheron,(Being,indeed,stilllowerthanthesun),Injustsofardoallthestarrysigns,Circlingaround,o'ertakeherando'erpass.ThereforeithappensthatthemoonappearsMoreswiftlytoreturntoanysignAlongtheZodiac,thandoththesun,BecausethosesignsdovisitheragainMoreswiftlythantheyvisitthegreatsun.ItcanbealsothattwostreamsofairAlternatelyatfixedperiodsBlowoutfromtransverseregionsoftheworld,OfwhichtheonemaythrustthesunawayFromsummer-signstomid-mostwintergoalsAndrigorsofthecold,andtheotherthenMaycasthimbackfromicyshadesofchillEventotheheat-fraughtregionsandthesignsThatblazealongtheZodiac.So,too,Wemustsupposethemoonandallthestars,WhichthroughthemightyandsiderealyearsRollroundinmightyorbits,maybespedBystreamsofairfromregionsalternate.

SeestthounotalsohowthecloudsbespedBycontrarywindstoregionscontrary,Thelowercloudsdiverselyfromtheupper?Then,whymayyonderstarsinetherthereAlongtheirmightyorbitsnotbeborneBycurrentsoppositetheonetoother?

Butnighto'erwhelmsthelandswithvastymurkEitherwhensun,afterhisdiurnalcourse,HathwalkedtheultimateregionsoftheskyAndwearilyhathpantedforthhisfires,ShiveredbytheirlongjourneyingandwastedBytraversingthemultitudinousair,

Orelsebecausetheself-sameforcethatdraveHisorbalongabovethelandscompelsHimthentoturnhiscoursebeneaththelands.MatutaalsoatafixedhourSpreadeththeroseatemorningoutalongThecoastsofheavenanddeploysthelight,Eitherbecausetheself-samesun,returningUnderthelands,aspirestoseizethesky,StrivingtosetitblazingwithhisraysErehehimselfappear,orelsebecauseFiresthenwillcongregateandmanyseedsOfheatarewont,evenatafixedtime,Tostreamtogether-genderingevermore

Newsunsandlight.JustsothestorygoesThatfromtheIdaeanmountain-topsareseenDispersedfiresuponthebreakofdayWhichthencecombine,as'twere,intooneballAndformanorb.NoryetintheseaffairsIsaughtforwonderthattheseseedsoffireCanthustogetherstreamattimesofixedAndshapeanewthesplendourofthesun.FormanyfactsweseewhichcometopassAtfixedtimeinallthings:burgeonshrubs



Atfixedtime,andatafixedtimeTheycasttheirflowers;andEldcommandstheteeth,Attimeassurelyfixed,todropaway,AndYouthcommandsthegrowingboytobloomWiththesoftdownandletfrombothhischeeksThesoftbeardfall.Andlastly,thunder-bolts,Snow,rains,clouds,winds,atseasonsoftheyearNowiseunfixed,alldocometopass.Forwhere,evenfromtheiroldprimordialstartCauseshaveeverworkedinsuchaway,Andwhere,evenfromtheworld'sfirstorigin,Thuswisehavethingsbefallen,soevennowAfterafixedordertheycomeroundInsequencealso.Likewise,daysmaywaxWhilstthenightswane,anddaylightminishedbeWhilstnightsdotaketheiraugmentations,Eitherbecausetheself-samesun,coursingUnderthelandsandoverintwoarcs,Alongerandabriefer,dothdispartThecoastsofetheranddividesintwainHisorbitallunequally,andadds,Asroundhe'sborne,untotheonehalfthereAsmuchasfromtheotherhalfhe'sta'en,

UntilhethenarrivesthatsignofheavenWheretheyear'snoderenderstheshadesofnightEqualuntotheperiodsoflight.ForwhenthesunismidwayonhiscourseBetweentheblastsofnorthwindandofsouth,Heavenkeepshistwogoalspartedequally,ByvirtueofthefixedpositionoldOfthewholestarryZodiac,throughwhichThatsun,inwindingonward,takesayear,IlluminingtheskyandallthelandsWithobliquelight-asmendeclaretousWhobytheirdiagramshavechartedwellThoseregionsoftheskywhichbeadorned

WiththearrangedsignsofZodiac.Orelse,becauseincertainpartstheairUnderthelandsisdenser,thetremulousBrightbeamsoffiredowavertardily,NoreasilycanpenetratethatairNoryetemergeuntotheirrising-place:ForthisitisthatnightsinwintertimeDolingerlong,erecomesthemany-rayedRoundBadgeoftheday.Orelsebecause,assaid,InalternatingseasonsoftheyearFires,nowmorequick,andnowmoreslow,arewontTostreamtogether-thefireswhichmakethesunToriseinsomeonespot-thereforeitis

ThatthosemenseemtospeakthetruthwhoholdAnewsuniswitheachnewdaybreakborn.

ThemoonshepossiblydothshinebecauseStrookbytheraysofsun,anddaybydayMayturnuntoourgazeherlight,themoreShedothrecedefromorbofsun,until,Facinghimoppositeacrosstheworld,Shehathwithfulleffulgencegleamedabroad,And,atherrisingasshesoarsabove,



Haththereobservedhissetting;thencelikewiseSheneedsmusthide,as'twere,herlightbehindByslowdegrees,thenearernowsheglides,AlongthecircleoftheZodiac,Fromherfarplacetowardfiresofyondersun-AsthosemenholdwhofeignthemoontobeJustlikeaballandtopursueacourseBetwixtthesunandearth.Thereis,again,SomereasontosupposethatmoonmayrollWithlightherveryown,andthusdisplayThevariedshapesofherresplendencethere.Fornearheris,percase,anotherbody,Invisible,becausedevoidoflight,Borneonandglidingallalongwithher,Whichinthreemodesmayblockandblotherdisk.Again,shemayrevolveuponherself,Liketoaball'ssphere-ifperchancethatbe-Onehalfofherdyedo'erwithglowinglight,AndbytherevolutionofthatsphereShemaybegetforushervaryingshapes,UntilsheturnsthatfierypartofherFulltothesightandopeneyesofmen;Thencebyslowstagesroundandbackshewhirls,Withdrawingthustheluminiferouspart

Ofherspheredmassandball,as,verily,TheBabyloniandoctrineofChaldees,RefutingtheartofGreekastrologers,Labours,inopposition,toprovesure-Asif,forsooth,thethingforwhicheachfights,Mightnotalikebetrue-oraughttherewereWhereforethoumightestriskembracingoneMorethantheothernotion.Then,again,WhyanewmoonmightnotforevermoreCreatedbewithfixedsuccessionsthereOfshapesandwithconfigurationsfixed,AndwhyeachdaythatbrightcreatedmoonMightnotmiscarryandanotherbe,

Initssteadandplace,engenderedanew,'Tishardtoshowbyreason,orbywordsToproveabsurd-since,lo,somanythingsCanbecreatewithfixedsuccessions:Spring-timeandVenuscome,andVenus'boy,Thewingedharbinger,stepsonbefore,AndhardonZephyr'sfoot-printsMotherFlora,Sprinklingthewaysbeforethem,fillethallWithcoloursandwithodoursexcellent;WhereafterfollowsaridHeat,andheCompanionedisbyCeres,dustyone,AndbytheEtesianBreezesofthenorthAtrisingofthedog-staroftheyear;

ThencomethAutumnon,andwithhimstepsLordBacchus,andthenotherSeasonstooAndotherWindsdofollow-thehighroarOfgreatVolturnus,andtheSouthwindstrongWiththunder-bolts.Atlastearth'sShortest-DayBearsontomenthesnowsandbringsagainThenumbingcold.AndWinterfollowsher,Histeethwithchillsa-chatter.Therefore,'tisThelessamarvel,ifatfixedtimeAmoonisthusbegottenandagain



Atfixedtimedestroyed,sincethingssomanyCancometobeingthusatfixedtime.

Likewise,thesun'seclipsesandthemoon'sFaroccultationsrightlythoumaystdeemAsduetoseveralcauses.For,indeed,WhyshouldthemoonbeabletoshutoutEarthfromthelightofsun,andonthesideToearthwardthrustherhighheadundersun,Opposingdarkorbtohisglowingbeams-Andyet,atsametime,onesupposetheeffectCouldnotresultfromsomeoneotherbodyWhichglidesdevoidoflightforevermore?Again,whycouldnotsun,inweakenedstate,Atfixedtimefor-losehisfires,andthen,WhenhehaspassedonalongtheairBeyondtheregions,hostiletohisflames,Thatquenchandkillhisfires,whycouldnotheRenewhislight?AndwhyshouldearthinturnHavepowertorobthemoonoflight,andthere,Herselfonhigh,keepthesunhidbeneath,WhilstthemoonglidethinhermonthlycourseAthroughtherigidshadowsofthecone?-Andyet,atsametime,someoneotherbody

Nothavethepowertounder-passthemoon,Orglidealongabovetheorbofsun,Breakinghisraysandoutspreadlightasunder?Andstill,ifmoonherselfrefulgentbeWithherownsheen,whycouldshenotattimesInsomeonequarterofthemightyworldGrowweakandweary,whilstshepasseththroughRegionsunfriendlytothebeamsherown?

OriginsofVegetableandAnimalLife

Andnowtowhatremains!-SinceI'veresolvedBywhatarrangementsallthingscometopass

Throughtheblueregionsofthemightyworld,-HowwecanknowwhatenergyandcauseStartedthevariouscoursesofthesunAndthemoon'sgoings,andbywhatfarmeansTheycansuccumb,thewhilewiththwartedlight,Andveilwithshadetheunsuspectinglands,When,asitwere,theyblink,andthenagainWithopeneyesurveyallregionswide,Resplendentwithwhiteradiance-IdonowReturnuntotheworld'sprimevalageAndtellwhatfirstthesoftyoungfieldsofearthWithearliestparturitionhaddecreedToraiseinairuntotheshoresoflight

Andtoentrustuntothewaywardwinds.

Inthebeginning,earthgaveforth,aroundThehillsandoverallthelengthofplains,Theraceofgrassesandtheshininggreen;TheflowerymeadowssparkledallaglowWithgreeningcolour,andthereafter,lo,UntothediverskindsoftreeswasgivenAnemulousimpulsemightilytoshoot,Withafreerein,aloftintotheair.



AsfeathersandhairsandbristlesarebegotThefirstonmembersofthefour-footbreedsAndonthebodiesofthestrong-y-winged,ThusthenthenewEarthfirstofallputforthGrassesandshrubs,andafterwardbegatThemortalgenerations,thereupsprung-Innumerableinmodesinnumerable-Afterdivergingfashions.ForfromskyThesebreathing-creaturesnevercanhavedropped,Northeland-dwellerseverhavecomeupOutofsea-poolsofsalt.Howtrueremains,HowmeritedisthatadoptednameOfearth-"TheMother!"-sincefromouttheearthAreallbegotten.AndevennowariseFromouttheloamshowmanylivingthings-Concretedbytherainsandheatofthesun.Wherefore'tislessamarvel,iftheysprangInLongAgomoremany,andmorebig,MaturedofthosedaysinthefreshyoungyearsOfearthandether.Firstofall,theraceOfthewingedonesandparti-colouredbirds,Hatchedoutinspring-time,lefttheireggsbehind;Asnow-a-daysinsummertree-cricketsDoleavetheirshinyhusksofownaccord,

Seekingtheirfoodandliving.ThenitwasThisearthofthinefirstgaveuntothedayThemortalgenerations;forprevailedAmongthefieldsaboundinghotandwet.Andhence,whereanyfittingspotwasgiven,There'gantogrowwomb-cavities,byrootsAffixedtoearth.AndwheninripenedtimeTheageoftheyoungwithin(thatsoughttheairAndfledearth'sdamps)hadburstthesewombs,OthenWouldNaturethitherturntheporesofearthAndmakeherspurtfromopenveinsajuiceLikeuntomilk;evenasawomannowIsfilled,atchild-bearing,withthesweetmilk,

BecauseallthatswiftstreamofalimentIsthitherturneduntothemother-breasts.Thereearthwouldfurnishtothechildrenfood;Warmthwastheirswaddlingcloth,thegrasstheirbedAboundinginsoftdown.Earth'snewnessthenWouldrousenodourspellsofthebittercold,Norextremeheatsnorwindsofmightypowers-ForallthingsgrowandgatherstrengththroughtimeInlikeproportions;andthenearthwasyoung.

Wherefore,again,again,howmeritedIsthatadoptednameofEarth-TheMother!-Sincesheherselfbegatthehumanrace,

Andatonewell-nighfixedtimebroughtforthEachbreastthatrangesravingroundaboutUponthemightymountainsandallbirdsAerialwithmanyavariedshape.But,lo,becauseherbearingyearsmustend,Sheceased,liketoawomanwornbyeld.ForlapsingaeonschangethenatureofThewholewideworld,andallthingsneedsmusttakeOnestatusafterother,noraughtpersistsForeverlikeitself.Allthingsdepart;



Natureshechangethall,compellethallTotransformation.Lo,thismouldersdown,A-slackwithwearyeld,andthat,again,Prospersinglory,issuingfromcontempt.Insuchwise,then,thelapsingaeonschangeThenatureofthewholewideworld,andearthTakethonestatusafterother.AndwhatSheboreofold,shenowcanbearnolonger,Andwhatsheneverbore,shecanto-day.

InthosedaysalsothetelluricworldStrovetobegetthemonstersthatupsprungWiththeirastoundingvisagesandlimbs-TheMan-woman-athingbetwixtthetwain,Yetneither,andfromeithersexremote-SomegruesomeBogglesorphanedofthefeet,Somewidowedofthehands,dumbHorrorstooWithoutamouth,orblindOnesofnoeye,OrBulksallshackledbytheirlegsandarmsCleavinguntothebodyforeandaft,Thuswise,thatnevercouldtheydoorgo,Norshundisaster,nortakethegoodtheywould.AndotherprodigiesandmonstersearthWasthenbegettingofthissort-invain,

SinceNaturebannedwithhorrortheirincrease,AndpowerlessweretheytoreachuntoThecovetedfloweroffairmaturity,Ortofindaliment,ortointertwineInworksofVenus.ForweseetheremustConcurinlifeconditionsmanifold,IflifeiseverbybegettinglifeToforgethegenerationsonebyone:First,foodsmustbe;and,next,apathwherebyTheseedsofimpregnationintheframeMayooze,releasedfromthemembersall;Last,thepossessionofthoseinstrumentsWherebythemalewithfemalecanunite,

Theonewithotherinmutualravishments.

Andintheagesaftermonstersdied,Perforcethereperishedmanyastock,unableBypropagationtoforgeaprogeny.ForwhatsoevercreaturesthoubeholdestBreathingthebreathoflife,thesamehavebeenEvenfromtheirearliestagepreservedaliveBycunning,orbyvalour,oratleastByspeedoffootorwing.AndmanyastockRemainethyet,becauseofusetoman,Andsocommittedtoman'sguardianship.Valourhathsavedalivefiercelion-breeds

Andmanyanotherterrorizingrace,Cunningthefoxes,flighttheantleredstags.Light-sleepingdogswithfaithfulheartinbreast,However,andeverykindbegotfromseedOfbeastsofdraft,as,too,thewoollyflocksAndhornedcattle,all,myMemmius,Havebeencommittedtoguardianshipofmen.Foranxiouslytheyfledthesavagebeasts,Andpeacetheysoughtandtheirabundantfoods,Obtainedwithneverlaboursoftheirown,



WhichwesecuretothemasfitrewardsFortheirgoodservice.ButthosebeaststowhomNaturehasgrantednaughtofthesesamethings-BeastsquiteunfitbyownfreewilltothriveAndvainforanyserviceuntousInthanksforwhichweshouldpermittheirkindTofeedandbeinourprotectionsafe-Those,ofatruth,werewonttobeexposed,Enshackledinthegruesomebondsofdoom,Aspreyandbootyfortherest,untilNaturereducedthatstocktoutterdeath.

ButCentaursne'erhavebeen,norcantherebeCreaturesoftwofoldstockanddoubleframe,Compactofmembersalieninkind,Yetformedwithequalfunction,equalforceIneverybodilypart-afactthoumayst,Howeverdullthywits,welllearnfromthis:Thehorse,whenhisthreeyearshaverolledaway,Flowersinhisprimeofvigour;buttheboyNotso,forofteventhenhegropesinsleepAfterthemilkynipplesofthebreasts,Aninfantstill.Andlater,whenatlastThelustypowersofhorsesandstoutlimbs,

Nowweakthroughlapsinglife,dofailwithage,Lo,onlythendothyouthwithfloweringyearsBeginforboys,andclothetheirruddycheeksWiththesoftdown.Soneverdeem,percase,Thatfromamanandfromtheseedofhorse,Thebeastofdraft,canCentaursbecomposedOre'erexistalive,norScyllasbe-Thehalf-fishbodiesgirdledwithmaddogs-Norothersofthissort,inwhomwemarkMembersdiscordanteachwitheach;forne'erAtonesametimetheyreachtheirflowerofageOrgainandlosefullvigouroftheirframe,Andneverburnwithonesamelustoflove,

Andneverintheirhabitstheyagree,Norfindthesamefoodsequallydelightsome-Sooth,asoneoftmayseethebeardedgoatsBattenuponthehemlockwhichtomanIsviolentpoison.Onceagain,sinceflameIswonttoscorchandburnthetawnybulksOfthegreatlionsasmuchasotherkindsOffleshandbloodexistinginthelands,Howcoulditbethatshe,Chimaeralone,Withtriplebody-fore,alionshe;Andaft,adragon;andbetwixt,agoat-MightatthemouthfromoutthebodybelchInfuriateflame?Wherefore,themanwhofeigns

SuchbeingscouldhavebeenengenderedWhenearthwasnewandtheyoungskywasfresh(Basinghisemptyargumentonnew)MaybabblewithlikereasonmanywhimsIntoourears:he'llsay,perhaps,thatthenRiversofgoldthrougheverylandscapeflowed,Thattreeswerewontwithpreciousstonestoflower,OrthatinthosefaraeonsmanwasbornWithsuchgiganticlengthandliftoflimbsAstobeable,baseduponhisfeet,



Deepoceanstobestride;orwithhishandsTowhirlthefirmamentaroundhishead.ForthoughinearthweremanyseedsofthingsIntheoldtimewhenthistelluricworldFirstpouredthebreedsofanimalsabroad,StillthatisnothingofasignthatthenSuchhybridcreaturescouldhavebeenbegotAndlimbsofallbeastsheterogeneousHavebeentogetherknit;because,indeed,ThediverskindsofgrassesandthegrainsAndthedelightsometrees-whichevennowSpringupaboundingfromwithintheearth-Canstillne'erbebegottenwiththeirstemsBegraftedintoone;buteachsolethingProceedsaccordingtoitsproperwontAndallconservetheirowndistinctionsbasedInNature'sfixeddecree.

OriginsandSavagePeriodofMankind

ButmortalmanWasthenfarhardierintheoldchampaign,Aswellheshouldbe,sinceahardierearthHadhimbegotten;buildedtoowashe

Ofbiggerandmoresolidboneswithin,Andknitwithstalwartsinewsthroughtheflesh,Noreasilyseizedbyeitherheatorcold,Oralienfoodoranyailorirk.AndwhilstsomanylustrumsofthesunRolledonacrossthesky,menledalifeAftertherovinghabitofwildbeasts.Notthenweresturdyguidersofcurvedploughs,Andnoneknewthentoworkthefieldswithiron,Orplantyoungshootsinholesofdelvedloam,OrlopwithhookedknivesfromoffhightreesTheboughsofyester-year.WhatsunandrainsTothemhadgiven,whatearthofownaccord

Createdthen,wasboonenoughtogladTheirsimplehearts.Midacorn-ladenoaksWouldtheyrefreshtheirbodiesforthenonce;Andthewildberriesofthearbute-tree,Whichnowthouseesttoripenpurple-redInwintertime,theoldtelluricsoilWouldbearthenmoreabundantandmorebig.Andmanycoarsefoods,too,inlongagoThebloomingfreshnessoftherankyoungworldProduced,enoughforthosepoorwretchesthere.AndriversandspringswouldsummonthemofoldToslakethethirst,asnowfromthegreathillsThewater'sdown-rushcallsaloudandfar

Thethirstygenerationsofthewild.So,too,theysoughtthegrottosoftheNymphs-Thewoodlandhauntsdiscoveredastheyranged-FromforthofwhichtheyknewthatglidingrillsWithgushandsplashaboundinglavedtherocks,Thedrippingrocks,andtrickledfromaboveOvertheverdantmoss;andhereandthereWelledupandburstacrosstheopenflats.AsyettheyknewnottoenkindlefireAgainstthecold,norhairypeltstouse



Andclothetheirbodieswiththespoilsofbeasts;Buthuddledingroves,andmountain-caves,andwoods,And'mongstthethicketshidtheirsqualidbacks,WhendriventofleethelashingsofthewindsAndthebigrains.NorcouldtheythenregardThegeneralgood,nordidtheyknowtouseIncommonanycustoms,anylaws:WhateverofbootyfortuneuntoeachHadproffered,eachalonewouldbearaway,Byinstincttrainedforselftothriveandlive.AndVenusintheforeststhenwouldlinkThelovers'bodies;forthewomanyieldedEitherfrommutualflame,orfromtheman'sImpetuousfuryandinsatiatelust,Orfromabribe-asacorn-nuts,choicepears,Orthewildberriesofthearbute-tree.Andtrustingwondrousstrengthofhandsandlegs,They'dchasetheforest-wanderers,thebeasts;Andmanythey'dconquer,butsomefewtheyfled,A-skulkintotheirhiding-places...

WiththeflungstonesandwiththeponderousheftOfgnarledbranch.AndbythetimeofnightO'ertaken,theywouldthrow,likebristlyboars,

Theirwildman'slimbsnakedupontheearth,Rollingthemselvesinleavesandfrondedboughs.NorwouldtheycallwithlamentationsloudAroundthefieldsfordaylightandthesun,Quakingandwand'ringinshadowsofthenight;But,silentandburiedinasleep,they'dwaitUntilthesunwithrosyflambeaubroughtTheglorytothesky.FromchildhoodwontEvertoseethedarkanddaybegotIntimesalternate,nevermighttheybeWilderedbywildmisgiving,lestanightEternalshouldpossesthelands,withlightOfsunwithdrawnforever.Buttheircare

WasratherthattheclansofsavagebeastsWouldoftenmaketheirsleep-timehorribleForthosepoorwretches;and,fromhomey-driven,They'dfleetheirrockysheltersatapproachOfboar,thespumy-lipped,orlionstrong,AndinthemidnightyieldwithterrorupTothosefiercegueststheirbedsofout-spreadleaves.

AndyetinthosedaysnotmuchmorethannowWouldgenerationsofmortalityLeavethesweetlightoffadinglifebehind.Indeed,inthosedayshereandthereaman,Moreoftenersnatchedupon,andgulpedbyfangs,

Affordedthebeastsafoodthatroaredalive,Echoingthroughgrovesandhillsandforesttrees,EvenasheviewedhislivingfleshentombedWithinalivinggrave;whilstthosewhomflightHadsaved,withboneandbodybitten,shrieked,Pressingtheirquiveringpalmstoloathsomesores,Withhorriblevoicesforeternaldeath-Until,forlornofhelp,andwitlesswhatMightmedicinetheirwounds,thewrithingpangsTookthemfromlife.Butnotinthosefartimes



WouldonelonedaygiveoveruntodoomAsoldieryinthousandsmarchingonBeneaththebattle-banners,norwouldthenTherampingbreakersofthemainseasdashWholeargosiesandcrewsupontherocks.Butoceanuprisenwouldoftenraveinvain,Withoutallendoroutcome,andgiveupItsemptymenacingsaslightlytoo;NorsoftseductionsofasereneseaCouldlurebylaughingbillowsanymanOuttodisaster:forthescienceboldOfship-sailinglaydarkinthosefartimes.Again,'twasthenthatlackoffoodgaveo'erMen'sfaintinglimbstodissolution:now'Tisplentyoverwhelms.Unwary,theyOftforthemselvesthemselveswouldthenoutpourThepoison;now,withnicerart,themselvesTheygivethedraftstoothers.

BeginningsofCivilization

Afterwards,Whenhutstheyhadprocuredandpeltsandfire,Andwhenthewoman,joineduntotheman,

Withdrewwithhimintoonedwellingplace,

Wereknown;andwhentheysawanoffspringbornFromoutthemselves,thenfirstthehumanraceBegantosoften.For'twasnowthatfireRenderedtheirshiveringframeslessstaunchtobear,Underthecanopyofthesky,thecold;AndLovereducedtheirshaggyhardiness;Andchildren,withtheprattleandthekiss,Soonbroketheparents'haughtytemperdown.Then,too,didneighbours'gintoleagueasfriends,Eagertowrongnomoreorsufferwrong,Andurgedforchildrenandthewomankind

Mercy,offathers,whilstwithcriesandgesturesTheystammeredhintshowmeetitwasthatallShouldhavecompassionontheweak.Andstill,ThoughconcordnotineverywisecouldthenBegottenbe,agood,agoodlypartKeptfaithinviolate-orelsemankindLongsincehadbeenunutterablycutoff,AndpropagationnevercouldhavebroughtThespeciesdowntheages.Lest,perchance,ConcerningtheseaffairsthouponderestInsilentmeditation,letmesay'Twaslightningbroughtprimevallytoearth

Thefireformortals,andfromthencehathspreadO'erallthelandstheflamesofheat.ForthusEvennowweseesomanyobjects,touchedBythecelestialflames,toflashaglow,Whenthunderbolthasdoweredthemwithheat.Yetalsowhenamany-branchedtree,Beatenbywinds,writhesswayingtoandfro,Pressing'gainstbranchesofaneighbourtree,TherebythepowerofmightyrubandrubIsfireengendered;andattimesout-flares



Thescorchingheatofflame,whenboughsdochafeAgainstthetrunks.Andofthesecauses,eitherMaywellhavegiventomortalmenthefire.Next,foodtocookandsoftenintheflameThesuninstructed,sincesoofttheysawHowobjectsmellowed,whensubduedbywarmthAndbytherainingblowsoffierybeams,Throughallthefields.AndmoreandmoreeachdayWouldmenmorestronginsense,morewiseinheart,TeachthemtochangetheirearliermodeandlifeByfireandnewdevices.KingsbeganCitiestofoundandcitadelstoset,Asstrongholdsandasylumsforthemselves,AndflocksandfieldstoportionforeachmanAfterthebeauty,strength,andsenseofeach-Forbeautythenimportedmuch,andstrengthHaditsownrightssupreme.Thereafter,wealthDiscoveredwas,andgoldwasbroughttolight,Whichsoonofhonourstrippedbothstrongandfair;Formen,howeverbeautifulinformOrvalorous,willfollowinthemainTherichman'sparty.YetweremantosteerHislifebysounderreasoning,he'down

Aboundingriches,ifwithmindcontentHelivedbythrift;fornever,asIguess,Istherealackoflittleintheworld.ButmenwishedgloryforthemselvesandpowerEventhattheirfortunesonfoundationsfirmMightrestforever,andthattheythemselves,Theopulent,mightpassaquietlife-Invain,invain;since,inthestrifetoclimbOntotheheightsofhonour,mendomakeTheirpathwayterrible;andevenwhenonceTheyreachthem,envylikethethunderboltAttimeswillsmite,OhurlingheadlongdownTomurkiestTartarus,inscorn;for,lo,

Allsummits,allregionsloftierthantherest,Smoke,blastedasbyenvy'sthunderbolts;Sobetterfarinquiettoobey,ThantodesirechiefmasteryofaffairsAndownershipofempires.Beitso;Andletthewearysweattheirlife-bloodoutAlltonoend,battlinginhatealongThenarrowpathofman'sambitionSincealltheirwisdomisfromothers'lips,Andalltheyseekisknownfromwhatthey'veheardAndlessfromwhatthey'vethought.NoristhisfollyGreaterto-day,norgreatersoontobe,Than'twasofold.

Andthereforekingswereslain,AndpristinemajestyofgoldenthronesAndhaughtysceptreslayo'erturnedindust;Andcrowns,sosplendidonthesovereignheads,Soonbloodyundertheproletarianfeet,Groanedfortheirgloriesgone-forersto'er-muchDreaded,thereafterwithmoregreedyzestTrampledbeneaththerabbleheel.ThusthingsDowntothevilestleesofbrawlingmobsSuccumbed,whilsteachmansoughtuntohimself



Dominionandsupremacy.SonextSomewiserheadsinstructedmentofoundThemagisterialoffice,anddidframeCodesthattheymightconsenttofollowlaws.Forhumankind,o'erweariedwithalifeFosteredbyforce,wasailingfromitsfeuds;AndsothesoonerofitsownfreewillYieldedtolawsandstrictestcodes.ForsinceEachhandmadereadyinitswrathtotakeAvengeancefiercerthanbyman'sfairlawsIsnowconceded,menonthisaccountLoathedtheoldlifefosteredbyforce.'TisthenceThatfearofpunishmentsdefileseachprizeOfwickeddays;forforceandfraudensnareEachmanaround,andinthemainrecoilOnhimfromwhencetheysprung.Noteasy'tisForonewhoviolatesbyuglydeedsThebondsofcommonpeacetopassalifeComposedandtranquil.Foralbeithe'scapeTheraceofgodsandmen,heyetmustdread'Twillnotbehidforever-since,indeed,Somany,oftbabblingonamidtheirdreamsOrravinginsickness,havebetrayedthemselves(Asstoriestell)andpublishedatlast

Oldsecretsandthesins.ButNature'twasUrgedmentouttervarioussoundsoftongueAndneedandusedidmouldthenamesofthings,Aboutinsamewiseasthelack-speechyearsCompelyoungchildrenuntogesturings,MakingthempointwithfingerhereandthereAtwhat'sbeforethem.ForeachcreaturefeelsByinstincttowhatusetoputhispowers.Ereyetthebull-calf'sscarcebegottenhornsProjectabovehisbrows,withthemhe'ginsEnragedtobuttandsavagelytothrust.Butwhelpsofpanthersandthelion'scubs

WithclawsandpawsandbitesareatthefrayAlready,whentheirteethandclawsbescarceAsyetengendered.Soagain,weseeAllbreedsofwingedcreaturestrusttowingsAndfromtheirfledglingpinionsseektogetAflutteringassistance.Thus,tothinkThatinthosedayssomemanapportionedroundTothingstheirnames,andthatfromhimmenlearnedTheirfirstnomenclature,isfoolery.ForwhycouldhemarkeverythingbywordsAndutterthevarioussoundsoftongue,whattimeTherestmaybesupposedpowerlessTodothesame?And,iftheresthadnot

Alreadyonewithotherusedwords,Whencewasimplantedintheteacher,then,Fore-knowledgeoftheiruse,andwhencewasgivenTohimaloneprimordialfacultyToknowandseeinmindwhat'twashewilled?Besides,oneonlymancouldscarcesubdueAnovermasteredmultitudetochooseTogetbyhearthisnamesofthings.AtaskNoteasy'tisinanywisetoteachAndtopersuadethedeafconcerningwhat



'Tisneedfulfortodo.Forne'erwouldtheyAllow,norne'erinanywiseendurePerpetualvaindingdongintheirearsOfspokensoundsunheardbefore.Andwhat,Atlast,inthisaffairsowondrousis,Thathumanrace(inwhomavoiceandtongueWerenowinvigour)shouldbydiverswordsDenoteitsobjects,aseachdiverssenseMightprompt?-sinceeventhespeechlessherds,aye,since

TheverygenerationsofwildbeastsArewontdissimilaranddiverssoundsTorousefrominthem,whenthere'sfearorpain,Andwhentheyburstwithjoys.Andthis,forsooth,'Tisthinetoknowfromplainestfacts:whenfirstHugeflabbyjowlsofmadMolossianhounds,Baringtheirhardwhiteteeth,begintosnarl,Theythreaten,withinfuriatelipspeeledback,InsoundsfarotherthanwithwhichtheybarkAndfillwithvoicesalltheregionsround.AndwhenwithfondlingtonguetheystarttolickTheirpuppies,ordotossthemroundwithpaws,Feigningwithgentlebitestogapeandsnap,Theyfawnwithyelpsofvoicefarotherthen

Thanwhen,alonewithinthehouse,theybay,Orwhimperingslinkwithcringingsidesfromblows.Againtheneighingofthehorse,isthatNotseentodifferlikewise,whenthestudInbuoyantflowerofhisyoungyearsraves,GoadedbywingedLove,amongstthemares,AndwhenwithwideningnostrilsouthesnortsThecalltobattle,andwhenhaplyheWhinniesattimeswithterror-quakinglimbs?Lastly,theflyingrace,thedappledbirds,Hawks,ospreys,sea-gulls,searchingfoodandlifeAmidtheoceanbillowsinthebrine,Utteratothertimesfarothercries

Thenwhentheyfightforfood,orwiththeirpreyStruggleandstrain.AndbirdstherearewhichchangeWithchangingweathertheirownraucoussongs-Aslong-livedgenerationsofthecrowsOrflocksofrooks,whentheybesaidtocryForrainandwaterandtocallattimesForwindsandgales.Ergo,ifdiversmoodsCompelthebrutes,thoughspeechlessevermore,Tosendforthdiverssounds,OtrulythenHowmuchmorelikely'twerethatmortalmenInthosedayscouldwithmanyadifferentsoundDenoteeachseparatething.Andnowwhatcause

HathspreaddivinitiesofgodsabroadThroughmightynations,andfilledthecitiesfullOfthehighaltars,andledtopracticesOfsolemnritesinseason-riteswhichstillFlourishinmidstofgreataffairsofstateAndmidstgreatcentresofman'sciviclife,TheriteswhencestillapoormortalityIsgraftedthatquakingawewhichrearsaloftStillthenewtemplesofgodsfromlandtolandAnddrivesmankindtovisittheminthrongs



Onholydays-'tisnotsohardtogiveReasonthereofinspeech.Because,insooth,EveninthosedayswouldtheraceofmanBeseeingexcellingvisagesofgodsWithmindawake;andinhissleeps,yetmore-Bodiesofwondrousgrowth.And,thus,totheseWouldmenattributesense,becausetheyseemedTomovetheirlimbsandspeakpronouncementshigh,Befittinggloriousvisageandvastpowers.Andmenwouldgivethemaneternallife,BecausetheirvisagesforevermoreWeretherebeforethem,andtheirshapesremained,Andchiefly,however,becausemenwouldnotthinkBeingsaugmentedwithsuchmightypowersCouldwellbyanyforceo'ermasteredbe.AndmenwouldthinkthemintheirhappinessExcellingfar,becausethefearofdeathVexednooneofthematall,andsinceAtsametimeinmen'ssleepsmensawthemdoSomanywonders,andyetfeeltherefromThemselvesnoweariness.Besides,menmarkedHowinafixedorderrolledaroundThesystemsofthesky,andchangedtimesOnannualseasons,norwereablethen

Toknowthereofthecauses.Therefore'twasMenwouldtakerefugeinconsigningallUntodivinities,andinfeigningallWasguidedbytheirnod.AndintheskyTheysettheseatsandvaultsofgods,becauseAcrosstheskynightandthemoonareseenTorollalong-moon,day,andnight,andnight'sOldawesomeconstellationsevermore,Andthenight-wanderingfireballsofthesky,Andflyingflames,clouds,andthesun,therains,Snowandthewinds,thelightnings,andthehail,Andtheswiftrumblings,andthehollowroarOfmightymenacingsforevermore.

Ohumankindunhappy!-whenitascribedUntodivinitiessuchawesomedeeds,Andcoupledtheretorigoursoffiercewrath!WhatgroansdidmenonthatsaddaybegetEvenforthemselves,andOwhatwoundsforus,Whattearsforourchildren'schildren!Nor,Oman,Isthytruepietyinthis:withheadUndertheveil,stilltobeseentoturnFrontingastone,andevertoapproachUntoallaltars;norsoproneonearthForwardtofall,tospreadupturnedpalmsBeforetheshrinesofgods,noryettodewAltarswithprofusebloodoffour-footbeasts,

Norvowswithvowstolink.Butratherthis:TolookonallthingswithamastereyeAndmindatpeace.ForwhenwegazealoftUpontheskieyvaultsofyongreatworldAndether,fixedhigho'ertwinklingstars,AndintoourthoughttherecomethejourneyingsOfsunandmoon,Othenintoourbreasts,O'erburdenedalreadywiththeirotherills,BeginsforthwithtorearitssuddenheadOnemoremisgiving:lesto'erus,percase,



Itbethegods'immeasurablepowerThatrolls,withvariedmotion,roundandroundThefarwhiteconstellations.ForthelackOfaughtofreasonstriesthepuzzledmind:Whetherwaseverabirth-timeoftheworld,Andwhether,likewise,anyendshallbe.HowfartherampartsoftheworldcanstillOutstandthisstrainofever-rousedmotion,Orwhether,divinelywitheternalwealEndowed,theycanthroughendlesstractsofageGlideon,defyingtheo'er-mightypowersOftheimmeasurableages.Lo,WhatmanistherewhosemindwithdreadofgodsCringesnotclose,whoselimbswithterror-spellCrouchnottogether,whentheparchedearthQuakeswiththehorriblethunderboltamain,Andacrossthemightyskytherumblingsrun?Donotthepeoplesandthenationsshake,Andhaughtykingsdotheynothugtheirlimbs,Strookthroughwithfearofthedivinities,LestforaughtfoullydoneormadlysaidTheheavytimebenowathandtopay?When,too,fierceforceoffury-windsatseaSweepethanavy'sadmiraldownthemain

Withhisstoutlegionsandhiselephants,Dothhenotseekthepeaceofgodswithvows,Andbeginprayer,a-tremble,lulledwindsAndfriendlygales?-invain,since,oftenup-caughtInfury-cyclones,ishebornealong,Forallhismouthings,totheshoalsofdoom.Ah,soirrevocablysomehiddenpowerBetramplesforevermoreaffairsofmen,AndvisiblygrindethwithitsheelinmireThelictors'gloriousrodsandaxesdire,Havingtheminderision!Again,whenearthFromendtoendisrockingunderfoot,Andshakencitiesruindown,orthreaten

Upontheverge,whatwonderisitthenThatmortalgenerationsabasethemselves,AnduntogodsinallaffairsofearthAssignaslastresortalmightypowersAndwondrousenergiestogovernall?

Nowfortherest:copperandgoldandironDiscoveredwere,andwiththemsilver'sweightAndpoweroflead,whenwithprodigiousheatTheconflagrationsburnedtheforesttreesAmongthemightymountains,byaboltOflightningfromthesky,orelsebecauseMen,warringinthewoodlands,ontheirfoes

Hadhurledfiretofrightenanddismay,Oryetbecause,bygoodnessofthesoilInvited,mendesiredtoclearrichfieldsAndturnthecountrysidetopasture-lands,Orslaythewildandthriveuponthespoils.(Forhuntingbypit-fallandbyfirearoseBeforetheartofhedgingthecovertroundWithnetorstirringitwithdogsofchase.)Howsothefact,andfromwhatcausesoeverTheflamyheatwithawfulcrackandroar



HadtheredevouredtotheirdeepestrootsTheforesttreesandbakedtheearthwithfire,ThenfromtheboilingveinsbegantooozeOrivuletsofsilverandofgold,Ofleadandcoppertoo,collectingsoonIntothehollowplacesoftheground.AndwhenmensawthecooledlumpsanonToshinewithsplendour-sheenupontheground,Muchtakenwiththatlustroussmoothdelight,They'gantoprythemout,andsawhoweachHadgotashapeliketoitsearthymould.Thenwoulditentertheirheadshowthesesamelumps,Ifmeltedbyheat,couldintoanyformOrfigureofthingsberun,andhow,again,Ifhammeredout,theycouldbenicelydrawnTosharpestpointsorfinestedge,andthusYieldtotheforgerstoolsandgivethempowerTochoptheforestdown,tohewthelogs,Toshavethebeamsandplanks,besidestoboreAndpunchanddrill.AndmenbegansuchworkAtfirstasmuchwithtoolsofsilverandgoldAswiththeimpetuousstrengthofthestoutcopper;Butvainly-sincetheirover-masteredpowerWouldsoongiveway,unabletoendure,

Likecopper,suchhardlabour.InthosedaysCopperitwasthatwasthethingofprice;Andgoldlayuseless,bluntedwithdulledge.Nowliesthecopperlow,andgoldhathcomeUntotheloftiesthonours.ThusitisThatrollingageschangethetimesofthings:Whaterstwasofaprice,becomesatlastAdiscardofnohonour;whilstanotherSucceedstoglory,issuingfromcontempt,Anddaybydayissoughtformoreandmore,And,when'tisfound,dothflowerinmen'spraise,Objectsofwondroushonour.Now,Memmius,

Hownatureofirondiscoveredwas,thoumaystOfthineownselfdivine.Man'sancientarmsWerehands,andnailsandteeth,stonestooandboughs-Breakageofforesttrees-andflameandfire,Assoonasknown.ThereafterforceofironAndcopperdiscoveredwas;andcopper'suseWasknownereiron's,sincemoretractableItsnatureisanditsabundancemore.Withcoppermentoworkthesoilbegan,Withcoppertorousethehurlywavesofwar,Tostrawthemonstrouswounds,andseizeawayAnother'sflocksandfields.Foruntothem,Thusarmed,allthingsnakedofdefence

Readilyyielded.ThenbyslowdegreesTheswordofironsucceeded,andtheshapeOfbrazensickleintoscornwasturned:Withirontocleavethesoilofearththey'gan,AndthecontentionsofuncertainwarWererenderedequal.And,lo,manwaswontArmedtomountupontheribsofhorseAndguidehimwiththerein,andplayaboutWithrighthandfree,ofttimesbeforehetried



Perilsofwarinyokedchariot;AndyokedpairsabreastcameearlierThanyokesoffour,orscythedchariotsWhereintoclombthemen-at-arms.AndnextThePunicfolkdidtraintheelephants-ThosecurstLucanianoxen,hideous,Theserpent-handed,withturretsontheirbulks-Todurethewoundsofwarandpanic-strikeThemightytroopsofMars.ThusDiscordsadBegattheoneThingafterother,tobeTheterrorofthenationsunderarms,AnddaybydaytohorrorsofoldwarSheaddedanincrease.Bulls,too,theytriedInwar'sgrimbusiness;andessayedtosendOutrageousboarsagainstthefoes.AndsomeSentonbeforetheirrankspuissantlionsWitharmedtrainersandwithmastersfierceToguideandholdinchains-andyetinvain,Sincefleshedwithpell-mellslaughter,fiercetheyflew,

Andblindlythroughthesquadronshavocwrought,Shakingthefrightfulcrestsupontheirheads,Nowhere,nowthere.Norcouldthehorsemencalm

Theirhorses,panic-breastedattheroar,Andreinthemroundtofrontthefoe.WithspringTheinfuriateshe-lionswouldup-leapNowhere,nowthere;andwhosocameapaceAgainstthem,thesethey'drendacrosstheface;Andothersunwittingfrombehindthey'dtearDownfromtheirmounts,andtwiningroundthem,bringTumblingtoearth,o'ermasteredbythewound,AndwiththosepowerfulfangsandhookedclawsFastenuponthem.Bullswouldtosstheirfriends,Andtrampleunderfoot,andfrombeneathRipflanksandbelliesofhorseswiththeirhorns,Andwithathreat'ningforeheadjamthesod;

Andboarswouldgorewithstouttuskstheirallies,SplashinginfurytheirownbloodonspearsSplinteredintheirownbodies,andwouldfellInroutandruininfantryandhorse.Fortherethebeasts-of-saddletriedtoscapeThesavagethrustsoftuskbyshyingoff,Orrearingupwithhoofsa-pawinair.Invain-sincetherethoumightestseethemsink,Theirsinewssevered,andwithheavyfallBestrewtheground.AndsuchoftheseasmenSupposedwell-trainedlongagoathome,WereinthethickofactionseentofoamInfury,fromthewounds,theshrieks,theflight,

Thepanic,andthetumult;norcouldmenAughtoftheirnumbersrally.ForeachbreedAndvariousofthewildbeastsfledapartHitherorthither,asofteninwarsto-dayFleethoseLucanianoxen,bythesteelGrievouslymangled,aftertheyhavewroughtUpontheirfriendssomanyadreadfuldoom.(If'twas,indeed,thatthustheydidatall:ButscarcelyI'llbelievethatmencouldnotWithmindforeknowandsee,assuretocome,



Suchfoulandgeneraldisaster.ThisWe,then,mayholdastrueinthegreatAll,Indiversworldsondiversplancreate,-SomewhereafarmorelikelythanuponOnecertainearth.)ButmenchosethistodoLessinthehopeofconqueringthantogiveTheirenemiesagoodlycauseofwoe,Eventhoughtherebytheyperishedthemselves,Sinceweakinnumbersandsincewantingarms.

Now,clothesofroughlyinterplaitedstrandsWereearlierthanloom-wovecoverings;Theloom-wovelaterthanman'sironis,Sinceironisneedfulintheweavingart,NorbynoothermeanscantherebewroughtSuchpolishedtools-thetreadles,spindles,shuttles,Andsoundingyarn-beams.AndNatureforcedthemen,Beforethewomankind,toworkthewool:Forallthemalekindfarexcelsinskill,Andclevererisbymuch-untilatlastTheruggedfarmerfolkjeeredatsuchtasks,Andsowereeagersoontogivethemo'erTowomen'shands,andinmorehardytoilTohardenarmsandhands.

ButNatureherself,Motherofthings,wasthefirstseed-sowerAndprimalgrafter;sincetheberriesandacorns,Droppingfromoffthetrees,wouldtherebeneathPutforthinseasonswarmsoflittleshoots;Hencetoomen'sfondnessforingraftingslipsUpontheboughsandsettingoutinholesTheyoungshrubso'erthefields.ThenwouldtheytryEvernewmodesoftillingtheirlovedcrofts,AndmarktheywouldhowearthimprovedthetasteOfthewildfruitsbyfondandfosteringcare.Anddaybydaythey'dforcethewoodstomoveStillhigherupthemountain,andtoyield

Theplacebelowfortilth,thattheretheymight,Onplainsanduplands,havetheirmeadow-plats,Cisternsandrunnels,cropsofstandinggrain,Andhappyvineyards,andthatallalongO'erhillocks,intervales,andplainsmightrunThesilvery-greenbeltofolive-trees,Markingtheplottedlandscape;evenasnowThouseestsomarkedwithvariedlovelinessAlltheterrainwhichmenadornandplantWithrowsofgoodlyfruit-treesandhedgeroundWiththrivingshrubberiessown.ButbythemouthToimitatetheliquidnotesofbirds

Wasearlierfar'mongstmenthanpowertomake,Bymeasuredsong,melodiousverseandgiveDelighttoears.AndwhistlingsofthewindAthroughthehollowsofthereedsfirsttaughtThepeasantrytoblowintothestalksOfhollowhemlock-herb.ThenbitbybitTheylearnedsweetplainings,suchaspipeout-pours,Beatenbyfinger-tipsofsingingmen,WhenheardthroughunpathedgrovesandforestdeepsAndwoodsymeadows,throughtheuntrodhaunts



Ofshepherdfolkandspotsdivinelystill.ThustimedrawsforwardeachandeverythingLittlebylittleuntothemidstofmen,Andreasonupliftsittotheshoresoflight.ThesetuneswouldsoothandgladthemindsofmortalsWhensatedwithfood-forsongsarewelcomethen.Andoften,loungingwithfriendsinthesoftgrassBesideariverofwater,underneathAbigtree'sbranches,merrilythey'drefreshTheirframes,withnovastoutlay-mostofallIftheweatherweresmilingandthetimesoftheyearWerepaintingthegreenofthegrassaroundwithflowers.

Thenjokes,thentalk,thenpealsofjollityWouldcircleround;forthentherusticmuseWasinherglory;thenwouldanticMirthPromptthemtogarlandheadandshouldersaboutWithchapletsofintertwinedflowersandleaves,Andtodanceonward,outoftune,withlimbsClownishlyswaying,andwithclownishfootTobeatourMotherEarth-fromwhencearoseLaughterandpealsofjollity,for,lo,Suchfrolicactswereintheirglorythen,Beingmorenewandstrange.Andwakefulmen

FoundsolacesfortheirunsleepinghoursIndrawingforthvarietyofnotes,Inmodulatingmelodies,inrunningWithpuckeredlipsalongthetunedreeds,Whence,eveninourdaydothewatchmenguardTheseoldtraditions,andhavelearnedwellTokeeptruemeasure.AndyettheynowhitDogetalargerfruitofgladsomenessThangotthewoodlandaboriginesInoldentimes.Forwhatwehaveathand-Iftheretoforenaughtsweeterwehaveknown-Thatchieflypleasesandseemsbestofall;Butthensomelater,likelybetter,find

DestroysitsworthandchangesourdesiresRegardinggoodofyesterday.AndthusBegantheloathingoftheacorn;thusAbandonedwerethosebedswithgrassesstrewnAndwiththeleavesbeladen.Thus,again,Fellintonewcontemptthepeltsofbeasts-Erstwhilearobeofhonour,which,Iguess,ArousedinthosedaysenvysomalignThatthefirstwearerwenttowoefuldeathByambuscades-andyetthathairyprize,RentintoragsbygreedyfoementhereAndsplashedbyblood,wasruinedutterly

Beyondalluseorvantage.Thusofold'Twaspelts,andofto-day'tispurpleandgoldThatcarkmen'sliveswithcaresandwearywithwar.Wherefore,methinks,residesthegreaterblameWithusvainmentoday:forcoldwouldrack,Withouttheirpelts,thenakedsonsofearth;ButusitnothinghurtstodowithoutThepurplevestment,broideredwithgoldAndwithimposingfigures,ifwestillMakeshiftwithsomemeangarmentofthePlebs.



SomaninvainfutilitiestoilsonForeverandwastesinidlecareshisyears-Because,ofverytruth,hehathnotlearntWhatthetrueendofgettingis,noryetAtallhowfartruepleasuremayincrease.And'tisdesireforbetterandformoreHathcarriedbydegreesmortalityOutonwardtothedeep,androusedupFromthefarbottommightywavesofwar.Butsunandmoon,thosewatchmenoftheworld,WiththeirownlanternstraversingaroundThemighty,therevolvingvault,havetaughtUntomankindthatseasonsoftheyearsReturnagain,andthattheThingtakesplaceAfterafixedplanandorderfixed.Alreadywouldtheypasstheirlife,hedgedroundBythestrongtowers;andcultivateanearthAllportionedoutandboundaried;already,Wouldtheseaflowerandsail-wingedships;Alreadymenhad,undertreatypacts,Confederatesandallies,whenpoetsbeganTohandheroicactionsdowninverse;Norlongerethishadlettersbeendevised-Henceisourageunabletolookback

Onwhathasgonebefore,exceptwherereasonShowsusafootprint.Sailingsontheseas,Tillingsoffields,walls,laws,andarms,androads,Dressandthelike,allprizes,alldelightsOffinerlife,poems,pictures,chiselledshapesOfpolishedsculptures-alltheseartswerelearnedBypracticeandthemind'sexperience,Asmenwalkedforwardstepbyeagerstep.ThustimedrawsforwardeachandeverythingLittlebylittleintothemidstofmen,Andreasonupliftsittotheshoresoflight.Foronethingafterotherdidmensee

Growclearbyintellect,tillwiththeirartsThey'venowachievedthesupremepinnacle.

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BOOKVI

Proem

'TwasAthensfirst,thegloriousinname,ThatwhilomgavetohaplesssonsofmenThesheavesofharvest,andre-orderedlife,Anddecreedlaws;andshethefirstthatgave

Lifeitssweetsolaces,whenshebegatAmanofheartsowise,whowhilompouredAllwisdomforthfromhistruth-speakingmouth;Thegloryofwhom,thoughdead,isyetto-day,BecauseofthosediscoveriesdivineRenownedofold,exaltedtothesky.Forwhensawhethatwell-nigheverythingWhichneedsofmanmosturgentlyrequireWasreadytohandformortals,andthatlife,Asfarasmightbe,wasestablishedsafe,



Thatmenwerelordsinriches,honour,praise,Andeminentingoodlyfameofsons,Andthattheyyet,Oyet,withinthehome,StillhadtheanxiousheartwhichvexedlifeUnpausinglywithtormentsofthemind,Andravedperforcewithangryplaints,thenhe,Thenhe,themaster,didperceivethat'twasThevesselitselfwhichworkedthebane,andall,Howeverwholesome,whichfromhereorthereWasgatheredintoit,wasbythatbaneSpoiltfromwithin-inpart,becausehesawThevesselsocrackedandleakythatnowise'Tcouldeverbefilledtobrim;inpartbecauseHemarkedhowitpollutedwithfoultasteWhate'eritgotwithinitself.Sohe,Themaster,thenbyhistruth-speakingwords,Purgedthebreastsofmen,andsettheboundsOflustandterror,andexhibitedThesupremegoodwhitherweallendeavour,AndshowedthepathwherebywemightarriveThereuntobyalittlecross-cutstraight,AndwhatofillsinallaffairsofmortalsUpsprangandflitteddeviouslyabout(Whetherbychanceorforce),sinceNaturethus

Haddestined;andfromoutwhatgatesamanShouldsallytoeachcombat.AndheprovedThatmostlyvainlydoththehumanraceRollinitsbosomthegrimwavesofcare.ForjustaschildrentrembleandfearallIntheviewlessdark,soevenweattimesDreadinthelightsomanythingsthatbeNowhitmorefearsomethanwhatchildrenfeign,Shuddering,willbeupontheminthedark.Thisterrorthen,thisdarknessofthemind,Notsunrisewithitsflaringspokesoflight,Norglitteringarrowsofmorningcandisperse,ButonlyNature'saspectandherlaw.

WhereforethemorewillIgoontoweaveInversesthismyundertakentask.

AndsinceI'vetaughttheethattheworld'sgreatvaults

AremortalandthatskyisfashionedOfframee'enbornintime,andwhatsoe'erThereingoonandmustperforcegoon

ThemostIhaveunravelled;whatremainsDothoutakein,besides;sinceonceforallToclimbintothatchariot'renowned

Ofwindsarise;andtheyappeasedareSothatallthingsagain...

Whichwere,arechangednow,withfurystilled;AllothermovementsthroughtheearthandskyWhichmortalsgazeupon(OanxiousoftInquakingthoughts!),andwhichabasetheirmindsWithdreadofdeitiesandpressthemcrushedDowntotheearth,becausetheirignoranceOfcosmiccausesforcesthemtoyield



AllthingsuntotheemperyofgodsAndtoconcedethekinglyruletothem.ForeventhosemenwhohavelearnedfullwellThatgodheadsleadalonglifefreeofcare,IfyetmeanwhiletheywonderbywhatplanThingscangoon(andchieflyyonhighthingsObservedo'erheadontheetherealcoasts),AgainarehurriedbackuntothefearsOfoldreligionandadoptagainHarshmasters,deemedalmighty,-wretchedmen,Unwittingwhatcanbeandwhatcannot,Andbywhatlawtoeachitsscopeprescribed,ItsboundarystonethatclingssodeepinTime.WhereforethemorearetheybornewanderingonByblindfoldreason.And,Memmius,unlessFromoutthymindthouspewestallofthisAndcastethfarfromtheeallthoughtswhichbeUnworthygodsandalientotheirpeace,ThenoftenwilltheholymajestiesOfthehighgodsbeharmfuluntothee,Asbythythoughtdegraded,-not,indeed,ThatessencesupremeofgodscouldbebythisSooutragedasinwrathtothirsttoseekRevengeskeen;butevenbecausethyself

Thouplaguestwiththenotionthatthegods,Eventhey,theCalmOnesinserenerepose,Dorollthemightywavesofwrathonwrath;NorwiltthouenterwithaserenebreastShrinesofthegods;norwiltthouablebeIntranquilpeaceofmindtotakeandknowThoseimageswhichfromtheirholybodiesArecarriedintointellectsofmen,Astheannouncersoftheirformdivine.Whatsortoflifewillfollowafterthis'Tisthinetosee.ButthatafarfromusVeriestreasonmaydrivesuchlifeaway,Muchyetremainstobeembellishedyet

Inpolishedverses,albeithathissuedforthSomuchfrommealready;lo,thereisThelawandaspectoftheskytobeByreasongrasped;therearethetempesttimesAndthebrightlightningstobehymnednow-Evenwhattheydoandfromwhatcausesoe'erThey'rebornealong-thatthoumaysttremblenot,MarkingoffregionsofpropheticskiesForauguries,Ofoolishlydistraught,Evenastowhencetheflyingflamehathcome,Ortowhichhalfofheavenitturns,orhowThroughwalledplacesithathwounditsway,Or,afterprovingitsdominionthere,

Howithathspeededforthfromthenceamain-Whereofnowisethecausesdomenknow,Andthinkdivinitiesareworkingthere.Dothou,Calliope,ingeniousMuse,Solaceofmortalsanddelightofgods,Pointoutthecoursebeforeme,asIraceOntothewhitelineoftheutmostgoal,ThatImaygetwithsignalpraisethecrown,Withtheemyguide!



GreatMeteorologicalPhenomena,Etc

Andsoinfirstplace,thenWiththunderareshakenthebluedeepsofheaven,Becausetheetherealclouds,scuddingaloft,Togetherclash,whattime'gainstoneanotherThewindsarebattling.ForneverasoundtherecomeFromoutthesereneregionsofthesky;ButwheresoeverinahostmoredenseThecloudsforegather,thencemoreoftencomesAcrashwithmightyrumbling.And,again,CloudscannotbeofsocondensedaframeAsstonesandtimbers,noragainsofineAsmistsandflyingsmoke;forthenperforceThey'deitherfall,bornedownbytheirbruteweight,Likestones,or,likethesmoke,they'dpowerlessbeTokeeptheirmass,ortoretainwithinFroresnowsandstormsofhail.AndtheygiveforthO'erskieylevelsofthespreadingworldAsoundonhigh,aslinen-awning,stretchedO'ermightytheatres,givesforthattimesAcrackingroar,whenmuch'tisbeatenaboutBetwixtthepolesandcross-beams.Sometimes,too,Asunderrentbywantongusts,itraves

AndimitatesthetearingsoundofsheetsOfpaper-eventhiskindofnoisethoumaystInthunderhear-orsoundaswhenwindswhirlWithlashingsanddobuffetaboutinairAhangingclothandflyingpaper-sheets.Forsometimes,too,itchancesthatthecloudsCannottogethercrashhead-on,butratherMoveside-wiseandwithmotionscontraryGrazeeachtheother'sbodywithoutspeed,Fromwhencethatdrysoundgratethonourears,Solongdrawn-out,untilthecloudshavepassedFromouttheirclosepositions.And,again,

InfollowingwiseallthingsseemofttoquakeAtshockofheavythunder,andmightiestwallsOfthewidereachesoftheupperworldThereontheinstanttohavesprungapart,Rivenasunder,whattimeagatheredblastOfthefiercehurricanehathallatonceTwisteditswayintoamassofclouds,And,thereenclosed,evermoreandmoreCompellethbyitsspinningwhirlthecloudTogrowallhollowwithathickenedcrustSurrounding;forthereafter,whentheforceAndthekeenonsetofthewindhaveweakenedThatcrust,lo,thenthecloud,to-splitintwain,

Givesforthahideouscrashwithbangandboom.Nomarvelthis;sinceoftabladdersmall,Filledupwithair,will,whenofsuddenburst,Giveforthalikelargesound.There'sreason,too,Whycloudsmakesounds,asthroughthemblowthewinds:Wesee,bornedownthesky,oftshapesofcloudsRough-edgedorbranchedmanyforkyways;And'tisthesame,aswhenthesuddenflawsOfnorthwestwindthroughthedenseforestblow,



Makingtheleavestosoughandlimbstocrash.IthappenstooattimesthatrousedforceOfthefiercehurricaneto-rendsthecloud,Breakingrightthroughitbyafrontassault;ForwhatablastofwindmaydoupthereIsmanifestfromfactswhenhereonearthAblastmoregentleyetuptwiststalltreesAndsucksthemmadlyfromtheirdeepestroots.Besides,amongthecloudsarewaves,andtheseGive,astheyroughlybreak,arumblingroar;AswhenalongdeepstreamsorthegreatseaBreakstheloudsurf.Ithappens,too,wheneverOutfromonecloudintoanotherfallsThefieryenergyofthunderbolt,Thatstraightawaythecloud,iffullofwet,Extinguishesthefirewithmightynoise;Asiron,whitefromthehotfurnaces,Sizzles,whenspeedilywe'veplungeditsglowDownthecoldwater.Further,ifacloudMoredryreceivethefire,'twillsuddenlyKindletoflameandburnwithmonstroussound,AsifaflamewithwhirlofwindsshouldrangeAlongthelaurel-tressedmountainsfar,Upburningwithitsvastassaultthosetrees;

NoristhereaughtthatinthecracklingflameConsumeswithsoundmoreterribletomanThanDelphiclaurelofApollolord.Oft,too,themultitudinouscrashoficeAnddown-pourofswifthailgivesforthasoundAmongthemightycloudsonhigh;forwhenThewindhathpackedthemclose,eachmountainmassOfrain-cloud,therecongealedutterlyAndmixedwithhail-stones,breaksandbooms...

Likewise,itlightens,whenthecloudshavestruck,Bytheircollision,forththeseedsoffire:Asifastoneshouldsmiteastoneorsteel,

ForlightthentooleapsforthandfirethenscattersTheshiningsparks.ButwithourearswegetThethunderaftereyesbeholdtheflash,BecauseforeverthingsarrivetheearsMoretardilythantheeyes-asthoumaystseeFromthisexampletoo:whenmarkestthouSomemanfaryonderfellingagreattreeWithdouble-edgedax,itcomestopassThineeyebeholdstheswingingstrokebeforeTheblowgivesforthasoundathroughthineears:ThusalsowebeholdtheflashingereWehearthethunder,whichdischargedisAtsametimewiththefireandbysamecause,

Bornofthesamecollision.InfollowingwiseThecloudssuffusewithleapinglightthelands,Andthestormflasheswithtremulouselan:Whenthewindhathinvadedacloud,and,whirlingthere,

Hathwrought(asIhaveshownabove)thecloudIntoahollowwithathickenedcrust,Itbecomeshotofownvelocity:Justasthouseesthowmotionwillo'erheat



Andsetablazeallobjects-verilyAleadenball,hurtlingthroughlengthofspace,Evenmelts.Therefore,whenthissamewinda-fireHathsplitblackcloud,itscattersthefire-seeds,Which,sotosay,havebeenpressedoutbyforceOfsuddenfromthecloud-andthesedomakeThepulsingflashesofflame;thencefollowethThedetonationwhichattacksourearsMoretardilythanaughtwhichcomesalongUntothesightofeyeballs.Thistakesplace-Asknowthoumayst-attimeswhencloudsaredenseAndoneupontheotherpiledaloftWithwonderfulupheavings-norbethouDeceivedbecauseweseehowbroadtheirbaseFromunderneath,andnothowhightheytower.FormakethineobservationsatatimeWhenwindsshallbearathwartthehorizon'sblueCloudsliketomountain-rangesmovingon,OrwhenaboutthesidesofmightypeaksThouseestthemoneupontheothermassedAndburdeningdownward,anchoredinhighrepose,Withthewindssepulchredonallsidesround:Thencanstthouknowtheirmightymasses,thenCanstviewtheircaverns,asifbuildedthere

Ofbeetlingcrags;which,whenthehurricanesIngatheredstormhavefilledutterly,Then,prisonedinclouds,theyravearoundWithmightyroarings,andwithinthosedensBlusterlikesavagebeasts,andnowfromhere,Andnowfromthere,sendgrowlingsthroughtheclouds,Andseekinganoutlet,whirlthemselvesabout,Androllfrom'midthecloudstheseedsoffire,Andheapthemmultitudinouslythere,AndinthehollowfurnaceswithinWheelflamearound,untilfromburstedcloudInforkyflashestheyhavegleamedforth.

Again,fromfollowingcauseitcomestopassThatyonswiftgoldenhueofliquidfireDartsdownwardtotheearth:becausethecloudsThemselvesmustholdabundantseedsoffire;For,whentheybewithoutallmoisture,thenTheybeformostpartofaflamyhueAndaresplendent.And,indeed,theymustEvenfromthelightofsununtothemselvesTakemultitudinousseeds,andsoperforceReddenandpourtheirbrightfiresallabroad.Andtherefore,whenthewindhathdrivenandthrust,Hathforcedandsqueezedintoonespottheseclouds,Theypourabroadtheseedsoffirepressedout,

Whichmaketoflashthesecoloursoftheflame.Likewise,itlightensalsowhenthecloudsGrowrareandthinalongthesky;for,whenThewindwithgentletouchunravelsthemAndbreakethasunderastheymove,thoseseedsWhichmakethelightningsmustbynaturefall;AtsuchanhourthehorizonlightensroundWithoutthehideousterrorofdreadnoiseAndskieyuproar.Toproceedapace,



WhatsortofnaturethunderboltspossesIsbytheirstrokesmademanifestandbyThebrand-marksoftheirsearingheatonthings,AndbythescorchedscarsexhalingroundTheheavyfumesofsulphur.ForalltheseAremarks,Onotofwindorrain,butfire.Again,theyoftenenkindleeventheroofsOfhousesandinsidetheveryroomsWithswiftflameholdafiercedominion.KnowthouthatNaturefashionedthisfireSubtlerthanfiresallother,withminuteAnddartlingbodies-afire'gainstwhichthere'snaught

Canintheleastholdout:thethunderbolt,Themighty,passesthroughthehedgingwallsOfhouses,liketovoicesorashout-Throughstones,throughbronzeitpasses,anditmeltsUpontheinstantbronzeandgold;andmakes,Likewise,thewinessuddentovanishforth,Thewine-jarsintact-because,yesee,ItsheatarrivingrenderslooseandporousReadilyallthewine-jar'searthensides,Andwindingitswaywithin,itscatterethTheelementsprimordialofthewine

Withspeedydissolution-processwhichEveninanagethefierysteamofsunCouldnotaccomplish,howeverpuissantheWithhishotcoruscations:somuchmoreAgileandoverpoweringisthisforce.

Nowinwhatmannerengenderedarethesethings,HowfashionedofsuchimpetuousstrengthAstocleavetowersasunder,andhousesallToovertopple,andtowrenchapartTimbersandbeams,andheroes'monumentsTopileinruinsandupheaveamain,Andtotakebreathforeveroutofmen,

Andtoo'erthrowthecattleeverywhere,-Yes,bywhatforcethelightningsdoallthis,Allthisandmore,Iwillunfoldtothee,Norlongerkeeptheeinmerepromises.

Theboltsofthunder,then,mustbeconceivedAsallbegotteninthosecrassercloudsUp-piledaloft;for,fromtheskysereneAndfromthecloudsoflighterdensity,Nonearesentforthforever.That'tissoBeyondadoubt,factplaintosensedeclares:Towit,atsuchatimethedensedcloudsSomassthemselvesthroughalltheupperair

ThatwemightthinkthatroundaboutallmurkHadpartedforthfromAcheronandfilledThemightyvaultsofsky-sogrievously,Asgathersthusthestorm-clouds'gruesomemight,Dofacesofblackhorrorhangonhigh-Whentempestbeginsitsthunderboltstoforge.Besides,fulloftenalsooutatseaAblackestthunderhead,likecataractOfpitchhurleddownfromheaven,andfarawayBulgingwithmurkiness,downonthewaves



Fallswithvastuproar,anddrawsonamainThedarklingtempestsbigwiththunderboltsAndhurricanes,itselfthewhilesocrammedTremendouslywithfiresandwinds,thatevenBackonthelandsthepeopleshudderroundAndseekforcover.Therefore,asIsaid,Thestormmustbeconceivedaso'erourheadToweringmosthigh;forneverwouldthecloudsO'erwhelmthelandswithsuchamassydark,Unlessup-buildedheaponloftyheap,Toshuttheroundsunoff.Norcouldtheclouds,Asontheycome,engulfwithrainsovastAsthustomaketheriversoverflowAndfieldstofloat,ifetherwerenotthusFurnishedwithlofty-piledclouds.Lo,then,Herebeallthingsfulfilledwithwindsandfires-Hencethelonglightningsandthethundersloud.For,verily,I'vetaughttheeevennowHowcavernouscloudsholdseedsinnumerableOffieryexhalations,andtheymustFromoffthesunbeamsandtheheatoftheseTakemanystill.Andso,whenthatsamewind(Which,haply,intooneregionoftheskyCollectsthoseclouds)hathpressedfromoutthesame

Themanyfieryseeds,andwiththatfireHathatthesametimeintermixeditself,Othenandtherethatwind,awhirlwindnow,DeepinthebellyofthecloudspinsroundInnarrowconfines,andsharpensthereinsideInglowingfurnacesthethunderbolt.Forinatwo-foldmanneristhatwindEnkindledall:ittremblesintoheatBothbyitsownvelocityandbyRepeatedtouchoffire.Thereafter,whenTheenergyofwindisheatedthroughAndthefierceimpulseofthefirehathspedDeeplywithin,Othenthethunderbolt,

Nowripened,sotosay,dothsuddenlySplinterthecloud,andthearousedflashLeapsonward,luminingwithforkylightAllplacesround.AndfollowethanonAclapsoheavythattheskieyvaults,Asifasunderburst,seemfromonhighToengulftheearth.ThenfearfullyaquakePervadesthelands,and'longtheloftyskiesRunthefarrumblings.ForatsuchatimeNighthewholetempestquakes,shookthroughandthrough,

Androusedaretheroarings-fromwhichshockComessuchresoundingandaboundingrain,

ThatallthemurkyetherseemstoturnNowintorain,and,asittumblesdown,Tosummonthefieldsbacktoprimevalfloods:SobigtherainsthatbesentdownonmenByburstofcloudandbythehurricane,Whattimethethunder-clap,fromburningboltThatcracksthecloud,fliesforthalong.AttimesTheforceofwind,excitedfromwithout,SmitethintoacloudalreadyhotWitharipethunderbolt.Andwhenthatwind



Hathsplinteredthatcloud,thendowntherecleavesforthwith

Yonfierycoilofflamewhichstillwecall,Evenwithourfathers'word,athunderbolt.ThesamethinghapstowardeveryothersideWhitherthatforcehathswept.Ithappens,too,Thatsometimesforceofwind,thoughhurtledforthWithoutallfire,yetinitsvoyagethroughspaceIgniteth,whilstitcomesalong,along-LosingsomelargerbodieswhichcannotPass,liketheothers,throughthebulksofair-And,scrapingtogetheroutofairitselfSomesmallerbodies,carriesthemalong,Andthese,commingling,bytheirflightmakefire:MuchinthemannerasoftaleadenballGrowshotuponitsaerycourse,thewhileItlosethmanybodiesofstarkcoldAndtakethintoitselfalongtheairNewparticlesoffire.Ithappens,too,Thatforceofblowitselfarousesfire,Whenforceofwind,a-coldandhurtledforthWithoutallfire,hathstrooksomewhereamain-Nomarvel,because,whenwithterrificstroke'Thassmitten,theelementsoffiery-stuff

CanstreamtogetherfromouttheverywindAnd,simultaneously,fromoutthatthingWhichthenandtherereceivesthestroke:asfliesThefirewhenwiththesteelwehackthestone;Noryet,becausetheforceofsteel'sa-cold,RushthelessspeedilytogetherthereUnderthestrokeitsseedsofradiancehot.Andtherefore,thuswisemustanobjecttooBekindledbyathunderbolt,ifhaply'Thasbeenadaptandsuitedtotheflames.YetforceofwindmustnotberashlydeemedAsaltogetherandentirelycold-Thatforcewhichisdischargedfromonhigh

Withsuchstupendouspower;butif'tisnotUponitscoursealreadykindledwithfire,Ityetarrivethwarmedandmixedwithheat.

And,now,thespeedandstrokeofthunderboltIssotremendous,andwithglidesoswiftThosethunderboltsrushonanddown,becauseTheirrousedforceitselfcollectsitselfFirstalwaysintheclouds,andthenpreparesForthehugeeffortoftheirgoing-forth;Next,whenthecloudnolongercanretainTheincrementoftheirfierceimpetus,Theirforceispressedout,andthereforeflies

Withimpetussowondrous,liketoshotsHurledfromthepowerfulRomancatapults.Note,too,thisforceconsistsofelementsBothsmallandsmooth,noristhereaughtthatcanWitheaseresistsuchnature.ForitdartsBetweenandentersthroughtheporesofthings;AndsoitneverfaltersindelayDespiteinnumerablecollisions,butFliesshootingonwardwithaswiftelan.Next,sincebynaturealwayseveryweight



Bearsdownward,doubledistheswiftnessthenAndthatelanisstillmorewildanddread,When,verily,toweightareaddedblows,SothatmoremadlyandmorefiercelythenThethunderboltshakesintoshiversallThatblocksitspath,followingonitsway.Then,too,becauseitcomesalong,alongWithonecontinuingelan,itmustTakeonvelocityanew,anew,Whichstillincreasesasitgoes,andeverAugmentsthebolt'svastpowersandtotheblowGiveslargervigour;foritforcesall,Allofthethunder'sseedsoffire,tosweepInastraightlineuntooneplace,as'twere,-Castingthemonebyother,astheyroll,Intothatonwardcourse.Again,perchance,Incomingalong,itpullsfromouttheairSomecertainbodies,whichbytheirownblowsEnkindleitsvelocity.And,lo,Itcomesthroughobjectsleavingthemunharmed,Itgoesthroughmanythingsandleavesthemwhole,BecausetheliquidfirefliethalongAthroughtheirpores.Andmuchitdoestransfix,Whentheseprimordialatomsofthebolt

HavefallenupontheatomsofthesethingsPreciselywheretheintertwinedatomsAreheldtogether.And,further,easilyBrassitunbindsandquicklyfusethgold,BecauseitsforceissominutelymadeOftinypartsandelementssosmoothThateasilytheywindtheirwaywithin,And,whenoncein,quicklyunbindallknotsAndloosenallthebondsofunionthere.

Andmostinautumnisshakenthehouseofheaven,Thehousesostuddedwiththeglitteringstars,Andthewholeeartharound-mosttooinspring

Whenflowerytimesunfoldthemselves:for,lo,Inthecoldseasonistherelackoffire,Andwindsarescantyinthehot,andcloudsHavenotsodenseabulk.Butwhen,indeed,Theseasonsofheavenarebetwixtthesetwain,ThediverscausesofthethunderboltThenallconcur;forthenbothcoldandheatAremixedinthecross-seasoftheyear,SothatadiscordrisesamongthingsAndairinvasttumultuosityBillows,infuriatewiththefiresandwinds-OfwhichthebothareneededbythecloudForfabricationofthethunderbolt.

ForthefirstpartofheatandlastofcoldIsthetimeofspring;whereforemustthingsunlikeDobattleonewithother,and,whenmixed,Tumultuouslyrage.AndwhenrollsroundThelatestheatmixedwiththeearliestchill-Thetimewhichbearsthenameofautumn-thenLikewisefiercecold-spellswrestlewithfierceheats.OnthisaccounttheseseasonsoftheyearArenominated"cross-seas."-AndnomarvelIfinthosetimesthethunderboltsprevail



Andstormsarerousedturbulentinheaven,SincethenbothsidesindubiouswarfarerageTumultuously,theonewithflames,theotherWithwindsandwithwatersmixedwithwinds.

This,thisitis,OMemmius,toseethroughTheverynatureoffire-fraughtthunderbolt;OthisitistomarkbywhatblindforceItmaketheacheffect,andnot,OnotTounwindEtrurianscrollsoracular,Inquiringtokensofoccultwillofgods,Evenastowhencetheflyingflamehathcome,Ortowhichhalfofheavenitturns,orhowThroughwalledplacesithathwounditsway,Or,afterprovingitsdominionthere,Howithathspeededforthfromthenceamain,OrwhatthethunderstrokeportendsofillFromouthighheaven.ButifJupiterAndothergodsshakethoserefulgentvaultsWithdreadreverberationsandhurlfireWhitheritpleaseseach,whysmitetheynotMortalsofrecklessandrevoltingcrimes,ThatsuchmaypantfromatranspiercedbreastForthflamesoftheredlevin-untomen

Adrasticlesson?-whyisratherhe-Oheself-consciousofnofouloffence-Involvedinflames,thoughinnocent,andclaspedUp-caughtinskieywhirlwindandinfire?Nay,why,then,aimtheyateternalwastes,Andspendthemselvesinvain?-perchance,evensoToexercisetheirarmsandstrengthenshoulders?WhysuffertheytheFather'sjavelinTobesobluntedontheearth?AndwhyDothhehimselfallowit,norsparethesameEvenforhisenemies?OwhymostoftAimsheatloftyplaces?WhybeholdweMarksofhislightningsmostonmountaintops?

Thenforwhatreasonshootsheatthesea?-WhatsacrilegehavewavesandbulkofbrineAndfloatingfieldsoffoambeenguiltyof?Besides,if'tishiswillthatwebewareAgainstthelightning-stroke,whyfearethheTograntuspowerfortobeholdtheshot?And,contrariwise,ifwillshetoo'erwhelmus,Quiteoffourguard,withfire,whythundersheOffinyonquarter,sothatwemayshun?WhyrousethhebeforehanddarklingairAndthefardinandrumblings?AndOhowCanstthoubelieveheshootsatonesametimeIntodiversedirections?Ordarestthou

ContendthatneverhathitcometopassThatdiversstrokeshavehappenedatonetime?Butoftandoftenhathitcometopass,Andoftenstillitmust,that,evenasshowersAndrainso'ermanyregionsfall,sotooDartmanythunderboltsatonesametime.Again,whyneverhurtlesJupiterAboltuponthelandsnorpoursabroadClapuponclap,whenskiesarecloudlessall?Or,say,dothhe,sosoonasevertheclouds



Havecomethereunder,thenintothesameDescendinperson,andthatfromthencehemayNear-bydecideuponthestrokeofshaft?And,lastly,why,withdevastatingboltShakesheasunderholyshrinesofgodsAndhisownthronesofsplendour,andto-breaksThewell-wroughtidolsofdivinities,AndrobsofgloryhisownimagesBywoundofviolence?Buttoreturnapace,EasyitisfromthesesamefactstoknowInjustwhatwisethosethings(whichfromtheirsortTheGreekshavenamed"bellows")docomedown,Dischargedfromonhigh,upontheseas.ForithapsthatsometimesfromtheskydescendsUpontheseasacolumn,asifpushed,Roundwhichthesurgesseethe,tremendouslyArousedbypuffinggusts;andwhatso'erOfshipsarecaughtwithinthattumultthenComeintoextremeperil,dashedalong.Thishapswhensometimeswind'sarousedforceCan'tburstthecloudittriesto,butdown-weighsThatcloud,until'tislikeacolumnfromskyUpontheseaspusheddownward-gradually,

AsifaSomewhatfromonhighwereshovedByfistandnetherthrustofarm,andlengthenedFartothewaves.AndwhentheforceofwindHathrivedthiscloud,fromouttheclouditrushesDownontheseas,andstartsamongthewavesAwondrousseething,fortheeddyingwhirlDescendsanddownwarddrawsalongwithitThatcloudofductilebody.Andsoonasever'ThasshoveduntothelevelsofthemainThatladencloud,thewhirlsuddenlythenPlungesitswholeselfintothewatersthereAndrousesalltheseawithmonstrousroar,Constrainingittoseethe.Ithappenstoo

ThatveryvortexofthewindinvolvesItselfinclouds,scrapingfromouttheairTheseedsofcloud,andcounterfeits,as'twere,The"bellows"pushedfromheaven.AndwhenthisshapeHathdroppeduponthelandsandburstapart,ItbelchesforthimmeasurablemightOfwhirlwindandofblast.Yetsince'tisformedAtmostbutrarely,andonlandthehillsMustblockitsway,'tisseenmoreoftoutthereOnthebroadprospectofthelevelmainAlongthefreehorizons.IntobeingThecloudscondense,wheninthisupperspace

Ofthehighheavenhavegatheredsuddenly,Asroundtheyflew,unnumberedparticles-World'srougherones,whichcan,thoughinterlinkedWithscantycouplings,yetbefastenedfirm,Theoneonothercaught.TheseparticlesFirstcausesmallcloudstoform;and,thereupon,ThesecatchtheoneonotherandswarminaflockAndgrowbytheirconjoining,andbywindsArebornealong,along,untilcollectsThetempestfury.Happens,too,thenearer



Themountainsummitsneighbourtothesky,ThemoreunceasinglytheirfarcragssmokeWiththethickdarknessofswartcloud,becauseWhenfirstthemistsdoform,ereevertheeyesCantherebeholdthem(tenuousastheybe),Thecarrier-windswilldrivethemupandonUntothetopmostsummitsofthemountain;Andthenatlastithappens,whentheybeInvasterthrongupgathered,thattheycanBythisverycondensationlierevealed,AndthatatsametimetheyareseentosurgeFromveryvertexofthemountainupIntofarether.Forveryfactandfeeling,Asweup-climbhighmountains,provethclearThatwindyarethoseupwardregionsfree.Besides,theclotheshung-outalongtheshore,Whenintheytaketheclingingmoisture,proveThatNatureliftsfromoveralltheseaUnnumberedparticles.Wherebythemore'TismanifestthatmanyparticlesEvenfromthesaltupheavingsofthemainCanrisetogethertoaugmentthebulkOfmassedclouds.FormoisturesinthesetwainArenearakin.Besides,fromoutallrivers,

Aswellasfromthelanditself,weseeUp-risingmistsandsteam,whichlikeabreathAreforcedoutfromthemandbornealoft,Tocurtainheavenwiththeirmurk,andmake,Byslowforegathering,theskieyclouds.For,inaddition,lo,theheatonhighOfconstellatedetherburdensdownUponthem,andbysortofcondensationWeavethbeneaththeazurefirmamentThereekofdarklingcloud.Ithappens,too,ThathithertotheskiesfromtheBeyondDocomethoseparticleswhichmakethecloudsAndflyingthunderheads.ForIhavetaught

ThatthistheirnumberisinnumerableAndinfinitethesumoftheAbyss,AndIhaveshownwithwhatstupendousspeedThosebodiesflyandhowthey'rewonttopassAmainthroughincommunicablespace.Therefore,'tisnotexceedingstrange,ifoftInlittletimetempestanddarknesscoverWithbulkingthunderheadshangingonhighTheoceansandthelands,sinceeverywhereThroughallthenarrowtubesofyonderether,Yea,sotospeak,throughallthebreathing-holesOfthegreatupper-worldencompassing,Therebefortheprimordialelements

Exitsandentrances.Nowcome,andhowTherainymoisturethickensintobeingIntheloftyclouds,andhowuponthelands'Tisthendischargedindown-pouroflargeshowers,Iwillunfold.AndfirsttriumphantlyWillIpersuadetheethatup-risetogether,Withcloudsthemselves,fullmanyseedsofwaterFromoutallthings,andthattheybothincrease-Bothcloudsandwaterwhichisintheclouds-



Inlikeproportion,asourframesincreaseInlikeproportionwithourblood,aswellAssweatoranymoistureinourmembers.Besides,thecloudstakeinfromtimetotimeMuchmoisturerisenfromthebroadmarine,-Whilstthewindsbearthemo'erthemightysea,Likehangingfleecesofwhitewool.Thuswise,EvenfromallriversisthereliftedupMoistureintotheclouds.AndwhenthereinTheseedsofwatersomanyinmanywaysHavecometogether,augmentedfromallsides,Theclose-jammedcloudsthenstruggletodischargeTheirrain-stormsforatwo-foldreason:lo,Thewind'sforcecrowdsthem,andtheveryexcessOfstorm-clouds(massedinavasterthrong)GivethanurgeandpressurefromaboveAndmakestherainsout-pour.Besideswhen,too,Thecloudsarewinnowedbythewinds,orscatteredSmittenontopbyheatofsun,theysendTheirrainymoisture,anddistiltheirdrops,Evenasthewax,byfierywarmthontop,Wastethandliquefiesabundantly.ButcomestheviolenceofthebiggerrainsWhenviolentlythecloudsareweighteddown

BothbytheircumulatedmassandbyTheonsetofthewind.AndrainsarewontToendureawhileandtoabideforlong,Whenmanyseedsofwatersarearoused,AndcloudsoncloudsandracksonracksoutstreamInpiledlayersandarebornealongFromeveryquarter,andwhenalltheearthSmokingexhaleshermoisture.AtsuchatimeWhensunwithbeamsamidthetempest-murkHathshoneagainsttheshowersofblackrains,ThenintheswartcloudsthereemergesbrightTheradianceofthebow.Andastothings

NotmentionedherewhichofthemselvesdogrowOrofthemselvesaregendered,andallthingsWhichinthecloudscondensetobeing-all,Snowandthewinds,hailandthehoar-frostschill,Andfreezing,mightyforce-oflakesandpoolsThemightyhardener,andmightycheckWhichinthewintercurbetheverywhereTheriversastheygo-'tiseasystill,SoontodiscoverandwithmindtoseeHowtheyallhappen,wherebygendered,WhenoncethouwellhastunderstoodjustwhatFunctionshavebeenvouchsafedfromofoldUntotheprocreantatomsoftheworld.

Nowcome,andwhatthelawofearthquakesisHearken,andfirstofalltakecaretoknowThattheunder-earth,liketotheeartharoundus,Isfullofwindycavernsallabout;AndmanyapoolandmanyagrimabyssShebearswithinherbosom,ay,andcliffsAndjaggedscarps;andmanyariver,hidBeneathherchine,rollsrapidlyalongItsbillowsandplungingboulders.ForclearfactRequiresthatearthmustbeineverypart



Alikeinconstitution.Therefore,earth,Withthesethingsunderneathaffixedandset,Tremblethabove,jarredbybigdown-tumblings,Whentimehathunderminedthehugecaves,Thesubterranean.Yea,wholemountainsfall,AndinstantlyfromspotofthatbigjarTherequiverthetremorsfarandwideabroad.Andwithgoodreason:sincehousesonthestreetBegintoquakethroughout,whenjarredbyacartOfnolargeweight;and,too,thefurnitureWithinthehouseup-bounds,whenapaving-blockGiveseitherironrimofthewheelsajolt.Ithappens,too,whensomeprodigiousbulkOfage-wornsoilisrolledfrommountainslopesIntotremendouspoolsofwaterdark,ThatthereelinglanditselfisrockedaboutBythewater'sundulations;asabasinSometimeswon'tcometorestuntilthefluidWithinitceasestoberockedaboutInrandomundulations.Andbesides,Whensubterraneanwinds,up-gatheredthereInthehollowdeeps,bulkforwardfromonespot,Andpresswiththebigurgeofmightypowers

Againsttheloftygrottos,thentheearthBulkstothatquarterwhitherpushamainTheheadlongwinds.ThenallthebuildedhousesAboveground-andthemore,thehigherup-rearedUntothesky-leanominously,careeningIntothesamedirection;andthebeams,Wrenchedforward,over-hang,readytogo.YetdreadmentobelievethatthereawaitsThenatureofthemightyworldatimeOfdoomandcataclysm,albeittheyseeSogreatabulkoflandstobulgeandbreak!Andlestthewindsblewbackagain,noforceCouldreinthingsinnorholdfromsurecareer

Ontodisaster.ButnowbecausethosewindsBlowbackandforthinalternationstrong,And,sotosay,rallyingchargeagain,Andthenrepulsedretreat,onthisaccountEarthoftenerthreatensthanshebringstopassCollapsesdire.Fortoonesidesheleans,Thenbackshesways;andaftertotteringForward,recoversthenherseatsofpoise.Thus,thisiswhywholehousesrock,theroofsMorethanthemiddlestories,middlemoreThanlowest,andthelowestleastofall.

Arises,too,thissamegreatearth-quaking,

Whenwindandsomeprodigiousforceofair,CollectedfromwithoutordownwithinTheoldtelluricdeeps,havehurledthemselvesAmainintothosecavernssub-terrene,AndthereatfirsttumultuouslychafeAmongthevastygrottos,borneaboutInmadrotations,tilltheirlashedforceArousedout-burstsabroad,andthenandthere,Rivingthedeepearth,makesamightychasm-WhatonceinSyrianSidondidbefall,



AndonceinPeloponnesianAegium,Twaincitieswhichsuchout-breakofwildairAndearth'sconvulsion,followinghardupon,O'erthrewofold.Andmanyawalledtown,Besides,hathfall'nbysuchomnipotentConvulsionsontheland,andintheseaEngulfedhathsunkenmanyacitydownWithallitspopulace.Butif,indeed,Theyburstnotforth,yetistheveryrushOfthewildairandfury-forceofwindThendissipated,likeanague-fit,Throughtheinnumerableporesofearth,Tosetheralla-shake-evenasachill,Whenithathgoneintoourmarrow-bones,Setsusconvulsively,despiteourselves,A-shiveringanda-shaking.Therefore,menWithtwo-foldterrorbustleinalarmThroughcitiestoandfro:theyfeartheroofsAbovethehead;andunderfoottheydreadThecaverns,lestthenatureoftheearthSuddenlyrendthemopen,andshegape,Herselfasunder,withtremendousmaw,And,allconfounded,seektochockitfullWithherownruins.Letmen,then,goon

FeigningatwillthatheavenandearthshallbeInviolable,entrustedevermoreToaneternalweal:andyetattimesTheveryforceofdangerhereathandProdsthemonsomesidewiththisgoadoffear-Thisamongothers-thattheearth,withdrawnAbruptlyfromundertheirfeet,behurrieddown,Downintotheabyss,andtheSum-of-ThingsBefollowingafter,utterlyfordone,Tillbebutwrackandwreckageofaworld.

ExtraordinaryandParadoxicalTelluricPhenomena

Inchief,menmarvelNaturerendersnotBiggerandbiggerthebulkofocean,sinceSovastthedown-rushofthewatersbe,AndeveryriveroutofeveryrealmComeththereto;andaddtherandomrainsAndflyingtempests,whichspattereveryseaAndeverylandbedew;addtheirownsprings:Yetalloftheseuntotheocean'ssumShallbebutastheincreaseofadrop.Wherefore'tislessamarvelthatthesea,Themightyocean,increasethnot.Besides,Sunwithhisheatdrawsoffamightypart:Yea,webeholdthatsunwithburningbeams

Todryourgarmentsdrippingallwithwet;Andmanyasea,andfarout-spreadbeneath,Dowebehold.Therefore,howeverslightTheportionofwetthatsunonanyspotCullsfromthelevelmain,hestillwilltakeFromoffthewavesinsuchawideexpanseAbundantly.Then,further,alsowinds,Sweepingthelevelwaters,canbearoffAmightypartofwet,sincewebeholdOftinasinglenightthehighwaysdried



Bywinds,andsoftmudcrustedo'eratdawn.

Again,I'vetaughttheethatthecloudsbearoffMuchmoisturetoo,up-takenfromthereachesOfthemightymain,andsprinkleitaboutO'erallthezones,whenrainisonthelandsAndwindsconveytheaeryracksofvapour.Lastly,sinceearthisporousthroughherframe,Andneighboursontheseas,girdlingtheirshores,Thewater'swetmustseepintothelandsFrombrinyocean,asfromlandsitcomesIntotheseas.Forbrineisfilteredoff,AndthentheliquidstuffseepsbackagainAndallre-pourethattheriver-heads,Whenceinfresh-watercurrentsitreturnsOverthelands,adownthechannelswhichWereclefterstwhileanderstwhileborealongTheliquid-footedfloods.AndnowthecauseWherebyathroughthethroatofAetna'sMountSuchvasttornado-firesout-breatheattimes,Iwillunfold:forwithnomiddlingmightOfdevastationtheflamytempestroseAndhelddominioninSicilianfields:

DrawinguponitselftheupturnedfacesOfneighbouringclans,whattimetheysawafarTheskieyvaultsa-fumeandsparklingall,AndfilledtheirbosomswithdreadanxietyOfwhatnewthingNatureweretravailingat.

IntheseaffairsitmuchbehooveththeeTolookbothwideanddeep,andfarabroadTopeertoeveryquarter,thatthoumaystRememberhowboundlessistheSum-of-Things,AndmarkhowinfinitelysmallapartOfthewholeSumisthisoneskyofours-Onotsolargeapartasisoneman

Ofthewholeearth.AndplainlyifthouviewestThiscosmicfact,placingitsquareinfront,Andplainlyunderstandest,thouwiltleaveWonderingatmanythings.ForwhoofusWonderethifsomeonegetsintohisjointsAfever,gatheringheadwithfieryheat,OranyotherdolorousdiseaseAlonghismembers?ForanonthefootGrowsblueandbulbous;oftenthesharptwingeSeizestheteeth,attackstheveryeyes;Out-breaksthesacredfire,and,crawlingonOverthebody,burnetheverypartItseizethon,andworksitshideousway

Alongtheframe.Nomarvelthis,since,lo,Ofthingsinnumerablebeseedsenough,AndthisourearthandskydobringtousEnoughofbanefromwhencecangrowthestrengthOfmaladiesuncounted.Thuswise,then,WemustsupposetoalltheskyandearthAreeversuppliedfromouttheinfiniteAllthings,OallinstoresenoughwherebyTheshakenearthcanofasuddenmove,Andfiercetyphoonscanoverseaandlands



Gotearingon,andAetna'sfireso'erflow,Andheavenbecomeaflame-burst.Forthat,too,Happensattimes,andthecelestialvaultsGlowintofire,andrainytempestsriseInheaviercongregation,when,percase,TheseedsofwaterhaveforegatheredthusFromouttheinfinite."Aye,butpassinghugeThefieryturmoilofthatconflagration!"Sosaystthou;well,hugemanyariverseemsTohimthaterstwhilene'eralargersaw;Thus,hugeseemstreeorman;andeverythingWhichmortalseesthebiggestofeachclass,Thatheimaginestobe"huge";thoughyetAllthese,withskyandlandandseatoboot,AreallasnothingtothesumentireOftheall-Sum.ButnowIwillunfoldAtlasthowyondersuddenlyangeredflameOut-blowsabroadfromvastyfurnacesAetnaean.First,themountain'snatureisAllunder-hollow,proppedabout,aboutWithcavernsofbasalticpiers.And,lo,Inallitsgrottosbetherewindandair-Forwindismadewhenairhathbeenuproused

Byviolentagitation.WhenthisairIsheatedthroughandthrough,and,raginground,HathmadetheearthandalltherocksittouchesHorriblyhot,andhathstruckofffromthemFiercefireofswiftestflame,itliftsitselfAndhurtlesthusstraightupwardsthroughitsthroatIntohighheav'n,andthusbearsonafarItsburningblastsandscatterethafarItsashes,androllsasmokeofpitchymurkAndheaveththewhilebouldersofwondrousweightLeavingnodoubtintheethat'tistheair'sTumultuouspower.Besides,inmightypart,Theseathereattherootsofthatsamemount

Breaksitsoldbillowsandsucksbackitssurf.AndgrottosfromtheseapassinbelowEventothebottomofthemountain'sthroat.Herethroughthoumustadmittherego...

AndtheconditionsforcethewaterandairDeeplytopenetratefromtheopensea,Andtoout-blowabroad,andtoup-bearTherebytheflame,andtoup-castfromdeepsTheboulders,andtorearthecloudsofsand.Foratthetopbe"bowls,"aspeoplethereArewonttonamewhatweatRomedocallThethroatsandmouths.

Therebe,besides,somethingOfwhich'tisnotenoughoneonlycauseTostate-butratherseveral,whereofoneWillbethetrue:lo,ifthoushouldstespyLyingafarsomefellow'slifelesscorse,'Tweremeettonameallcausesofadeath,Thatcauseofhisdeathmighttherebybenamed:Forprovethoumaystheperishednotbysteel,Bycold,norevenbypoisonnordisease,Yetsomewhatofthissorthathcometohim



Weknow-AndthuswehavetosaythesameIndiverscases.Towardthesummer,NileWaxethandoverfloweththechampaign,Uniqueinallthelandscape,riversoleOftheAegyptians.Inmid-seasonheatsOftenandofthewatersAegypto'er,EitherbecauseinsummeragainsthismouthsComethosenorthwindswhichatthattimeofyearMennametheEtesianblasts,and,blowingthusUpstream,retard,and,forcingbackhiswaves,Fillhimo'erfullandforcehisflowtostop.ForoutofdoubttheseblastswhichdrivenbeFromicyconstellationsofthepoleArebornestraightuptheriver.ComesthatriverFromforththesultryplacesdownthesouth,Risingfarupinmidmostrealmofday,AmongblackgenerationsofstrongmenWithsun-bakedskins.'Tispossible,besides,ThatabigbulkofpiledsandmaybarHismouthsagainsthisonwardwaves,whensea,Wildinthewinds,tumblesthesandtoinland;Wherebytheriver'soutletwerelessfree,Likewiselessheadlonghisdescendingfloods.

Itmaybe,too,thatinthisseasonrainsAremoreabundantatitsfountainhead,BecausetheEtesianblastsofthosenorthwindsThenurgeallcloudsintothoseinlandparts.And,soothly,whenthey'rethusforegatheredthere.Urgedyonderintomidmostrealmofday,Then,crowdedagainsttheloftymountainsides,They'remassedandpowerfullypressed.Again,Perchance,hiswaterswax,Ofaraway,AmongtheAethiopians'loftymountains,Whentheall-beholdingsunwiththawingbeamsDrivesthewhitesnowstoflowintothevales.

Nowcome;anduntotheeIwillunfold,AstotheBirdlessspotsandBirdlesstarns,Whatsortofnaturetheyarefurnishedwith.First,astonameof"birdless,"-thatderivesFromveryfact,becausetheynoxiousbeUntoallbirds.ForwhenabovethosespotsInhorizontalflightthebirdshavecome,Forgettingtooarwithwings,theyfurltheirsails,And,withdown-droopingoftheirdelicatenecks,Fallheadlongintoearth,ifhaplysuchThenatureofthespots,orintowater,IfhaplyspreadsthereunderBirdlesstarn.Suchspot'satCumae,wherethemountainssmoke,

Chargedwiththepungentsulphur,andincreasedWithsteamingsprings.AndsuchaspotthereisWithinthewallsofAthens,eventhereOnsummitofAcropolis,besideFaneofTritonianPallasbountiful,Wherenevercawingcrowscanwingtheircourse,Notevenwhensmokethealtarswithgoodgifts-Butevermoretheyflee-yetnotfromwrathOfPallas,grievedatthatespialold,AspoetsoftheGreekshavesungthetale;



Butverynatureoftheplacecompels.InSyriaalso-asmensay-aspotIstobeseen,wherealsofour-footkinds,Assoonaseverthey'vesettheirstepswithin,Collapse,o'ercomebyitsessentialpower,Asifthereslaughteredtotheunder-gods.Lo,allthesewondersworkbynaturallaw,AndfromwhatcausestheyarebroughttopassTheoriginismanifest;so,haply,LetnonebelievethatintheseregionsstandsThegateofOrcus,norusthensuppose,Haply,thatthencetheunder-godsdrawdownSoulstodarkshoresofAcheron-asstags,Thewing-footed,arethoughttodrawtolight,Bysniffingnostrils,fromtheirduskylairsThewrigglinggenerationsofwildsnakes.Howfarremovedfromtruereasonisthis,Perceivethoustraight;fornowI'lltrytosaySomewhatabouttheveryfact.And,first,ThisdoIsay,asoftI'vesaidbefore:Inearthareatomsofthingsofeverysort;Andknow,theseallthusrisefromouttheearth-Manylife-givingwhichbegoodforfood,

AndmanywhichcangeneratediseaseAndhastendeath,OmanyprimalseedsOfmanythingsinmanymodes-sinceearthContainsthemmingledandgivesforthdiscrete.AndwehaveshownbeforethatcertainthingsBeuntocertaincreaturessuitedmoreForendsoflife,byvirtueofanature,Atexture,andprimordialshapes,unlikeForkindsalike.Thentoo'tisthinetoseeHowmanythingsoppressivebeandfoulToman,andtosensationmostmalign:Manymeandermiserablythroughears;Manyin-windathroughthenostrilstoo,

Malignandharshwhenmortaldrawsabreath;Ofnotafewmustoneavoidthetouch;Ofnotafewmustoneescapethesight;Andsometherebeallloathsometothetaste;Andmany,besides,relaxthelanguidlimbsAlongtheframe,andunderminethesoulInitsabodeswithin.TocertaintreesTherehathbeengivensodolorousashadeThatoftentheygenderachingsofthehead,Ifonebutbebeneath,outstretchedonthesward.Thereis,again,onHelicon'shighhillsAtreethat'swonttokillamanoutrightByfetidodourofitsveryflower.

Andwhenthepungentstenchofthenight-lamp,Extinguishedbutamomentsince,assailsThenostrils,thenandthereitputstosleepAmanafflictedwiththefallingsicknessAndfoamingsatthemouth.Awoman,too,Attheheavycastordrowsesbackinchair,AndfromherdelicatefingersslipsawayHergaudyhandiwork,ifhaplysheHathgotthewhiffatmenstruation-time.Oncemore,ifthoudelayestinhotbaths,



Whenthouartover-full,howreadilyFromstoolinmiddleofthesteamingwaterThoutumblestinafit!HowreadilyTheheavyfumesofcharcoalwindtheirwayIntothebrain,unlessbeforehandweOfwater'vedrunk.Butwhenaburningfever,O'ermasteringman,hathseizeduponhislimbs,Thenodourofwineislikeahammer-blow.AndseestthounothowintheveryearthSulphurisgenderedandbitumenthickensWithnoisomestench.Whatdirefulstenches,too,Scaptensulaout-breathesfromdownbelow,Whenmenpursuetheveinsofsilverandgold,Withpick-axeprobingroundthehiddenrealmsDeepintheearth?-OrwhatofdeadlybaneTheminesofgoldexhale?Owhatalook,Andwhataghastlyhuetheygivetomen!Andseestthounot,orhearest,howthey'rewontInlittletimetoperish,andhowfailThelife-storesinthosefolkwhommightypowerOfgrimnecessityconfineththereInsuchatask?Thus,thistelluricearthOut-streamswithallthesedreadeffluviaAndbreathesthemoutintotheopenworld

Andintothevisibleregionsunderheaven.

Thus,too,thoseBirdlessplacesmustup-sendAnessencebearingdeathtowingedthings,WhichfromtheearthrisesintothebreezesTopoisonpartofskieyspace,andwhenThitherthewingedisonpennonsborne,There,seizedbytheunseenpoison,'tisensnared,AndfromthehorizontalofitsflightDropstothespotwhencesprangtheeffluvium.Andwhen'thastherecollapsed,thenthesamepowerOfthateffluviumtakesfromallitslimbsTherelicsofitslife.Thatpowerfirststrikes

Thecreatureswithawilderingdizziness,Andthenthereafter,whenthey'reoncedown-fallenIntothepoison'sveryfountains,thenLife,too,theyvomitoutperforce,becauseSothickthestoresofbanearoundthemfume.Again,attimesithappensthatthispower,ThisexhalationoftheBirdlessplaces,Dispelstheairbetwixtthegroundandbirds,Leavingwell-nighavoid.AndthitherwhenInhorizontalflightthebirdshavecome,Forthwiththeirbuoyancyofpennonslimps,Alluseless,andeacheffortofbothwingsFallsoutinvain.Here,whenwithoutallpower

Tobuoythemselvesandontheirwingstolean,Lo,NatureconstrainsthembytheirweighttoslipDowntotheearth,andlyingprostratethereAlongthewell-nighemptyvoid,theyspendTheirsoulsthroughalltheopeningsoftheirframe.

Further,thewaterofwellsiscolderthenAtsummertime,becausetheearthbyheatIsrarefied,andsendsabroadinairWhateverseedsitperadventurehave



Ofitsownfieryexhalations.Themore,then,thetelluricgroundisdrainedOfheat,thecoldergrowsthewaterhidWithintheearth.Further,whenalltheearthIsbythecoldcompressed,andthuscontractsAnd,sotosay,concretes,ithappens,lo,ThatbycontractingitexpressesthenIntothewellswhatheatitbearsitself.

'TissaidatHammon'sfaneafountainis,Indaylightcoldandhotintimeofnight.Thisfountainmenbe-wonderover-much,AndthinkthatsuddenlyitseethesinheatByintensesun,thesubterranean,whenNightwithherterriblemurkhathcloakedthelands-What'snottruereasoningbyalongremove:I'faithwhensuno'erhead,touchingwithbeamsAnopenbodyofwater,hadnopowerTorenderithotuponitsupperside,Thoughhishighlightpossesssuchburningglare,How,then,canhe,whenunderthegrossearth,Makewaterboilandglutwithfieryheat?-And,specially,sincescarcelypotentheThroughhedgingwallsofhousestoinject

Hisexhalationshot,withardentrays.What,then,theprinciple?Why,this,indeed:TheearthaboutthatspringisporousmoreThanelsewherethetelluricground,andbeManytheseedsoffirehardbythewater;Onthisaccount,whennightwithdew-fraughtshadesHathwhelmedtheearth,anontheearthdeepdownGrowschill,contracts;andthuswisesqueezesoutIntothespringwhatseedssheholdsoffire(Asonemightsqueezewithfist),whichrenderhotThetouchandsteamofthefluid.Next,whensun,Up-risen,withhisrayshassplitthesoilAndrarefiedtheearthwithwaxingheat,

AgainintotheirancientabodesreturnTheseedsoffire,andalltheHotofwaterIntotheearthretires;andthisiswhyThefountaininthedaylightgetssocold.Besides,thewater'swetisbeatuponByraysofsun,and,withthedawn,becomesRarerintextureunderhispulsingblaze;And,therefore,whatsoseedsitholdsoffireItrendersup,evenasitrendersoftThefrostthatitcontainswithinitselfAndthawsitsiceandlooseneththeknots.Thereis,moreover,afountaincoldinkindThatmakesabitoftow(aboveitheld)

Takefireforthwithandshootaflame;so,too,Apitch-pinetorchwillkindleandflareroundAlongitswaves,wherever'tisimpelledAfloatbeforethebreeze.Nomarvel,this:BecausefullmanyseedsofheattherebeWithinthewater;and,fromearthitselfOutofthedeepsmustparticlesoffireAthroughtheentirefountainsurgealoft,AndspeedinexhalationsintoairForthandabroad(yetnotinnumbersenow



Astomakehotthefountain).And,moreo'er,Someforceconstrainsthem,scatteredthroughthewater,

Forthwithtoburstabroad,andtocombineInflameabove.EvenasafountainfarThereisatAradusamidthesea,WhichbubblesoutsweetwateranddispartsFromrounditselfthesaltwaves;and,behold,InmanyanotherregionthebroadmainYieldstothethirstymarinerstimelyhelp,Belchingsweetwatersforthamidsaltwaves.Justso,then,canthoseseedsoffireburstforthAthroughthatotherfount,andbubbleoutAbroadagainstthebitoftow;andwhenTheytherecollectorcleaveuntothetorch,Forthwiththeyreadilyflashaflame,becauseThetowandtorches,also,inthemselvesHavemanyseedsoflatentfire.Indeed,Andseestthounot,whennearthenightlylampsThoubringestaflaxenwick,extinguishedAmomentsince,itcatchesfirebefore'Thastouchedtheflame,andinsamewiseatorch?AndmanyanotherobjectflashesaflameWhenatadistance,touchedbyheatalone,

Before'tissteepedinveritablefire.This,then,wemustsupposetocometopassInthatspringalso.Nowtootherthings!AndI'llbegintotreatbywhatdecreeOfNatureitcametopassthatironcanbeBythatstonedrawnwhichGreeksthemagnetcallAfterthecountry'sname(itsoriginBeingincountryofMagnesianfolk).Thisstonemenmarvelat;andsureitoftMakethachainofrings,depending,lo,Fromoffitself!Nay,thoumayestseeattimesFiveoryetmoreinorderdanglingdown

Andswayinginthedelicatewinds,whilstoneDependsfromother,cleavingtounder-side,Andilkonefeelsthestone'sownpowerandbonds-Soover-masteringlyitspowerflowsdown.Inthingsofthissort,muchmustbemadesureErethouaccountofthethingitselfcanstgive,Andtheapproachesroundaboutmustbe;WhereforethemoredoIexactoftheeAmindandearsattent.First,fromallthingsWeseesoever,evermoremustflow,Mustbedischargedandstrewnabout,about,Bodiesthatstriketheeyes,awakingsight.

Fromcertainthingsflowodoursevermore,Ascoldfromrivers,heatfromsun,andsprayFromwavesofocean,eater-outofwallsAlongthecoasts.NoreverceasetoseepThevariedechoingsathroughtheair.Then,too,therecomesintothemouthattimesThewetofasalttaste,whenbytheseaWeroamabout;andso,whene'erwewatchThewormwoodbeingmixed,itsbitterstings.Tosuchdegreefromallthingsiseachthing



Bornestreaminglyalong,andsentaboutToeveryregionround;andNaturegrantsNorrestnorrespiteoftheonwardflow,Since'tisincessantlywefeelinghave,AndallthetimearesufferedtodescryAndsmellallthingsathandandhearthemsound.NowwillIseekagaintobringtomindHowporousabodyallthingshave-afactMademanifestinmyfirstcanto,too.Fortruly,thoughtoknowthisdothimportFormanythings,yetforthisverythingOnwhichstraightwayI'mgoingtodiscourse,'TisneedfulmostofalltomakeitsureThatnaught'sathandbutbodymixedwithvoid.Afirstensample:ingrottos,rockso'erheadSweatmoistureanddistiltheoozydrops;Likewise,fromallourbodyseepsthesweat;Theregrowsthebeard,andalongourmembersallAndalongourframethehairs.ThroughallourveinsDisseminatesthefoods,andgivesincreaseAndalimentdowntotheextremeparts,Eventothetiniestfinger-nails.Likewise,ThroughsolidbronzethecoldandfieryheatWefeeltopass;likewise,wefeelthempass

Throughgold,throughsilver,whenweclaspinhandThebrimminggoblets.And,again,thereflitVoicesthroughhouses'hedgingwallsofstone;Odourseepsthrough,andcold,andheatoffireThat'swonttopenetrateevenstrengthofiron.Again,wherecorseletoftheskygirdsround

Andatsametime,someInfluenceofbane,WhenfromBeyond'thasstolenintoourworld.Andtempests,gatheringfromtheearthandsky,Backtotheskyandearthabsorbedretire-Withreason,sincethere'snaughtthat'sfashionednotWithbodyporous.

Furthermore,notallTheparticleswhichbefromthingsthrownoffArefurnishedwithsamequalitiesforsense,Norbeforallthingsequallyadapt.Afirstensample:thesundothbakeandparchTheearth;buticehethaws,andwithhisbeamsCompelstheloftysnows,up-rearedwhiteUpontheloftyhills,towasteaway;Then,wax,ifsetbeneaththeheatofhim,Meltstoaliquid.Andthefire,likewise,Willmeltthecopperandwillfusethegold,Buthidesandfleshitshrivelsupandshrinks.Thewaterhardenstheironjustoffthefire,

Buthidesandflesh(madehardbyheat)itsoftens.Theoleaster-treeasmuchdelightsThebeardedshe-goats,verilyasthough'Twerenectar-steepedandshedambrosia;ThanwhichisnaughtthatburgeonsintoleafMorebitterfoodforman.AhogdrawsbackFormarjoramoil,andeveryunguentfearsFiercepoisontheseuntothebristledhogs,Yetuntousfromtimetotimetheyseem,As'twere,togivenewlife.But,contrariwise,



Thoughuntousthemirebefilthmostfoul,TohogsthatmiredothsodelightsomeseemThattheywithwallowingfrombellytobackArenevercloyed.Apointremains,besides,Whichbestitseemstotellof,ereIgoTotellingofthefactathanditself.SincetothevariedthingsassignedbeThemanypores,thoseporesmustbediverseInnatureonefromother,andeachhaveItsveryshape,itsowndirectionfixed.Andso,indeed,inbreathingcreaturesbeTheseveralsenses,ofwhicheachtakesinUntoitself,initsownfashionever,Itsownpeculiarobject.ForwemarkHowsoundsdointooneplacepenetrate,Intoanotherflavoursofalljuice,Andsavourofsmellintoathird.Moreover,Onesortthroughrocksweseetoseep,and,lo,Onesorttopassthroughwood,anotherstillThroughgold,andotherstogooutandoffThroughsilverandthroughglass.ForwedoseeThroughsomeporesform-and-lookofthingstoflow,Throughothersheattogo,andsomethingsstill

Tospeedierpassthanothersthroughsamepores.Ofverity,thenatureofthesesamepaths,Varyinginmanymodes(asaforesaid)BecauseofunlikenatureandwarpandwoofOfcosmicthings,constrainsitsotobe.

Wherefore,sinceallthesemattersnowhavebeenEstablishedandsettledwellforusAspremisesprepared,forwhatremains'TwillnotbehardtorenderclearaccountBymeansofthese,andthewholecauserevealWherebythemagnetluresthestrengthofiron.First,streamtheremustfromoffthelode-stoneseeds

Innumerable,averytide,whichsmitesByblowsthatairasunderlyingbetwixtThestoneandiron.AndwhenisemptiedoutThisspace,andalargeplacebetweenthetwoIsmadeavoid,forthwiththeprimalgermsOfiron,headlongslipping,fallconjoinedIntothevacuum,andtheringitselfByreasonthereofdothfollowafterandgoThuswisewithallitsbody.AndnaughtthereisThatofitsownprimordialelementsMorethoroughlyknitortighterlinkedcoheresThannatureandcoldroughnessofstoutiron.Wherefore,'tislessamarvelwhatIsaid,

ThatfromsuchelementsnobodiescanFromouttheironcollectinlargerthrongAndbeintothevacuumbornealong,Withouttheringitselfdofollowafter.Andthisitdoes,andfollowethonuntil'ThathreachedthestoneitselfandcleavedtoitBylinksinvisible.Moreover,likewise,Themotion'sassistedbyathingofaid(Wherebytheprocesseasierbecomes)-Namely,bythis:assoonasrarergrows



Thatairinfrontofthering,andspacebetweenIsemptiedmoreandmadeavoid,forthwithIthappensalltheairthatliesbehindConveysitonward,pushingfromtherear.ForeverdoththecircumambientairDrubthingsunmoved,buthereitpushesforthTheiron,becauseupononesidethespaceLiesvoidandthusreceivestheironin.Thisair,whereofIamremindingthee,Windingathroughtheiron'sabundantporesSosubtlyintothetinypartsthereof,Shovesitandpushes,aswindtheshipandsails.Thesamedothhappeninalldirectionsforth:Fromwhatsosideaspaceismadeavoid,Whetherfromcrosswiseorabove,forthwithTheneighbourparticlesarebornealongIntothevacuum;forofverity,They'reseta-goingbypoundingsfromelsewhere,NorbythemselvesofownaccordcantheyRiseupwardsintotheair.Again,allthingsMustintheirframeworkholdsomeair,becauseTheyareofframeworkporous,andtheairEncompassesandbordersonallthings.Thus,then,thisairinironsodeeplystored

Istossedevermoreinvexedmotion,AndthereforedrubsupontheringsansdoubtAndshakesitupinside....

Insooth,thatringisthitherbornealongTowhere'thasonceplungedheadlong-thither,lo,Untothevoidwheretoittookitsstart.

Ithappens,too,attimesthatnatureofironShrinksfromthisstoneaway,accustomedByturnstofleeandfollow.Yea,I'veseenThoseSamothracianironringsleapup,Andironfilingsinthebrazenbowls

Seethefuriously,whenunderneathwassetThemagnetstone.SostronglyironseemsTocravetofleethatrock.SuchdiscordgreatIsgenderedbytheinterposedbrass,Because,forsooth,whenfirstthetideofbrassHathseizeduponandheldpossessionofTheiron'sopenpassage-ways,thereafterComeththetideofthestone,andinthatironFindethallspacesfull,nornowhathholesToswimthrough,asbefore.'TisthusconstrainedWithitsowncurrent'gainsttheiron'sfabricTodashandbeat;bymeanswhereofitspewsForthfromitself-andthroughthebrassstirsup-

ThethingswhichotherwisewithoutthebrassItsucksintoitself.IntheseaffairsMarvelthounotthatfromthisstonethetidePrevailsnotlikewiseotherthingstomoveWithitsownblows:forsomestandfirmbyweight,Asgold;andsomecannotbemovedforever,BecausesoporousintheirframeworktheyThattherethetidestreamsthroughwithoutabreak,Ofwhichsortstuffofwoodisseentobe.Therefore,wheniron(whichliesbetweenthetwo)



Hathtakeninsomeatomsofthebrass,ThendothestreamsofthatMagnesianrockMoveironbytheirsmitings.YetthesethingsArenotsoalienfromothers,thatIOfthissamesortamillpreparedtonameEnsamplesstillofthingsexclusivelyTooneanotheradapt.Thouseest,first,Howlimealonecementethstones:howwoodOnlybyglue-of-bullwithwoodisjoined-SofirmlytoothatoftenertheboardsCrackopenalongtheweaknessofthegrainEreeverthosetaurinebondswilllaxtheirhold.Thevine-bornjuiceswiththewater-springsAreboldtomix,thoughnottheheavypitchWiththelightoil-of-olive.AndpurpledyeOfshell-fishsounitethwiththewool'sBodyalonethatitcannotbeta'enAwayforever-nay,thoughthougavesttoilTorestorethesamewiththeNeptunianflood,Nay,thoughalloceanwilledtowashitoutWithallitswaves.Again,golduntogoldDothnotonesubstancebind,andonlyone?Andisnotbrassbytinjoineduntobrass?

Andotherensampleshowmanymightonefind!Whatthen?NoristhereuntotheeaneedOfsuchlongwaysandroundabout,norbootsitFormemuchtoilonthistospend.MorefitItisinfewwordsbrieflytoembraceThingsmany:thingswhosetexturesfalltogetherSomutuallyadapt,thatcavitiesTosolidscorrespond,thesecavitiesOfthisthingtothesolidpartsofthat,Andthoseofthattosolidpartsofthis-Suchjoiningsarethebest.Again,somethingsCanbetheonewithothercoupledandheld,Linkedbyhooksandeyes,as'twere;andthis

Seemsmorethefactwithironandthisstone.Now,ofdiseaseswhatthelaw,andwhenceTheInfluenceofbaneupgatheringcanUpontheraceofmanandherdsofcattleKindleadevastationfraughtwithdeath,Iwillunfold.And,first,I'vetaughtaboveThatseedstherebeofmanythingstousLife-giving,andthat,contrariwise,theremustFlymanyroundbringingdiseaseanddeath.Whenthesehave,haply,chancedtocollectAndtoderangetheatmosphereofearth,Theairbecomethbaneful.And,lo,allThatInfluenceofbane,thatpestilence,

OrfromBeyonddownthroughouratmosphere,Likecloudsandmists,descends,orelsecollectsFromearthherselfandrises,when,a-soakAndbeatbyrainsunseasonableandsuns,Ourearthhaththencontractedstenchandrot.Seestthounot,also,thatwhosoarriveInregionfarfromfatherlandandhomeArebythestrangenessoftheclimeandwatersDistempered?-sinceconditionsvarymuch.Forinwhatelsemaywesupposetheclime



AmongtheBritonstodifferfromAegypt'sown(Wheretottersawrytheaxisoftheworld),OrinwhatelsetodifferPonticclimeFromGades'andfromclimesadownthesouth,OntoblackgenerationsofstrongmenWithsun-bakedskins?EvenaswethusdoseeFourclimesdiverseunderthefourmain-windsAndunderthefourmain-regionsofthesky,So,too,areseenthecolourandfaceofmenVastlytodisagree,andfixeddiseasesToseizethegenerations,kindbykind:Thereistheelephant-diseasewhichdownInmidmostAegypt,hardbystreamsofNile,Engenderedis-andneverotherwhere.InAtticathefeetareoftattacked,AndinAchaeanlandstheeyes.AndsoThediversspotstodiverspartsandlimbsArenoxious;'tisavariableairThatcausesthis.Thuswhenanatmosphere,Alienbychancetous,beginstoheave,Andnoxiousairsbegintocrawlalong,Theycreepandwindlikeuntomistandcloud,Slowly,andeverythingupontheirwayTheydisarrangeandforcetochangeitsstate.

Ithappens,too,thatwhenthey'vecomeatlastIntothisatmosphereofours,theytaintAndmakeitlikethemselvesandalien.Therefore,asuddenthisdevastationstrange,Thispestilence,uponthewatersfalls,OrsettlesontheverycropsofgrainOrothermeatofmenandfeedofflocks.Oritremainsasubtleforce,suspenseIntheatmosphereitself;andwhentherefromWedrawourinhalationsofmixedair,IntoourbodyequallyitsbaneAlsowemustsuckin.Inmannerlike,Oftcomesthepestilenceuponthekine,

Andsickness,too,uponthesluggishsheep.NoraughtitmatterswhetherjourneyweToregionsadversetoourselvesandchangeTheatmosphericcloak,orwhetherNatureHerselfimportataintedatmosphereTousorsomethingstrangetoourownuseWhichcanattackussoonaseveritcome.

ThePlagueAthens

'Twassuchamannerofdisease,'twassuchMortalmiasmainCecropianlandsWhilomreducedtheplainstodeadmen'sbones,

Unpeopledthehighways,drainedofcitizensTheAtheniantown.Forcomingfromafar,RisinginlandsofAegypt,traversingReachesofairandfloatingfieldsoffoam,AtlastonallPandion'sfolkitswooped;WhereatbytroopsuntodiseaseanddeathWeretheyo'er-given.Atfirst,they'dbearaboutAskullonfirewithheat,andeyeballstwainRedwithsuffusionofblankglare.Theirthroats,Blackontheinside,sweatedoozyblood;



AndthewalledpathwayofthevoiceofmanWascloggedwithulcers;andtheverytongue,Themind'sinterpreter,wouldtricklegore,Weakenedbytorments,tardy,roughtotouch.NextwhenthatInfluenceofbanehadchocked,Downthroughthethroat,thebreast,andstreamedhadE'enintosullenheartofthosesickfolk,Then,verily,allthefencesofman'slifeBegantotopple.FromthemouththebreathWouldrollanoisomestink,asstinktoheavenRottingcadaversflungunburiedout.And,lo,thereafter,allthebody'sstrengthAndeverypowerofmindwouldlanguish,nowInverydoorwayofdestruction.Andanxiousanguishandululation(mixedWithmanyagroan)companionedalwayTheintolerabletorments.Nightandday,RecurrentspasmsofvomitingwouldrackAlwaytheirthewsandmembers,breakingdownWithsheerexhaustionmenalreadyspent.Andyetonnoone'sbodycouldstthoumarkTheskinwitho'er-muchheattoburnaglow,ButratherthebodyuntotouchofhandsWouldofferawarmishfeeling,andthereby

Showredallover,withulcers,sotosay,Inbranded,likethe"sacredfires"o'erspreadAlongthemembers.Theinwardpartsofmen,Intruth,wouldblazeuntotheverybones;Aflame,likeflameinfurnaces,wouldblazeWithinthestomach.NorcouldstaughtapplyUntotheirmemberslightenoughandthinForshiftofaid-butcoolnessandabreezeEverandever.SomewouldplungethoselimbsOnfirewithbaneintotheicystreams,Hurlingthebodynakedintothewaves;ManywouldheadlongflingthemdeeplydownThewater-pits,tumblingwitheagermouth

Alreadyagape.TheinsatiablethirstThatwhelmedtheirparchedbodies,lo,wouldmakeAgoodlyshowerseemliketoscantydrops.Respiteoftormentwastherenone.TheirframesForspentlayprone.WithsilentlipsoffearWouldMedicinemumblelow,thewhileshesawSomanyatimemenrolltheireyeballsround,Staringwide-open,unvisitedofsleep,Theheraldsofolddeath.AndinthosemonthsWasgivenmanyanothersignofdeath:TheintellectofmindbysorrowanddreadDeranged,thesadbrow,thecountenanceFierceanddelirious,thetormentedears

Besetwithringings,thebreathquickandshortOrhugeandintermittent,soakingsweatA-glistenonneck,thespittleinfinegoutsTaintedwithcolourofcrocusandsosalt,Thecoughscarcewheezingthroughtherattlingthroat.Aye,andthesinewsinthefingeredhandsWeresuretocontract,andsurethejointedframeToshiver,andupfromfeetthecoldtomountInchafterinch:andtowardthesupremehourAtlastthepinchednostrils,nose'stip



Averypoint,eyessunken,templeshollow,Skincoldandhard,theshudderinggrimace,Thepulledandpuffyfleshabovethebrows!-OnotlongafterwouldtheirframeslieproneInrigiddeath.AndbyabouttheeighthResplendentlightofsun,oratthemostOntheninthflamingofhisflambeau,theyWouldrenderupthelife.IfanythenHad'scapedthedoomofthatdestruction,yetHimthereawaitedintheafterdaysAwastingandadeathfromulcersvileAndblackdischargesofthebelly,orelseThroughthecloggednostrilswouldthereoozealongMuchfouledblood,oftwithanachinghead:Hitherwouldstreamaman'swholestrengthandflesh.AndwhosohadsurvivedthatvirulentflowOfthevileblood,yetintothewsofhimAndintohisjointsandverygenitalsWouldpasstheolddisease.Andsometherewere,DreadingthedoorwaysofdestructionSomuch,livedon,deprivedbytheknifeOfthemalemember;notafew,thoughloppedOfhandsandfeet,wouldyetpersistinlife,Andsometherewerewholosttheireyeballs:O

Sofierceafearofdeathhadfallenonthem!Andsome,besides,werebyoblivionOfallthingsseized,thateventhemselvestheyknowNolonger.AndthoughcorpseoncorpselaypiledUnburiedonground,theraceofbirdsandbeastsWouldorspringback,scurryingtoescapeThevirulentstench,or,ifthey'dtastedthere,Wouldlanguishinapproachingdeath.ButyetHardlyatallduringthosemanysunsAppearedafowl,norfromthewoodswentforthThesullengenerationsofwildbeasts-Theylanguishedwithdiseaseanddiedanddied.Inchief,thefaithfuldogs,inallthestreets

Outstretched,wouldyieldtheirbreathdistressfullyForsothatInfluenceofbanewouldtwistLifefromtheirmembers.NorwasfoundonesureAnduniversalprincipleofcure:ForwhattoonehadgiventhepowertotakeThevitalwindsofairintohismouth,Andtogazeupwardatthevaultsofsky,Thesametootherswastheirdeathanddoom.Inthoseaffairs,Oawfullestofall,Opitiablemostwasthis,wasthis:WhosooncesawhimselfinthatdiseaseEntangled,ay,asdamneduntodeath,Wouldlieinwanhope,withasullenheart,

Would,infore-visionofhisfuneral,Giveuptheghost,Othenandthere.For,lo,AtnotimedidtheyceaseonefromanotherTocatchcontagionofthegreedyplague,-Asthoughbutwoollyflocksandhornedherds;Andthisinchiefwouldheapthedeadondead:Forwhoforboretolooktotheirownsick,Othese(tooeageroflife,ofdeathafeard)Wouldthen,soonafter,slaughteringNeglectVisitwithvengeanceofevildeathandbase-



Themselvesdesertedandforlornofhelp.ButwhohadstayedathandwouldperishthereBythatcontagionandthetoilwhichthenAsenseofhonourandthepleadingvoiceOfwearywatchers,mixedwithvoiceofwailOfdyingfolk,forcedthemtoundergo.Thiskindofdeatheachnoblersoulwouldmeet.Thefunerals,uncompanioned,forsaken,Likerivalscontendedtobehurriedthrough.

AndmencontendingtoensepulchrePileuponpilethethrongoftheirowndead:Andwearywithwoeandweepingwanderedhome;Andthenthemostwouldtaketobedfromgrief.Norcouldbefoundnotone,whomnordiseaseNordeath,norwoehadnotinthosedreadtimesAttacked.

Bynowtheshepherdsandneatherdsall,Yea,eventhesturdyguidersofcurvedploughs,Begantosicken,andtheirbodieswouldlieHuddledwithinback-cornersoftheirhuts,Deliveredbysqualoranddiseasetodeath.Ooftenandoftencouldstthouthenhaveseen

Onlifelesschildrenlifelessparentsprone,Oroffspringontheirfathers',mothers'corpseYieldingthelife.AndintothecitypouredOnotinleastpartfromthecountrysideThattribulation,whichthepeasantrySick,sick,broughtthither,throngingfromeveryquarter,

Plague-strickenmob.Allplaceswouldtheycrowd,Allbuildingstoo;wherebythemorewoulddeathUp-pilea-heapthefolksocrammedintown.Ah,manyabodythirsthaddraggedandrolledAlongthehighwaystherewaslyingstrewnBesidesSilenus-headedwater-fountains,-

Thelife-breathchokedfromthattoodeardesireOfpleasantwaters.Ah,everywherealongTheopenplacesofthepopulace,Andalongthehighways,OthoumightestseeOfmanyahalf-deadbodythesaggedlimbs,Roughwithsqualor,wrappedaroundwithrags,Perishfromverynastiness,withnaughtButskinuponthebones,well-nighalreadyBuried-inulcersvileandobscenefilth.Allholytemples,too,ofdeitiesHadDeathbecrammedwiththecarcasses;AndstoodeachfaneoftheCelestialOnesLadenwithstarkcadaverseverywhere-

PlaceswhichwardersoftheshrineshadcrowdedWithmanyaguest.FornownolongermenDidmightilyesteemtheoldDivine,Theworshipofthegods:thewoeathandDidover-master.NorinthecitythenRemainedthoseritesofsepulture,withwhichThatpiousfolkhadevermorebeenwontToburiedbe.ForitwaswilderedallInwildalarms,andeachandeveryoneWithsullensorrowwouldburyhisowndead,



Aspresentshiftallowed.AndsuddenstressAndpovertytomanyanawfulactImpelled;andwithamonstrousscreamingtheyWould,ontheframesofalienfuneralpyres,Placetheirownkin,andthrustthetorchbeneathOftbrawlingwithmuchbloodshedroundaboutRatherthanquitdeadbodieslovedinlife.

THEEND

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Copyrightstatement:TheInternetClassicsArchivebyDanielC.Stevenson,WebAtomics.WorldWideWebpresentationiscopyright(C)1994-2000,DanielC.Stevenson,WebAtomics.Allrightsreservedunderinternationalandpan-Americancopyrightconventions,includingtherightofreproductioninwholeorinpartinanyform.Directpermissionrequeststoclassics@classics.mit.edu.Translationof"TheDeedsoftheDivineAugustus"byAugustusiscopyright(C)ThomasBushnell,BSG.

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