,,of ,,the ,,nature ,,of ,,things ,by ,titus ,lucretius ,carus ,a ,metrical ,translation ,by ,william ,ellery ,leonard ,,book ,i ,,proem ,mother of ,rome1 delight of ,gods and men1 ,dear ,venus that beneath the gliding stars ,makest to teem the many-voyaged main ,and fruitful lands--for all of living things ,through thee alone are evermore conceived1 ,through thee are risen to visit the great sun-- ,before thee1 ,goddess1 and thy coming on1 ,flee stormy wind and massy cloud away1 ,for thee the daedal ,earth bears scented flowers1 ,for thee waters of the unvexed deep ,smile1 and the hollows of the serene sky ,glow with diffused radiance for thee6 ,for soon as comes the springtime face of day1 ,and procreant gales blow from the ,west unbarred1 ,first fowls of air1 smit to the heart by thee1 ,foretoken thy approach1 ,o thou ,divine1 ,and leap the wild herds round the happy fields ,or swim the bounding torrents4 ,thus amain1 ,seized with the spell1 all creatures follow thee ,whithersoever thou walkest forth to lead1 ,and thence through seas and mountains and swift streams1 ,through leafy homes of birds and greening plains1 ,kindling the lure of love in every breast1 ,thou bringest the eternal generations forth1 ,kind after kind4 ,and since 'tis thou alone ,guidest the ,cosmos1 and without thee naught ,is risen to reach the shining shores of light1 ,nor aught of joyful or of lovely born1 ,thee do ,i crave co-partner in that verse ,which ,i presume on ,nature to compose ,for ,memmius mine1 whom thou hast willed to be ,peerless in every grace at every hour-- ,wherefore indeed1 ,divine one1 give my words ,immortal charm4 ,lull to a timely rest ,o'er sea and land the savage works of war1 ,for thou alone hast power with public peace ,to aid mortality2 since he who rules ,the savage works of battle1 puissant ,mars1 ,how often to thy bosom flings his strength ,o'ermastered by the eternal wound of love-- ,and there1 with eyes and full throat backward thrown1 ,gazing1 my ,goddess1 open-mouthed at thee1 ,pastures on love his greedy sight1 his breath ,hanging upon thy lips4 ,him thus reclined ,fill with thy holy body1 round1 above6 ,pour from those lips soft syllables to win ,peace for the ,romans1 glorious ,lady1 peace6 ,for in a season troublous to the state ,neither may ,i attend this task of mine ,with thought untroubled1 nor mid such events ,the illustrious scion of the ,memmian house ,neglect the civic cause4 ,whilst human kind ,throughout the lands lay miserably crushed ,before all eyes beneath ,religion--who ,would show her head along the region skies1 ,glowering on mortals with her hideous face-- ,a ,greek it was who first opposing dared ,raise mortal eyes that terror to withstand1 ,whom nor the fame of ,gods nor lightning's stroke ,nor threatening thunder of the ominous sky ,abashed2 but rather chafed to angry zest ,his dauntless heart to be the first to rend ,the crossbars at the gates of ,nature old4 ,and thus his will and hardy wisdom won2 ,and forward thus he fared afar1 beyond ,the flaming ramparts of the world1 until ,he wandered the unmeasurable ,all4 ,whence he to us1 a conqueror1 reports ,what things can rise to being1 what cannot1 ,and by what law to each its scope prescribed1 ,its boundary stone that clings so deep in ,time4 ,wherefore ,religion now is under foot1 ,and us his victory now exalts to heaven4 ,i know how hard it is in ,latian verse ,to tell the dark discoveries of the ,greeks1 ,chiefly because our pauper-speech must find ,strange terms to fit the strangeness of the thing2 ,yet worth of thine and the expected joy ,of thy sweet friendship do persuade me on ,to bear all toil and wake the clear nights through1 ,seeking with what of words and what of song ,i may at last most gloriously uncloud ,for thee the light beyond1 wherewith to view ,the core of being at the centre hid4 ,and for the rest1 summon to judgments true1 ,unbusied ears and singleness of mind ,withdrawn from cares2 lest these my gifts1 arranged ,for thee with eager service1 thou disdain ,before thou comprehendest3 since for thee ,i prove the supreme law of ,gods and sky1 ,and the primordial germs of things unfold1 ,whence ,nature all creates1 and multiplies ,and fosters all1 and whither she resolves ,each in the end when each is overthrown4 ,this ultimate stock we have devised to name ,procreant atoms1 matter1 seeds of things1 ,or primal bodies1 as primal to the world4 ,i fear perhaps thou deemest that we fare ,an impious road to realms of thought profane2 ,but 'tis that same religion oftener far ,hath bred the foul impieties of men3 ,as once at ,aulis1 the elected chiefs1 ,foremost of heroes1 ,danaan counsellors1 ,defiled ,diana's altar1 virgin queen1 ,with ,agamemnon's daughter1 foully slain4 ,she felt the chaplet round her maiden locks ,and fillets1 fluttering down on either cheek1 ,and at the altar marked her grieving sire1 ,the priests beside him who concealed the knife1 ,and all the folk in tears at sight of her4 ,with a dumb terror and a sinking knee ,she dropped2 nor might avail her now that first ',twas she who gave the king a father's name4 ,they raised her up1 they bore the trembling girl ,on to the altar--hither led not now ,with solemn rites and hymeneal choir1 ,but sinless woman1 sinfully foredone1 ,a parent felled her on her bridal day1 ,making his child a sacrificial beast ,to give the ships auspicious winds for ,troy3 ,such are the crimes to which ,religion leads4 ,and there shall come the time when even thou1 ,forced by the soothsayer's terror-tales1 shalt seek ,to break from us4 ,ah1 many a dream even now ,can they concoct to rout thy plans of life1 ,and trouble all thy fortunes with base fears4 ,i own with reason3 for1 if men but knew ,some fixed end to ills1 they would be strong ,by some device unconquered to withstand ,religions and the menacings of seers4 ,but now nor skill nor instrument is theirs1 ,since men must dread eternal pains in death4 ,for what the soul may be they do not know1 ,whether 'tis born1 or enter in at birth1 ,and whether1 snatched by death1 it die with us1 ,or visit the shadows and the vasty caves ,of ,orcus1 or by some divine decree ,enter the brute herds1 as our ,ennius sang1 ,who first from lovely ,helicon brought down ,a laurel wreath of bright perennial leaves1 ,renowned forever among the ,italian clans4 ,yet ,ennius too in everlasting verse ,proclaims those vaults of ,acheron to be1 ,though thence1 he said1 nor souls nor bodies fare1 ,but only phantom figures1 strangely wan1 ,and tells how once from out those regions rose ,old ,homer's ghost to him and shed salt tears ,and with his words unfolded ,nature's source4 ,then be it ours with steady mind to clasp ,the purport of the skies--the law behind ,the wandering courses of the sun and moon2 ,to scan the powers that speed all life below2 ,but most to see with reasonable eyes ,of what the mind1 of what the soul is made1 ,and what it is so terrible that breaks ,on us asleep1 or waking in disease1 ,until we seem to mark and hear at hand ,dead men whose bones earth bosomed long ago4 ,,substance ,,is ,,eternal ,this terror1 then1 this darkness of the mind1 ,not sunrise with its flaring spokes of light1 ,nor glittering arrows of morning can disperse1 ,but only ,nature's aspect and her law1 ,which1 teaching us1 hath this exordium3 ,nothing from nothing ever yet was born4 ,fear holds dominion over mortality ,only because1 seeing in land and sky ,so much the cause whereof no wise they know1 ,men think ,divinities are working there4 ,meantime1 when once we know from nothing still ,nothing can be create1 we shall divine ,more clearly what we seek3 those elements ,from which alone all things created are1 ,and how accomplished by no tool of ,gods4 ,suppose all sprang from all things3 any kind ,might take its origin from any thing1 ,no fixed seed required4 ,men from the sea ,might rise1 and from the land the scaly breed1 ,and1 fowl full fledged come bursting from the sky2 ,the horned cattle1 the herds and all the wild ,would haunt with varying offspring tilth and waste2 ,nor would the same fruits keep their olden trees1 ,but each might grow from any stock or limb ,by chance and change4 ,indeed1 and were there not ,for each its procreant atoms1 could things have ,each its unalterable mother old8 ,but1 since produced from fixed seeds are all1 ,each birth goes forth upon the shores of light ,from its own stuff1 from its own primal bodies4 ,and all from all cannot become1 because ,in each resides a secret power its own4 ,again1 why see we lavished o'er the lands ,at spring the rose1 at summer heat the corn1 ,the vines that mellow when the autumn lures1 ,if not because the fixed seeds of things ,at their own season must together stream1 ,and new creations only be revealed ,when the due times arrive and pregnant earth ,safely may give unto the shores of light ,her tender progenies8 ,but if from naught ,were their becoming1 they would spring abroad ,suddenly1 unforeseen1 in alien months1 ,with no primordial germs1 to be preserved ,from procreant unions at an adverse hour4 ,nor on the mingling of the living seeds ,would space be needed for the growth of things ,were life an increment of nothing3 then ,the tiny babe forthwith would walk a man1 ,and from the turf would leap a branching tree-- ,wonders unheard of2 for1 by ,nature1 each ,slowly increases from its lawful seed1 ,and through that increase shall conserve its kind4 ,whence take the proof that things enlarge and feed ,from out their proper matter4 ,thus it comes ,that earth1 without her seasons of fixed rains1 ,could bear no produce such as makes us glad1 ,and whatsoever lives1 if shut from food1 ,prolongs its kind and guards its life no more4 ,thus easier 'tis to hold that many things ,have primal bodies in common 7as we see ,the single letters common to many words7 ,than aught exists without its origins4 ,moreover1 why should ,nature not prepare ,men of a bulk to ford the seas afoot1 ,or rend the mighty mountains with their hands1 ,or conquer ,time with length of days1 if not ,because for all begotten things abides ,the changeless stuff1 and what from that may spring ,is fixed forevermore8 ,lastly we see ,how far the tilled surpass the fields untilled ,and to the labour of our hands return ,their more abounding crops2 there are indeed ,within the earth primordial germs of things1 ,which1 as the ploughshare turns the fruitful clods ,and kneads the mould1 we quicken into birth4 ,else would ye mark1 without all toil of ours1 ,spontaneous generations1 fairer forms4 ,confess then1 naught from nothing can become1 ,since all must have their seeds1 wherefrom to grow1 ,wherefrom to reach the gentle fields of air4 ,hence too it comes that ,nature all dissolves ,into their primal bodies again1 and naught ,perishes ever to annihilation4 ,for1 were aught mortal in its every part1 ,before our eyes it might be snatched away ,unto destruction2 since no force were needed ,to sunder its members and undo its bands4 ,whereas1 of truth1 because all things exist1 ,with seed imperishable1 ,nature allows ,destruction nor collapse of aught1 until ,some outward force may shatter by a blow1 ,or inward craft1 entering its hollow cells1 ,dissolve it down4 ,and more than this1 if ,time1 ,that wastes with eld the works along the world1 ,destroy entire1 consuming matter all1 ,whence then may ,venus back to light of life ,restore the generations kind by kind8 ,or how1 when thus restored1 may daedal ,earth ,foster and plenish with her ancient food1 ,which1 kind by kind1 she offers unto each8 ,whence may the water-springs1 beneath the sea1 ,or inland rivers1 far and wide away1 ,keep the unfathomable ocean full8 ,and out of what does ,ether feed the stars8 ,for lapsed years and infinite age must else ,have eat all shapes of mortal stock away3 ,but be it the ,long ,ago contained those germs1 ,by which this sum of things recruited lives1 ,those same infallibly can never die1 ,nor nothing to nothing evermore return4 ,and1 too1 the selfsame power might end alike ,all things1 were they not still together held ,by matter eternal1 shackled through its parts1 ,now more1 now less4 ,a touch might be enough ,to cause destruction4 ,for the slightest force ,would loose the weft of things wherein no part ,were of imperishable stock4 ,but now ,because the fastenings of primordial parts ,are put together diversely and stuff ,is everlasting1 things abide the same ,unhurt and sure1 until some power comes on ,strong to destroy the warp and woof of each3 ,nothing returns to naught2 but all return ,at their collapse to primal forms of stuff4 ,lo1 the rains perish which ,ether-father throws ,down to the bosom of ,earth-mother2 but then ,upsprings the shining grain1 and boughs are green ,amid the trees1 and trees themselves wax big ,and lade themselves with fruits2 and hence in turn ,the race of man and all the wild are fed2 ,hence joyful cities thrive with boys and girls2 ,and leafy woodlands echo with new birds2 ,hence cattle1 fat and drowsy1 lay their bulk ,along the joyous pastures whilst the drops ,of white ooze trickle from distended bags2 ,hence the young scamper on their weakling joints ,along the tender herbs1 fresh hearts afrisk ,with warm new milk4 ,thus naught of what so seems ,perishes utterly1 since ,nature ever ,upbuilds one thing from other1 suffering naught ,to come to birth but through some other's death4 9999999999 ,and now1 since ,i have taught that things cannot ,be born from nothing1 nor the same1 when born1 ,to nothing be recalled1 doubt not my words1 ,because our eyes no primal germs perceive2 ,for mark those bodies which1 though known to be ,in this our world1 are yet invisible3 ,the winds infuriate lash our face and frame1 ,unseen1 and swamp huge ships and rend the clouds1 ,or1 eddying wildly down1 bestrew the plains ,with mighty trees1 or scour the mountain tops ,with forest-crackling blasts4 ,thus on they rave ,with uproar shrill and ominous moan4 ,the winds1 ',tis clear1 are sightless bodies sweeping through ,the sea1 the lands1 the clouds along the sky1 ,vexing and whirling and seizing all amain2 ,and forth they flow and pile destruction round1 ,even as the water's soft and supple bulk ,becoming a river of abounding floods1 ,which a wide downpour from the lofty hills ,swells with big showers1 dashes headlong down ,fragments of woodland and whole branching trees2 ,nor can the solid bridges bide the shock ,as on the waters whelm3 the turbulent stream1 ,strong with a hundred rains1 beats round the piers1 ,crashes with havoc1 and rolls beneath its waves ,down-toppled masonry and ponderous stone1 ,hurling away whatever would oppose4 ,even so must move the blasts of all the winds1 ,which1 when they spread1 like to a mighty flood1 ,hither or thither1 drive things on before ,and hurl to ground with still renewed assault1 ,or sometimes in their circling vortex seize ,and bear in cones of whirlwind down the world3 ,the winds are sightless bodies and naught else-- ,since both in works and ways they rival well ,the mighty rivers1 the visible in form4 ,then too we know the varied smells of things ,yet never to our nostrils see them come2 ,with eyes we view not burning heats1 nor cold1 ,nor are we wont men's voices to behold4 ,yet these must be corporeal at the base1 ,since thus they smite the senses3 naught there is ,save body1 having property of touch4 ,and raiment1 hung by surf-beat shore1 grows moist1 ,the same1 spread out before the sun1 will dry2 ,yet no one saw how sank the moisture in1 ,nor how by heat off-driven4 ,thus we know1 ,that moisture is dispersed about in bits ,too small for eyes to see4 ,another case3 ,a ring upon the finger thins away ,along the under side1 with years and suns2 ,the drippings from the eaves will scoop the stone2 ,the hooked ploughshare1 though of iron1 wastes ,amid the fields insidiously4 ,we view ,the rock-paved highways worn by many feet2 ,and at the gates the brazen statues show ,their right hands leaner from the frequent touch ,of wayfarers innumerable who greet4 ,we see how wearing-down hath minished these1 ,but just what motes depart at any time1 ,the envious nature of vision bars our sight4 ,lastly whatever days and nature add ,little by little1 constraining things to grow ,in due proportion1 no gaze however keen ,of these our eyes hath watched and known4 ,no more ,can we observe what's lost at any time1 ,when things wax old with eld and foul decay1 ,or when salt seas eat under beetling crags4 ,thus ,nature ever by unseen bodies works4 ,,the ,,void ,but yet creation's neither crammed nor blocked ,about by body3 there's in things a void-- ,which to have known will serve thee many a turn1 ,nor will not leave thee wandering in doubt1 ,forever searching in the sum of all1 ,and losing faith in these pronouncements mine4 ,there's place intangible1 a void and room4 ,for were it not1 things could in nowise move2 ,since body's property to block and check ,would work on all and at an times the same4 ,thus naught could evermore push forth and go1 ,since naught elsewhere would yield a starting place4 ,but now through oceans1 lands1 and heights of heaven1 ,by divers causes and in divers modes1 ,before our eyes we mark how much may move1 ,which1 finding not a void1 would fail deprived ,of stir and motion2 nay1 would then have been ,nowise begot at all1 since matter1 then1 ,had staid at rest1 its parts together crammed4 ,then too1 however solid objects seem1 ,they yet are formed of matter mixed with void3 ,in rocks and caves the watery moisture seeps1 ,and beady drops stand out like plenteous tears2 ,and food finds way through every frame that lives2 ,the trees increase and yield the season's fruit ,because their food throughout the whole is poured1 ,even from the deepest roots1 through trunks and boughs2 ,and voices pass the solid walls and fly ,reverberant through shut doorways of a house2 ,and stiffening frost seeps inward to our bones4 ,which but for voids for bodies to go through ',tis clear could happen in nowise at all4 ,again1 why see we among objects some ,of heavier weight1 but of no bulkier size8 ,indeed1 if in a ball of wool there be ,as much of body as in lump of lead1 ,the two should weigh alike1 since body tends ,to load things downward1 while the void abides1 ,by contrary nature1 the imponderable4 ,therefore1 an object just as large but lighter ,declares infallibly its more of void2 ,even as the heavier more of matter shows1 ,and how much less of vacant room inside4 ,that which we're seeking with sagacious quest ,exists1 infallibly1 commixed with things-- ,the void1 the invisible inane4 ,right here ,i am compelled a question to expound1 ,forestalling something certain folk suppose1 ,lest it avail to lead thee off from truth3 ,waters 7they say7 before the shining breed ,of the swift scaly creatures somehow give1 ,and straightway open sudden liquid paths1 ,because the fishes leave behind them room ,to which at once the yielding billows stream4 ,thus things among themselves can yet be moved1 ,and change their place1 however full the ,sum-- ,received opinion1 wholly false forsooth4 ,for where can scaly creatures forward dart1 ,save where the waters give them room8 ,again1 ,where can the billows yield a way1 so long ,as ever the fish are powerless to go8 ,thus either all bodies of motion are deprived1 ,or things contain admixture of a void ,where each thing gets its start in moving on4 ,lastly1 where after impact two broad bodies ,suddenly spring apart1 the air must crowd ,the whole new void between those bodies formed2 ,but air1 however it stream with hastening gusts1 ,can yet not fill the gap at once--for first ,it makes for one place1 ere diffused through all4 ,and then1 if haply any think this comes1 ,when bodies spring apart1 because the air ,somehow condenses1 wander they from truth3 ,for then a void is formed1 where none before2 ,and1 too1 a void is filled which was before4 ,nor can air be condensed in such a wise2 ,nor1 granting it could1 without a void1 ,i hold1 ,it still could not contract upon itself ,and draw its parts together into one4 ,wherefore1 despite demur and counter-speech1 ,confess thou must there is a void in things4 ,and still ,i might by many an argument ,here scrape together credence for my words4 ,but for the keen eye these mere footprints serve1 ,whereby thou mayest know the rest thyself4 ,as dogs full oft with noses on the ground1 ,find out the silent lairs1 though hid in brush1 ,of beasts1 the mountain-rangers1 when but once ,they scent the certain footsteps of the way1 ,thus thou thyself in themes like these alone ,can hunt from thought to thought1 and keenly wind ,along even onward to the secret places ,and drag out truth4 ,but1 if thou loiter loth ,or veer1 however little1 from the point1 ,this ,i can promise1 ,memmius1 for a fact3 ,such copious drafts my singing tongue shall pour ,from the large well-springs of my plenished breast ,that much ,i dread slow age will steal and coil ,along our members1 and unloose the gates ,of life within us1 ere for thee my verse ,hath put within thine ears the stores of proofs ,at hand for one soever question broached4 ,,nothing ,,exists per se ,,except ,,atoms ,,and ,,the ,,void ,but1 now again to weave the tale begun1 ,all nature1 then1 as self-sustained1 consists ,of twain of things3 of bodies and of void ,in which they're set1 and where they're moved around4 ,for common instinct of our race declares ,that body of itself exists3 unless ,this primal faith1 deep-founded1 fail us not1 ,naught will there be whereunto to appeal ,on things occult when seeking aught to prove ,by reasonings of mind4 ,again1 without ,that place and room1 which we do call the inane1 ,nowhere could bodies then be set1 nor go ,hither or thither at all--as shown before4 ,besides1 there's naught of which thou canst declare ,it lives disjoined from body1 shut from void-- ,a kind of third in nature4 ,for whatever ,exists must be a somewhat2 and the same1 ,if tangible1 however fight and slight1 ,will yet increase the count of body's sum1 ,with its own augmentation big or small2 ,but1 if intangible and powerless ever ,to keep a thing from passing through itself ,on any side1 'twill be naught else but that ,which we do call the empty1 the inane4 ,again1 whate'er exists1 as of itself1 ,must either act or suffer action on it1 ,or else be that wherein things move and be3 ,naught1 saving body1 acts1 is acted on2 ,naught but the inane can furnish room4 ,and thus1 ,beside the inane and bodies1 is no third ,nature amid the number of all things-- ,remainder none to fall at any time ,under our senses1 nor be seized and seen ,by any man through reasonings of mind4 ,name o'er creation with what names thou wilt1 ,thou'lt find but properties of those first twain1 ,or see but accidents those twain produce4 ,a property is that which not at all ,can be disjoined and severed from a thing ,without a fatal dissolution3 such1 ,weight to the rocks1 heat to the fire1 and flow ,to the wide waters1 touch to corporal things1 ,intangibility to the viewless void4 ,but state of slavery1 pauperhood1 and wealth1 ,freedom1 and war1 and concord1 and all else ,which come and go whilst nature stands the same1 ,we're wont1 and rightly1 to call accidents4 ,even time exists not of itself2 but sense ,reads out of things what happened long ago1 ,what presses now1 and what shall follow after3 ,no man1 we must admit1 feels time itself1 ,disjoined from motion and repose of things4 ,thus1 when they say there is the ravishment ,of ,princess ,helen1 is the siege and sack ,of ,trojan ,town1 look out1 they force us not ,to admit these acts existent by themselves1 ,merely because those races of mankind 7,of whom these acts were accidents7 long since ,irrevocable age has borne away3 ,for all past actions may be said to be ,but accidents1 in one way1 of mankind1-- ,in other1 of some region of the world4 ,add1 too1 had been no matter1 and no room ,wherein all things go on1 the fire of love ,upblown by that fair form1 the glowing coal ,under the ,phrygian ,alexander's breast1 ,had ne'er enkindled that renowned strife ,of savage war1 nor had the wooden horse ,involved in flames old ,pergama1 by a birth ,at midnight of a brood of the ,hellenes4 ,and thus thou canst remark that every act ,at bottom exists not of itself1 nor is ,as body is1 nor has like name with void2 ,but rather of sort more fitly to be called ,an accident of body1 and of place ,wherein all things go on4 ,,character ,,of ,,the ,,atoms ,bodies1 again1 ,are partly primal germs of things1 and partly ,unions deriving from the primal germs4 ,and those which are the primal germs of things ,no power can quench2 for in the end they conquer ,by their own solidness2 though hard it be ,to think that aught in things has solid frame2 ,for lightnings pass1 no less than voice and shout1 ,through hedging walls of houses1 and the iron ,white-dazzles in the fire1 and rocks will burn ,with exhalations fierce and burst asunder4 ,totters the rigid gold dissolved in heat2 ,the ice of bronze melts conquered in the flame2 ,warmth and the piercing cold through silver seep1 ,since1 with the cups held rightly in the hand1 ,we oft feel both1 as from above is poured ,the dew of waters between their shining sides3 ,so true it is no solid form is found4 ,but yet because true reason and nature of things ,constrain us1 come1 whilst in few verses now ,i disentangle how there still exist ,bodies of solid1 everlasting frame-- ,the seeds of things1 the primal germs we teach1 ,whence all creation around us came to be4 ,first since we know a twofold nature exists1 ,of things1 both twain and utterly unlike-- ,body1 and place in which an things go on-- ,then each must be both for and through itself1 ,and all unmixed3 where'er be empty space1 ,there body's not2 and so where body bides1 ,there not at all exists the void inane4 ,thus primal bodies are solid1 without a void4 ,but since there's void in all begotten things1 ,all solid matter must be round the same2 ,nor1 by true reason canst thou prove aught hides ,and holds a void within its body1 unless ,thou grant what holds it be a solid4 ,know1 ,that which can hold a void of things within ,can be naught else than matter in union knit4 ,thus matter1 consisting of a solid frame1 ,hath power to be eternal1 though all else1 ,though all creation1 be dissolved away4 ,again1 were naught of empty and inane1 ,the world were then a solid2 as1 without ,some certain bodies to fill the places held1 ,the world that is were but a vacant void4 ,and so1 infallibly1 alternate-wise ,body and void are still distinguished1 ,since nature knows no wholly full nor void4 ,there are1 then1 certain bodies1 possessed of power ,to vary forever the empty and the full2 ,and these can nor be sundered from without ,by beats and blows1 nor from within be torn ,by penetration1 nor be overthrown ,by any assault soever through the world-- ,for without void1 naught can be crushed1 it seems1 ,nor broken1 nor severed by a cut in twain1 ,nor can it take the damp1 or seeping cold ,or piercing fire1 those old destroyers three2 ,but the more void within a thing1 the more ,entirely it totters at their sure assault4 ,thus if first bodies be1 as ,i have taught1 ,solid1 without a void1 they must be then ,eternal2 and1 if matter ne'er had been ,eternal1 long ere now had all things gone ,back into nothing utterly1 and all ,we see around from nothing had been born-- ,but since ,i taught above that naught can be ,from naught created1 nor the once begotten ,to naught be summoned back1 these primal germs ,must have an immortality of frame4 ,and into these must each thing be resolved1 ,when comes its supreme hour1 that thus there be ,at hand the stuff for plenishing the world4 9999999999 ,so primal germs have solid singleness ,nor otherwise could they have been conserved ,through aeons and infinity of time ,for the replenishment of wasted worlds4 ,once more1 if nature had given a scope for things ,to be forever broken more and more1 ,by now the bodies of matter would have been ,so far reduced by breakings in old days ,that from them nothing could1 at season fixed1 ,be born1 and arrive its prime and top of life4 ,for1 lo1 each thing is quicker marred than made2 ,and so whate'er the long infinitude ,of days and all fore-passed time would now ,by this have broken and ruined and dissolved1 ,that same could ne'er in all remaining time ,be builded up for plenishing the world4 ,but mark3 infallibly a fixed bound ,remaineth stablished 'gainst their breaking down2 ,since we behold each thing soever renewed1 ,and unto all1 their seasons1 after their kind1 ,wherein they arrive the flower of their age4 ,again1 if bounds have not been set against ,the breaking down of this corporeal world1 ,yet must all bodies of whatever things ,have still endured from everlasting time ,unto this present1 as not yet assailed ,by shocks of peril4 ,but because the same ,are1 to thy thinking1 of a nature frail1 ,it ill accords that thus they could remain 7,as thus they do7 through everlasting time1 ,vexed through the ages 7as indeed they are7 ,by the innumerable blows of chance4 ,so in our programme of creation1 mark ,how 'tis that1 though the bodies of all stuff ,are solid to the core1 we yet explain ,the ways whereby some things are fashioned soft-- ,air1 water1 earth1 and fiery exhalations-- ,and by what force they function and go on3 ,the fact is founded in the void of things4 ,but if the primal germs themselves be soft1 ,reason cannot be brought to bear to show ,the ways whereby may be created these ,great crags of basalt and the during iron2 ,for their whole nature will profoundly lack ,the first foundations of a solid frame4 ,but powerful in old simplicity1 ,abide the solid1 the primeval germs2 ,and by their combinations more condensed1 ,all objects can be tightly knit and bound ,and made to show unconquerable strength4 ,again1 since all things kind by kind obtain ,fixed bounds of growing and conserving life2 ,since ,nature hath inviolably decreed ,what each can do1 what each can never do2 ,since naught is changed1 but all things so abide ,that ever the variegated birds reveal ,the spots or stripes peculiar to their kind1 ,spring after spring3 thus surely all that is ,must be composed of matter immutable4 ,for if the primal germs in any wise ,were open to conquest and to change1 'twould be ,uncertain also what could come to birth ,and what could not1 and by what law to each ,its scope prescribed1 its boundary stone that clings ,so deep in ,time4 ,nor could the generations ,kind after kind so often reproduce ,the nature1 habits1 motions1 ways of life1 ,of their progenitors4 ,and then again1 ,since there is ever an extreme bounding point 9999999999 ,of that first body which our senses now ,cannot perceive3 ,that bounding point indeed ,exists without all parts1 a minimum ,of nature1 nor was e'er a thing apart1 ,as of itself1--nor shall hereafter be1 ,since 'tis itself still parcel of another1 ,a first and single part1 whence other parts ,and others similar in order lie ,in a packed phalanx1 filling to the full ,the nature of first body3 being thus ,not self-existent1 they must cleave to that ,from which in nowise they can sundered be4 ,so primal germs have solid singleness1 ,which tightly packed and closely joined cohere ,by virtue of their minim particles-- ,no compound by mere union of the same2 ,but strong in their eternal singleness1 ,nature1 reserving them as seeds for things1 ,permitteth naught of rupture or decrease4 ,moreover1 were there not a minimum1 ,the smallest bodies would have infinites1 ,since then a half-of-half could still be halved1 ,with limitless division less and less4 ,then what the difference 'twixt the sum and least8 ,none3 for however infinite the sum1 ,yet even the smallest would consist the same ,of infinite parts4 ,but since true reason here ,protests1 denying that the mind can think it1 ,convinced thou must confess such things there are ,as have no parts1 the minimums of nature4 ,and since these are1 likewise confess thou must ,that primal bodies are solid and eterne4 ,again1 if ,nature1 creatress of all things1 ,were wont to force all things to be resolved ,unto least parts1 then would she not avail ,to reproduce from out them anything2 ,because whate'er is not endowed with parts ,cannot possess those properties required ,of generative stuff--divers connections1 ,weights1 blows1 encounters1 motions1 whereby things ,forevermore have being and go on4 ,,confutation ,,of ,,other ,,philosophers ,and on such grounds it is that those who held ,the stuff of things is fire1 and out of fire ,alone the cosmic sum is formed1 are seen ,mightily from true reason to have lapsed4 ,of whom1 chief leader to do battle1 comes ,that ,heraclitus1 famous for dark speech ,among the silly1 not the serious ,greeks ,who search for truth4 ,for dolts are ever prone ,that to bewonder and adore which hides ,beneath distorted words1 holding that true ,which sweetly tickles in their stupid ears1 ,or which is rouged in finely finished phrase4 ,for how1 ,i ask1 can things so varied be1 ,if formed of fire1 single and pure8 ,no whit ',twould help for fire to be condensed or thinned1 ,if all the parts of fire did still preserve ,but fire's own nature1 seen before in gross4 ,the heat were keener with the parts compressed1 ,milder1 again1 when severed or dispersed-- ,and more than this thou canst conceive of naught ,that from such causes could become2 much less ,might earth's variety of things be born ,from any fires soever1 dense or rare4 ,this too3 if they suppose a void in things1 ,then fires can be condensed and still left rare2 ,but since they see such opposites of thought ,rising against them1 and are loath to leave ,an unmixed void in things1 they fear the steep ,and lose the road of truth4 ,nor do they see1 ,that1 if from things we take away the void1 ,all things are then condensed1 and out of all ,one body made1 which has no power to dart ,swiftly from out itself not anything-- ,as throws the fire its light and warmth around1 ,giving thee proof its parts are not compact4 ,but if perhaps they think1 in other wise1 ,fires through their combinations can be quenched ,and change their substance1 very well3 behold1 ,if fire shall spare to do so in no part1 ,then heat will perish utterly and all1 ,and out of nothing would the world be formed4 ,for change in anything from out its bounds ,means instant death of that which was before2 ,and thus a somewhat must persist unharmed ,amid the world1 lest all return to naught1 ,and1 born from naught1 abundance thrive anew4 ,now since indeed there are those surest bodies ,which keep their nature evermore the same1 ,upon whose going out and coming in ,and changed order things their nature change1 ,and all corporeal substances transformed1 ',tis thine to know those primal bodies1 then1 ,are not of fire4 ,for 'twere of no avail ,should some depart and go away1 and some ,be added new1 and some be changed in order1 ,if still all kept their nature of old heat3 ,for whatsoever they created then ,would still in any case be only fire4 ,the truth1 ,i fancy1 this3 bodies there are ,whose clashings1 motions1 order1 posture1 shapes ,produce the fire and which1 by order changed1 ,do change the nature of the thing produced1 ,and are thereafter nothing like to fire ,nor whatso else has power to send its bodies ,with impact touching on the senses' touch4 ,again1 to say that all things are but fire ,and no true thing in number of all things ,exists but fire1 as this same fellow says1 ,seems crazed folly4 ,for the man himself ,against the senses by the senses fights1 ,and hews at that through which is all belief1 ,through which indeed unto himself is known ,the thing he calls the fire4 ,for1 though he thinks ,the senses truly can perceive the fire1 ,he thinks they cannot as regards all else1 ,which still are palpably as clear to sense-- ,to me a thought inept and crazy too4 ,for whither shall we make appeal8 for what ,more certain than our senses can there be ,whereby to mark asunder error and truth8 ,besides1 why rather do away with all1 ,and wish to allow heat only1 then deny ,the fire and still allow all else to be8-- ,alike the madness either way it seems4 ,thus whosoe'er have held the stuff of things ,to be but fire1 and out of fire the sum1 ,and whosoever have constituted air ,as first beginning of begotten things1 ,and all whoever have held that of itself ,water alone contrives things1 or that earth ,createth all and changes things anew ,to divers natures1 mightily they seem ,a long way to have wandered from the truth4 ,add1 too1 whoever make the primal stuff ,twofold1 by joining air to fire1 and earth ,to water2 add who deem that things can grow ,out of the four--fire1 earth1 and breath1 and rain2 ,as first ,empedocles of ,acragas1 ,whom that three-cornered isle of all the lands ,bore on her coasts1 around which flows and flows ,in mighty bend and bay the ,ionic seas1 ,splashing the brine from off their gray-green waves4 ,here1 billowing onward through the narrow straits1 ,swift ocean cuts her boundaries from the shores ,of the ,italic mainland4 ,here the waste ,charybdis2 and here ,aetna rumbles threats ,to gather anew such furies of its flames ,as with its force anew to vomit fires1 ,belched from its throat1 and skyward bear anew ,its lightnings' flash4 ,and though for much she seem ,the mighty and the wondrous isle to men1 ,most rich in all good things1 and fortified ,with generous strength of heroes1 she hath ne'er ,possessed within her aught of more renown1 ,nor aught more holy1 wonderful1 and dear ,than this true man4 ,nay1 ever so far and pure ,the lofty music of his breast divine ,lifts up its voice and tells of glories found1 ,that scarce he seems of human stock create4 ,yet he and those forementioned 7known to be ,so far beneath him1 less than he in all71 ,though1 as discoverers of much goodly truth1 ,they gave1 as 'twere from out of the heart's own shrine1 ,responses holier and soundlier based ,than ever the ,pythia pronounced for men ,from out the tripod and the ,delphian laurel1 ,have still in matter of first-elements ,made ruin of themselves1 and1 great men1 great ,indeed and heavy there for them the fall3 ,first1 because1 banishing the void from things1 ,they yet assign them motion1 and allow ,things soft and loosely textured to exist1 ,as air1 dew1 fire1 earth1 animals1 and grains1 ,without admixture of void amid their frame4 ,next1 because1 thinking there can be no end ,in cutting bodies down to less and less ,nor pause established to their breaking up1 ,they hold there is no minimum in things2 ,albeit we see the boundary point of aught ,is that which to our senses seems its least1 ,whereby thou mayst conjecture1 that1 because ,the things thou canst not mark have boundary points1 ,they surely have their minimums4 ,then1 too1 ,since these philosophers ascribe to things ,soft primal germs1 which we behold to be ,of birth and body mortal1 thus1 throughout1 ,the sum of things must be returned to naught1 ,and1 born from naught1 abundance thrive anew-- ,thou seest how far each doctrine stands from truth4 ,and1 next1 these bodies are among themselves ,in many ways poisons and foes to each1 ,wherefore their congress will destroy them quite ,or drive asunder as we see in storms ,rains1 winds1 and lightnings all asunder fly4 ,thus too1 if all things are create of four1 ,and all again dissolved into the four1 ,how can the four be called the primal germs ,of things1 more than all things themselves be thought1 ,by retroversion1 primal germs of them8 ,for ever alternately are both begot1 ,with interchange of nature and aspect ,from immemorial time4 ,but if percase ,thou think'st the frame of fire and earth1 the air1 ,the dew of water can in such wise meet ,as not by mingling to resign their nature1 ,from them for thee no world can be create-- ,no thing of breath1 no stock or stalk of tree3 ,in the wild congress of this varied heap ,each thing its proper nature will display1 ,and air will palpably be seen mixed up ,with earth together1 unquenched heat with water4 ,but primal germs in bringing things to birth ,must have a latent1 unseen quality1 ,lest some outstanding alien element ,confuse and minish in the thing create ,its proper being4 ,but these men begin ,from heaven1 and from its fires2 and first they feign ,that fire will turn into the winds of air1 ,next1 that from air the rain begotten is1 ,and earth created out of rain1 and then ,that all1 reversely1 are returned from earth-- ,the moisture first1 then air thereafter heat-- ,and that these same ne'er cease in interchange1 ,to go their ways from heaven to earth1 from earth ,unto the stars of the aethereal world-- ,which in no wise at all the germs can do4 ,since an immutable somewhat still must be1 ,lest all things utterly be sped to naught2 ,for change in anything from out its bounds ,means instant death of that which was before4 ,wherefore1 since those things1 mentioned heretofore1 ,suffer a changed state1 they must derive ,from others ever unconvertible1 ,lest an things utterly return to naught4 ,then why not rather presuppose there be ,bodies with such a nature furnished forth ,that1 if perchance they have created fire1 ,can still 7by virtue of a few withdrawn1 ,or added few1 and motion and order changed7 ,fashion the winds of air1 and thus all things ,forevermore be interchanged with all8 ,but facts in proof are manifest1 thou sayest1 ,that all things grow into the winds of air ,and forth from earth are nourished1 and unless ,the season favour at propitious hour ,with rains enough to set the trees a-reel ,under the soak of bulking thunderheads1 ,and sun1 for its share1 foster and give heat1 ,no grains1 nor trees1 nor breathing things can grow4 ,true--and unless hard food and moisture soft ,recruited man1 his frame would waste away1 ,and life dissolve from out his thews and bones2 ,for out of doubt recruited and fed are we ,by certain things1 as other things by others4 ,because in many ways the many germs ,common to many things are mixed in things1 ,no wonder 'tis that therefore divers things ,by divers things are nourished4 ,and1 again1 ,often it matters vastly with what others1 ,in what positions the primordial germs ,are bound together1 and what motions1 too1 ,they give and get among themselves2 for these ,same germs do put together sky1 sea1 lands1 ,rivers1 and sun1 grains1 trees1 and breathing things1 ,but yet commixed they are in divers modes ,with divers things1 forever as they move4 ,nay1 thou beholdest in our verses here ,elements many1 common to many worlds1 ,albeit thou must confess each verse1 each word ,from one another differs both in sense ,and ring of sound--so much the elements ,can bring about by change of order alone4 ,but those which are the primal germs of things ,have power to work more combinations still1 ,whence divers things can be produced in turn4 ,now let us also take for scrutiny ,the homeomeria of ,anaxagoras1 ,so called by ,greeks1 for which our pauper-speech ,yieldeth no name in the ,italian tongue1 ,although the thing itself is not o'erhard ,for explanation4 ,first1 then1 when he speaks ,of this homeomeria of things1 he thinks ,bones to be sprung from littlest bones minute1 ,and from minute and littlest flesh all flesh1 ,and blood created out of drops of blood1 ,conceiving gold compact of grains of gold1 ,and earth concreted out of bits of earth1 ,fire made of fires1 and water out of waters1 ,feigning the like with all the rest of stuff4 ,yet he concedes not any void in things1 ,nor any limit to cutting bodies down4 ,wherefore to me he seems on both accounts ,to err no less than those we named before4 ,add too3 these germs he feigns are far too frail-- ,if they be germs primordial furnished forth ,with but same nature as the things themselves1 ,and travail and perish equally with those1 ,and no rein curbs them from annihilation4 ,for which will last against the grip and crush ,under the teeth of death8 the fire8 the moist8 ,or else the air8 which then8 the blood8 the bones8 ,no one1 methinks1 when every thing will be ,at bottom as mortal as whate'er we mark ,to perish by force before our gazing eyes4 ,but my appeal is to the proofs above ,that things cannot fall back to naught1 nor yet ,from naught increase4 ,and now again1 since food ,augments and nourishes the human frame1 ',tis thine to know our veins and blood and bones ,and thews are formed of particles unlike ,to them in kind2 or if they say all foods ,are of mixed substance having in themselves ,small bodies of thews1 and bones1 and also veins ,and particles of blood1 then every food1 ,solid or liquid1 must itself be thought ,as made and mixed of things unlike in kind-- ,of bones1 of thews1 of ichor and of blood4 ,again1 if all the bodies which upgrow ,from earth1 are first within the earth1 then earth ,must be compound of alien substances4 ,which spring and bloom abroad from out the earth4 ,transfer the argument1 and thou may'st use ,the selfsame words3 if flame and smoke and ash ,still lurk unseen within the wood1 the wood ,must be compound of alien substances ,which spring from out the wood4 ,right here remains ,a certain slender means to skulk from truth1 ,which ,anaxagoras takes unto himself1 ,who holds that all things lurk commixed with all ,while that one only comes to view1 of which ,the bodies exceed in number all the rest1 ,and lie more close to hand and at the fore-- ,a notion banished from true reason far4 ,for then 'twere meet that kernels of the grains ,should oft1 when crunched between the might of stones1 ,give forth a sign of blood1 or of aught else ,which in our human frame is fed2 and that ,rock rubbed on rock should yield a gory ooze4 ,likewise the herbs ought oft to give forth drops ,of sweet milk1 flavoured like the uddered sheep's2 ,indeed we ought to find1 when crumbling up ,the earthy clods1 there herbs1 and grains1 and leaves1 ,all sorts dispersed minutely in the soil2 ,lastly we ought to find in cloven wood ,ashes and smoke and bits of fire there hid4 ,but since fact teaches this is not the case1 ',tis thine to know things are not mixed with things ,thuswise2 but seeds1 common to many things1 ,commixed in many ways1 must lurk in things4 ,but often it happens on skiey hills thou sayest1 ,that neighbouring tops of lofty trees are rubbed ,one against other1 smote by the blustering south1 ,till all ablaze with bursting flower of flame4 ,good sooth--yet fire is not ingraft in wood1 ,but many are the seeds of heat1 and when ,rubbing together they together flow1 ,they start the conflagrations in the forests4 ,whereas if flame1 already fashioned1 lay ,stored up within the forests1 then the fires ,could not for any time be kept unseen1 ,but would be laying all the wildwood waste ,and burning all the boscage4 ,now dost see 7,even as we said a little space above7 ,how mightily it matters with what others1 ,in what positions these same primal germs ,are bound together8 ,and what motions1 too1 ,they give and get among themselves8 how1 hence1 ,the same1 if altered 'mongst themselves1 can body ,both igneous and ligneous objects forth-- ,precisely as these words themselves are made ,by somewhat altering their elements1 ,although we mark with name indeed distinct ,the igneous from the ligneous4 ,once again1 ,if thou suppose whatever thou beholdest1 ,among all visible objects1 cannot be1 ,unless thou feign bodies of matter endowed ,with a like nature1--by thy vain device ,for thee will perish all the germs of things3 ',twill come to pass they'll laugh aloud1 like men1 ,shaken asunder by a spasm of mirth1 ,or moisten with salty tear-drops cheeks and chins4 ,,the ,,infinity ,,of ,,the ,,universe ,now learn of what remains6 ,more keenly hear6 ,and for myself1 my mind is not deceived ,how dark it is3 ,but the large hope of praise ,hath strook with pointed thyrsus through my heart2 ,on the same hour hath strook into my breast ,sweet love of the ,muses1 wherewith now instinct1 ,i wander afield1 thriving in sturdy thought1 ,through unpathed haunts of the ,pierides1 ,trodden by step of none before4 ,i joy ,to come on undefiled fountains there1 ,to drain them deep2 ,i joy to pluck new flowers1 ,to seek for this my head a signal crown ,from regions where the ,muses never yet ,have garlanded the temples of a man3 ,first1 since ,i teach concerning mighty things1 ,and go right on to loose from round the mind ,the tightened coils of dread religion2 ,next1 since1 concerning themes so dark1 ,i frame ,songs so pellucid1 touching all throughout ,even with the ,muses' charm--which1 as 'twould seem1 ,is not without a reasonable ground3 ,but as physicians1 when they seek to give ,young boys the nauseous wormwood1 first do touch ,the brim around the cup with the sweet juice ,and yellow of the honey1 in order that ,the thoughtless age of boyhood be cajoled ,as far as the lips1 and meanwhile swallow down ,the wormwood's bitter draught1 and1 though befooled1 ,be yet not merely duped1 but rather thus ,grow strong again with recreated health3 ,so now ,i too 7since this my doctrine seems ,in general somewhat woeful unto those ,who've had it not in hand1 and since the crowd ,starts back from it in horror7 have desired ,to expound our doctrine unto thee in song ,soft-speaking and ,pierian1 and1 as 'twere1 ,to touch it with sweet honey of the ,muse-- ,if by such method haply ,i might hold ,the mind of thee upon these lines of ours1 ,till thou see through the nature of all things1 ,and how exists the interwoven frame4 ,but since ,i've taught that bodies of matter1 made ,completely solid1 hither and thither fly ,forevermore unconquered through all time1 ,now come1 and whether to the sum of them ,there be a limit or be none1 for thee ,let us unfold2 likewise what has been found ,to be the wide inane1 or room1 or space ,wherein all things soever do go on1 ,let us examine if it finite be ,all and entire1 or reach unmeasured round ,and downward an illimitable profound4 ,thus1 then1 the ,all that is is limited ,in no one region of its onward paths1 ,for then 'tmust have forever its beyond4 ,and a beyond 'tis seen can never be ,for aught1 unless still further on there be ,a somewhat somewhere that may bound the same-- ,so that the thing be seen still on to where ,the nature of sensation of that thing ,can follow it no longer4 ,now because ,confess we must there's naught beside the sum1 ,there's no beyond1 and so it lacks all end4 ,it matters nothing where thou post thyself1 ,in whatsoever regions of the same2 ,even any place a man has set him down ,still leaves about him the unbounded all ,outward in all directions2 or1 supposing ,a moment the all of space finite to be1 ,if some one farthest traveller runs forth ,unto the extreme coasts and throws ahead ,a flying spear1 is't then thy wish to think ,it goes1 hurled off amain1 to where 'twas sent ,and shoots afar1 or that some object there ,can thwart and stop it8 ,for the one or other ,thou must admit and take4 ,either of which ,shuts off escape for thee1 and does compel ,that thou concede the all spreads everywhere1 ,owning no confines4 ,since whether there be ,aught that may block and check it so it comes ,not where 'twas sent1 nor lodges in its goal1 ,or whether borne along1 in either view ',thas started not from any end4 ,and so ,i'll follow on1 and whereso'er thou set ,the extreme coasts1 ,i'll query1 what becomes ,thereafter of thy spear8 ',twill come to pass ,that nowhere can a world's-end be1 and that ,the chance for further flight prolongs forever ,the flight itself4 ,besides1 were all the space ,of the totality and sum shut in ,with fixed coasts1 and bounded everywhere1 ,then would the abundance of world's matter flow ,together by solid weight from everywhere ,still downward to the bottom of the world1 ,nor aught could happen under cope of sky1 ,nor could there be a sky at all or sun-- ,indeed1 where matter all one heap would lie1 ,by having settled during infinite time4 ,but in reality1 repose is given ,unto no bodies 'mongst the elements1 ,because there is no bottom whereunto ,they might1 as 'twere1 together flow1 and where ,they might take up their undisturbed abodes4 ,in endless motion everything goes on ,forevermore2 out of all regions1 even ,out of the pit below1 from forth the vast1 ,are hurtled bodies evermore supplied4 ,the nature of room1 the space of the abyss ,is such that even the flashing thunderbolts ,can neither speed upon their courses through1 ,gliding across eternal tracts of time1 ,nor1 further1 bring to pass1 as on they run1 ,that they may bate their journeying one whit3 ,such huge abundance spreads for things around-- ,room off to every quarter1 without end4 ,lastly1 before our very eyes is seen ,thing to bound thing3 air hedges hill from hill1 ,and mountain walls hedge air2 land ends the sea1 ,and sea in turn all lands2 but for the ,all ,truly is nothing which outside may bound4 ,that1 too1 the sum of things itself may not ,have power to fix a measure of its own1 ,great nature guards1 she who compels the void ,to bound all body1 as body all the void1 ,thus rendering by these alternates the whole ,an infinite2 or else the one or other1 ,being unbounded by the other1 spreads1 ,even by its single nature1 ne'ertheless ,immeasurably forth4444 ,nor sea1 nor earth1 nor shining vaults of sky1 ,nor breed of mortals1 nor holy limbs of gods ,could keep their place least portion of an hour3 ,for1 driven apart from out its meetings fit1 ,the stock of stuff1 dissolved1 would be borne ,along the illimitable inane afar1 ,or rather1 in fact1 would ne'er have once combined ,and given a birth to aught1 since1 scattered wide1 ,it could not be united4 ,for of truth ,neither by counsel did the primal germs ',stablish themselves1 as by keen act of mind1 ,each in its proper place2 nor did they make1 ,forsooth1 a compact how each germ should move2 ,but since1 being many and changed in many modes ,along the ,all1 they're driven abroad and vexed ,by blow on blow1 even from all time of old1 ,they thus at last1 after attempting all ,the kinds of motion and conjoining1 come ,into those great arrangements out of which ,this sum of things established is create1 ,by which1 moreover1 through the mighty years1 ,it is preserved1 when once it has been thrown ,into the proper motions1 bringing to pass ,that ever the streams refresh the greedy main ,with river-waves abounding1 and that earth1 ,lapped in warm exhalations of the sun1 ,renews her broods1 and that the lusty race ,of breathing creatures bears and blooms1 and that ,the gliding fires of ether are alive-- ,what still the primal germs nowise could do1 ,unless from out the infinite of space ,could come supply of matter1 whence in season ,they're wont whatever losses to repair4 ,for as the nature of breathing creatures wastes1 ,losing its body1 when deprived of food3 ,so all things have to be dissolved as soon ,as matter1 diverted by what means soever ,from off its course1 shall fail to be on hand4 ,nor can the blows from outward still conserve1 ,on every side1 whatever sum of a world ,has been united in a whole4 ,they can ,indeed1 by frequent beating1 check a part1 ,till others arriving may fulfil the sum2 ,but meanwhile often are they forced to spring ,rebounding back1 and1 as they spring1 to yield1 ,unto those elements whence a world derives1 ,room and a time for flight1 permitting them ,to be from off the massy union borne ,free and afar4 ,wherefore1 again1 again3 ,needs must there come a many for supply2 ,and also1 that the blows themselves shall be ,unfailing ever1 must there ever be ,an infinite force of matter all sides round4 ,and in these problems1 shrink1 my ,memmius1 far ,from yielding faith to that notorious talk3 ,that all things inward to the centre press2 ,and thus the nature of the world stands firm ,with never blows from outward1 nor can be ,nowhere disparted--since all height and depth ,have always inward to the centre pressed 7,if thou art ready to believe that aught ,itself can rest upon itself 72 or that ,the ponderous bodies which be under earth ,do all press upwards and do come to rest ,upon the earth1 in some way upside down1 ,like to those images of things we see ,at present through the waters4 ,they contend1 ,with like procedure1 that all breathing things ,head downward roam about1 and yet cannot ,tumble from earth to realms of sky below1 ,no more than these our bodies wing away ,spontaneously to vaults of sky above2 ,that1 when those creatures look upon the sun1 ,we view the constellations of the night2 ,and that with us the seasons of the sky ,they thus alternately divide1 and thus ,do pass the night coequal to our days1 ,but a vain error has given these dreams to fools1 ,which they've embraced with reasoning perverse ,for centre none can be where world is still ,boundless1 nor yet1 if now a centre were1 ,could aught take there a fixed position more ,than for some other cause 'tmight be dislodged4 ,for all of room and space we call the void ,must both through centre and non-centre yield ,alike to weights where'er their motions tend4 ,nor is there any place1 where1 when they've come1 ,bodies can be at standstill in the void1 ,deprived of force of weight2 nor yet may void ,furnish support to any1--nay1 it must1 ,true to its bent of nature1 still give way4 ,thus in such manner not at all can things ,be held in union1 as if overcome ,by craving for a centre4 ,but besides1 ,seeing they feign that not all bodies press ,to centre inward1 rather only those ,of earth and water 7liquid of the sea1 ,and the big billows from the mountain slopes1 ,and whatsoever are encased1 as 'twere1 ,in earthen body71 contrariwise1 they teach ,how the thin air1 and with it the hot fire1 ,is borne asunder from the centre1 and how1 ,for this all ether quivers with bright stars1 ,and the sun's flame along the blue is fed 7,because the heat1 from out the centre flying1 ,all gathers there71 and how1 again1 the boughs ,upon the tree-tops could not sprout their leaves1 ,unless1 little by little1 from out the earth ,for each were nutriment444 9999999999 ,lest1 after the manner of the winged flames1 ,the ramparts of the world should flee away1 ,dissolved amain throughout the mighty void1 ,and lest all else should likewise follow after1 ,aye1 lest the thundering vaults of heaven should burst ,and splinter upward1 and the earth forthwith ,withdraw from under our feet1 and all its bulk1 ,among its mingled wrecks and those of heaven1 ,with slipping asunder of the primal seeds1 ,should pass1 along the immeasurable inane1 ,away forever1 and1 that instant1 naught ,of wrack and remnant would be left1 beside ,the desolate space1 and germs invisible4 ,for on whatever side thou deemest first ,the primal bodies lacking1 lo1 that side ,will be for things the very door of death3 ,wherethrough the throng of matter all will dash1 ,out and abroad4 ,these points1 if thou wilt ponder1 ,then1 with but paltry trouble led along444 9999999999 ,for one thing after other will grow clear1 ,nor shall the blind night rob thee of the road1 ,to hinder thy gaze on nature's ,farthest-forth4 ,thus things for things shall kindle torches new4 ,,book ,,ii ,,proem ',tis sweet1 when1 down the mighty main1 the winds ,roll up its waste of waters1 from the land ,to watch another's labouring anguish far1 ,not that we joyously delight that man ,should thus be smitten1 but because 'tis sweet ,to mark what evils we ourselves be spared2 ',tis sweet1 again1 to view the mighty strife ,of armies embattled yonder o'er the plains1 ,ourselves no sharers in the peril2 but naught ,there is more goodly than to hold the high ,serene plateaus1 well fortressed by the wise1 ,whence thou may'st look below on other men ,and see them ev'rywhere wand'ring1 all dispersed ,in their lone seeking for the road of life2 ,rivals in genius1 or emulous in rank1 ,pressing through days and nights with hugest toil ,for summits of power and mastery of the world4 ,o wretched minds of men6 ,o blinded hearts6 ,in how great perils1 in what darks of life ,are spent the human years1 however brief6-- ,o not to see that nature for herself ,barks after nothing1 save that pain keep off1 ,disjoined from the body1 and that mind enjoy ,delightsome feeling1 far from care and fear6 ,therefore we see that our corporeal life ,needs little1 altogether1 and only such ,as takes the pain away1 and can besides ,strew underneath some number of delights4 ,more grateful 'tis at times 7for nature craves ,no artifice nor luxury71 if forsooth ,there be no golden images of boys ,along the halls1 with right hands holding out ,the lamps ablaze1 the lights for evening feasts1 ,and if the house doth glitter not with gold ,nor gleam with silver1 and to the lyre resound ,no fretted and gilded ceilings overhead1 ,yet still to lounge with friends in the soft grass ,beside a river of water1 underneath ,a big tree's boughs1 and merrily to refresh ,our frames1 with no vast outlay--most of all ,if the weather is laughing and the times of the year ,besprinkle the green of the grass around with flowers4 ,nor yet the quicker will hot fevers go1 ,if on a pictured tapestry thou toss1 ,or purple robe1 than if 'tis thine to lie ,upon the poor man's bedding4 ,wherefore1 since ,treasure1 nor rank1 nor glory of a reign ,avail us naught for this our body1 thus ,reckon them likewise nothing for the mind3 ,save then perchance1 when thou beholdest forth ,thy legions swarming round the ,field of ,mars1 ,rousing a mimic warfare--either side ,strengthened with large auxiliaries and horse1 ,alike equipped with arms1 alike inspired2 ,or save when also thou beholdest forth ,thy fleets to swarm1 deploying down the sea3 ,for then1 by such bright circumstance abashed1 ,religion pales and flees thy mind2 ,o then ,the fears of death leave heart so free of care4 ,but if we note how all this pomp at last ,is but a drollery and a mocking sport1 ,and of a truth man's dread1 with cares at heels1 ,dreads not these sounds of arms1 these savage swords ,but among kings and lords of all the world ,mingles undaunted1 nor is overawed ,by gleam of gold nor by the splendour bright ,of purple robe1 canst thou then doubt that this ,is aught1 but power of thinking8--when1 besides ,the whole of life but labours in the dark4 ,for just as children tremble and fear all ,in the viewless dark1 so even we at times ,dread in the light so many things that be ,no whit more fearsome than what children feign1 ,shuddering1 will be upon them in the dark4 ,this terror then1 this darkness of the mind1 ,not sunrise with its flaring spokes of light1 ,nor glittering arrows of morning can disperse1 ,but only nature's aspect and her law4 ,,atomic ,,motions ,now come3 ,i will untangle for thy steps ,now by what motions the begetting bodies ,of the world-stuff beget the varied world1 ,and then forever resolve it when begot1 ,and by what force they are constrained to this1 ,and what the speed appointed unto them ,wherewith to travel down the vast inane3 ,do thou remember to yield thee to my words4 ,for truly matter coheres not1 crowds not tight1 ,since we behold each thing to wane away1 ,and we observe how all flows on and off1 ,as 'twere1 with age-old time1 and from our eyes ,how eld withdraws each object at the end1 ,albeit the sum is seen to bide the same1 ,unharmed1 because these motes that leave each thing ,diminish what they part from1 but endow ,with increase those to which in turn they come1 ,constraining these to wither in old age1 ,and those to flower at the prime 7and yet ,biding not long among them74 ,thus the sum ,forever is replenished1 and we live ,as mortals by eternal give and take4 ,the nations wax1 the nations wane away2 ,in a brief space the generations pass1 ,and like to runners hand the lamp of life ,one unto other4 ,but if thou believe ,that the primordial germs of things can stop1 ,and in their stopping give new motions birth1 ,afar thou wanderest from the road of truth4 ,for since they wander through the void inane1 ,all the primordial germs of things must needs ,be borne along1 either by weight their own1 ,or haply by another's blow without4 ,for1 when1 in their incessancy so oft ,they meet and clash1 it comes to pass amain ,they leap asunder1 face to face3 not strange-- ,being most hard1 and solid in their weights1 ,and naught opposing motion1 from behind4 ,and that more clearly thou perceive how all ,these mites of matter are darted round about1 ,recall to mind how nowhere in the sum ,of ,all exists a bottom1--nowhere is ,a realm of rest for primal bodies2 since 7,as amply shown and proved by reason sure7 ,space has no bound nor measure1 and extends ,unmetered forth in all directions round4 ,since this stands certain1 thus 'tis out of doubt ,no rest is rendered to the primal bodies ,along the unfathomable inane2 but rather1 ,inveterately plied by motions mixed1 ,some1 at their jamming1 bound aback and leave ,huge gaps between1 and some from off the blow ,are hurried about with spaces small between4 ,and all which1 brought together with slight gaps1 ,in more condensed union bound aback1 ,linked by their own all inter-tangled shapes1-- ,these form the irrefragable roots of rocks ,and the brute bulks of iron1 and what else ,is of their kind444 ,the rest leap far asunder1 far recoil1 ,leaving huge gaps between3 and these supply ,for us thin air and splendour-lights of the sun4 ,and many besides wander the mighty void-- ,cast back from unions of existing things1 ,nowhere accepted in the universe1 ,and nowise linked in motions to the rest4 ,and of this fact 7as ,i record it here7 ,an image1 a type goes on before our eyes ,present each moment2 for behold whenever ,the sun's light and the rays1 let in1 pour down ,across dark halls of houses3 thou wilt see ,the many mites in many a manner mixed ,amid a void in the very light of the rays1 ,and battling on1 as in eternal strife1 ,and in battalions contending without halt1 ,in meetings1 partings1 harried up and down4 ,from this thou mayest conjecture of what sort ,the ceaseless tossing of primordial seeds ,amid the mightier void--at least so far ,as small affair can for a vaster serve1 ,and by example put thee on the spoor ,of knowledge4 ,for this reason too 'tis fit ,thou turn thy mind the more unto these bodies ,which here are witnessed tumbling in the light3 ,namely1 because such tumblings are a sign ,that motions also of the primal stuff ,secret and viewless lurk beneath1 behind4 ,for thou wilt mark here many a speck1 impelled ,by viewless blows1 to change its little course1 ,and beaten backwards to return again1 ,hither and thither in all directions round4 ,lo1 all their shifting movement is of old1 ,from the primeval atoms2 for the same ,primordial seeds of things first move of self1 ,and then those bodies built of unions small ,and nearest1 as it were1 unto the powers ,of the primeval atoms1 are stirred up ,by impulse of those atoms' unseen blows1 ,and these thereafter goad the next in size3 ,thus motion ascends from the primevals on1 ,and stage by stage emerges to our sense1 ,until those objects also move which we ,can mark in sunbeams1 though it not appears ,what blows do urge them4 ,herein wonder not ,how 'tis that1 while the seeds of things are all ,moving forever1 the sum yet seems to stand ,supremely still1 except in cases where ,a thing shows motion of its frame as whole4 ,for far beneath the ken of senses lies ,the nature of those ultimates of the world2 ,and so1 since those themselves thou canst not see1 ,their motion also must they veil from men-- ,for mark1 indeed1 how things we can see1 oft ,yet hide their motions1 when afar from us ,along the distant landscape4 ,often thus1 ,upon a hillside will the woolly flocks ,be cropping their goodly food and creeping about ,whither the summons of the grass1 begemmed ,with the fresh dew1 is calling1 and the lambs1 ,well filled1 are frisking1 locking horns in sport3 ,yet all for us seem blurred and blent afar-- ,a glint of white at rest on a green hill4 ,again1 when mighty legions1 marching round1 ,fill all the quarters of the plains below1 ,rousing a mimic warfare1 there the sheen ,shoots up the sky1 and all the fields about ,glitter with brass1 and from beneath1 a sound ,goes forth from feet of stalwart soldiery1 ,and mountain walls1 smote by the shouting1 send ,the voices onward to the stars of heaven1 ,and hither and thither darts the cavalry1 ,and of a sudden down the midmost fields ,charges with onset stout enough to rock ,the solid earth3 and yet some post there is ,up the high mountains1 viewed from which they seem ,to stand--a gleam at rest along the plains4 ,now what the speed to matter's atoms given ,thou mayest in few1 my ,memmius1 learn from this3 ,when first the dawn is sprinkling with new light ,the lands1 and all the breed of birds abroad ,flit round the trackless forests1 with liquid notes ,filling the regions along the mellow air1 ,we see 'tis forthwith manifest to man ,how suddenly the risen sun is wont ,at such an hour to overspread and clothe ,the whole with its own splendour2 but the sun's ,warm exhalations and this serene light ,travel not down an empty void2 and thus ,they are compelled more slowly to advance1 ,whilst1 as it were1 they cleave the waves of air2 ,nor one by one travel these particles ,of the warm exhalations1 but are all ,entangled and enmassed1 whereby at once ,each is restrained by each1 and from without ,checked1 till compelled more slowly to advance4 ,but the primordial atoms with their old ,simple solidity1 when forth they travel ,along the empty void1 all undelayed ,by aught outside them there1 and they1 each one ,being one unit from nature of its parts1 ,are borne to that one place on which they strive ,still to lay hold1 must then1 beyond a doubt1 ,outstrip in speed1 and be more swiftly borne ,than light of sun1 and over regions rush1 ,of space much vaster1 in the self-same time ,the sun's effulgence widens round the sky4 9999999999 ,nor to pursue the atoms one by one1 ,to see the law whereby each thing goes on4 ,but some men1 ignorant of matter1 think1 ,opposing this1 that not without the gods1 ,in such adjustment to our human ways1 ,can nature change the seasons of the years1 ,and bring to birth the grains and all of else ,to which divine ,delight1 the guide of life1 ,persuades mortality and leads it on1 ,that1 through her artful blandishments of love1 ,it propagate the generations still1 ,lest humankind should perish4 ,when they feign ,that gods have stablished all things but for man1 ,they seem in all ways mightily to lapse ,from reason's truth3 for ev'n if ne'er ,i knew ,what seeds primordial are1 yet would ,i dare ,this to affirm1 ev'n from deep judgment based ,upon the ways and conduct of the skies-- ,this to maintain by many a fact besides-- ,that in no wise the nature of the world ,for us was builded by a power divine-- ,so great the faults it stands encumbered with3 ,the which1 my ,memmius1 later on1 for thee ,we will clear up4 ,now as to what remains ,concerning motions we'll unfold our thought4 ,now is the place1 meseems1 in these affairs ,to prove for thee this too3 nothing corporeal ,of its own force can e'er be upward borne1 ,or upward go--nor let the bodies of flames ,deceive thee here3 for they engendered are ,with urge to upwards1 taking thus increase1 ,whereby grow upwards shining grains and trees1 ,though all the weight within them downward bears4 ,nor1 when the fires will leap from under round ,the roofs of houses1 and swift flame laps up ,timber and beam1 'tis then to be supposed ,they act of own accord1 no force beneath ,to urge them up4 ',tis thus that blood1 discharged ,from out our bodies1 spurts its jets aloft ,and spatters gore4 ,and hast thou never marked ,with what a force the water will disgorge ,timber and beam8 ,the deeper1 straight and down1 ,we push them in1 and1 many though we be1 ,the more we press with main and toil1 the more ,the water vomits up and flings them back1 ,that1 more than half their length1 they there emerge1 ,rebounding4 ,yet we never doubt1 meseems1 ,that all the weight within them downward bears ,through empty void4 ,well1 in like manner1 flames ,ought also to be able1 when pressed out1 ,through winds of air to rise aloft1 even though ,the weight within them strive to draw them down4 ,hast thou not seen1 sweeping so far and high1 ,the meteors1 midnight flambeaus of the sky1 ,how after them they draw long trails of flame ,wherever ,nature gives a thoroughfare8 ,how stars and constellations drop to earth1 ,seest not8 ,nay1 too1 the sun from peak of heaven ,sheds round to every quarter its large heat1 ,and sows the new-ploughed intervales with light3 ,thus also sun's heat downward tends to earth4 ,athwart the rain thou seest the lightning fly2 ,now here1 now there1 bursting from out the clouds1 ,the fires dash zig-zag--and that flaming power ,falls likewise down to earth4 ,in these affairs ,we wish thee also well aware of this3 ,the atoms1 as their own weight bears them down ,plumb through the void1 at scarce determined times1 ,in scarce determined places1 from their course ,decline a little--call it1 so to speak1 ,mere changed trend4 ,for were it not their wont ,thuswise to swerve1 down would they fall1 each one1 ,like drops of rain1 through the unbottomed void2 ,and then collisions ne'er could be nor blows ,among the primal elements2 and thus ,nature would never have created aught4 ,but1 if perchance be any that believe ,the heavier bodies1 as more swiftly borne ,plumb down the void1 are able from above ,to strike the lighter1 thus engendering blows ,able to cause those procreant motions1 far ,from highways of true reason they retire4 ,for whatsoever through the waters fall1 ,or through thin air1 must quicken their descent1 ,each after its weight--on this account1 because ,both bulk of water and the subtle air ,by no means can retard each thing alike1 ,but give more quick before the heavier weight2 ,but contrariwise the empty void cannot1 ,on any side1 at any time1 to aught ,oppose resistance1 but will ever yield1 ,true to its bent of nature4 ,wherefore all1 ,with equal speed1 though equal not in weight1 ,must rush1 borne downward through the still inane4 ,thus ne'er at all have heavier from above ,been swift to strike the lighter1 gendering strokes ,which cause those divers motions1 by whose means ,nature transacts her work4 ,and so ,i say1 ,the atoms must a little swerve at times-- ,but only the least1 lest we should seem to feign ,motions oblique1 and fact refute us there4 ,for this we see forthwith is manifest3 ,whatever the weight1 it can't obliquely go1 ,down on its headlong journey from above1 ,at least so far as thou canst mark2 but who ,is there can mark by sense that naught can swerve ,at all aside from off its road's straight line8 ,again1 if ev'r all motions are co-linked1 ,and from the old ever arise the new ,in fixed order1 and primordial seeds ,produce not by their swerving some new start ,of motion to sunder the covenants of fate1 ,that cause succeed not cause from everlasting1 ,whence this free will for creatures o'er the lands1 ,whence is it wrested from the fates1--this will ,whereby we step right forward where desire ,leads each man on1 whereby the same we swerve ,in motions1 not as at some fixed time1 ,nor at some fixed line of space1 but where ,the mind itself has urged8 ,for out of doubt ,in these affairs 'tis each man's will itself ,that gives the start1 and hence throughout our limbs ,incipient motions are diffused4 ,again1 ,dost thou not see1 when1 at a point of time1 ,the bars are opened1 how the eager strength ,of horses cannot forward break as soon ,as pants their mind to do8 ,for it behooves ,that all the stock of matter1 through the frame1 ,be roused1 in order that1 through every joint1 ,aroused1 it press and follow mind's desire2 ,so thus thou seest initial motion's gendered ,from out the heart1 aye1 verily1 proceeds ,first from the spirit's will1 whence at the last ',tis given forth through joints and body entire4 ,quite otherwise it is1 when forth we move1 ,impelled by a blow of another's mighty powers ,and mighty urge2 for then 'tis clear enough ,all matter of our total body goes1 ,hurried along1 against our own desire-- ,until the will has pulled upon the reins ,and checked it back1 throughout our members all2 ,at whose arbitrament indeed sometimes ,the stock of matter's forced to change its path1 ,throughout our members and throughout our joints1 ,and1 after being forward cast1 to be ,reined up1 whereat it settles back again4 ,so seest thou not1 how1 though external force ,drive men before1 and often make them move1 ,onward against desire1 and headlong snatched1 ,yet is there something in these breasts of ours ,strong to combat1 strong to withstand the same8-- ,wherefore no less within the primal seeds ,thou must admit1 besides all blows and weight1 ,some other cause of motion1 whence derives ,this power in us inborn1 of some free act4-- ,since naught from nothing can become1 we see4 ,for weight prevents all things should come to pass ,through blows1 as 'twere1 by some external force2 ,but that man's mind itself in all it does ,hath not a fixed necessity within1 ,nor is not1 like a conquered thing1 compelled ,to bear and suffer1--this state comes to man ,from that slight swervement of the elements ,in no fixed line of space1 in no fixed time4 ,nor ever was the stock of stuff more crammed1 ,nor ever1 again1 sundered by bigger gaps3 ,for naught gives increase and naught takes away2 ,on which account1 just as they move to-day1 ,the elemental bodies moved of old ,and shall the same hereafter evermore4 ,and what was wont to be begot of old ,shall be begotten under selfsame terms ,and grow and thrive in power1 so far as given ,to each by ,nature's changeless1 old decrees4 ,the sum of things there is no power can change1 ,for naught exists outside1 to which can flee ,out of the world matter of any kind1 ,nor forth from which a fresh supply can spring1 ,break in upon the founded world1 and change ,whole nature of things1 and turn their motions about4 ,,atomic ,,forms ,,and ,,their ,,combinations ,now come1 and next hereafter apprehend ,what sorts1 how vastly different in form1 ,how varied in multitudinous shapes they are-- ,these old beginnings of the universe2 ,not in the sense that only few are furnished ,with one like form1 but rather not at all ,in general have they likeness each with each1 ,no marvel3 since the stock of them's so great ,that there's no end 7as ,i have taught7 nor sum1 ,they must indeed not one and all be marked ,by equal outline and by shape the same4 9999999999 ,moreover1 humankind1 and the mute flocks ,of scaly creatures swimming in the streams1 ,and joyous herds around1 and all the wild1 ,and all the breeds of birds--both those that teem ,in gladsome regions of the water-haunts1 ,about the river-banks and springs and pools1 ,and those that throng1 flitting from tree to tree1 ,through trackless woods--,go1 take which one thou wilt1 ,in any kind3 thou wilt discover still ,each from the other still unlike in shape4 ,nor in no other wise could offspring know ,mother1 nor mother offspring--which we see ,they yet can do1 distinguished one from other1 ,no less than human beings1 by clear signs4 ,thus oft before fair temples of the gods1 ,beside the incense-burning altars slain1 ,drops down the yearling calf1 from out its breast ,breathing warm streams of blood2 the orphaned mother1 ,ranging meanwhile green woodland pastures round1 ,knows well the footprints1 pressed by cloven hoofs1 ,with eyes regarding every spot about1 ,for sight somewhere of youngling gone from her2 ,and1 stopping short1 filleth the leafy lanes ,with her complaints2 and oft she seeks again ,within the stall1 pierced by her yearning still4 ,nor tender willows1 nor dew-quickened grass1 ,nor the loved streams that glide along low banks1 ,can lure her mind and turn the sudden pain2 ,nor other shapes of calves that graze thereby ,distract her mind or lighten pain the least-- ,so keen her search for something known and hers4 ,moreover1 tender kids with bleating throats ,do know their horned dams1 and butting lambs ,the flocks of sheep1 and thus they patter on1 ,unfailingly each to its proper teat1 ,as nature intends4 ,lastly1 with any grain1 ,thou'lt see that no one kernel in one kind ,is so far like another1 that there still ,is not in shapes some difference running through4 ,by a like law we see how earth is pied ,with shells and conchs1 where1 with soft waves1 the sea ,beats on the thirsty sands of curving shores4 ,wherefore again1 again1 since seeds of things ,exist by nature1 nor were wrought with hands ,after a fixed pattern of one other1 ,they needs must flitter to and fro with shapes ,in types dissimilar to one another4 9999999999 ,easy enough by thought of mind to solve ,why fires of lightning more can penetrate ,than these of ours from pitch-pine born on earth4 ,for thou canst say lightning's celestial fire1 ,so subtle1 is formed of figures finer far1 ,and passes thus through holes which this our fire1 ,born from the wood1 created from the pine1 ,cannot4 ,again1 light passes through the horn ,on the lantern's side1 while rain is dashed away4 ,and why8--unless those bodies of light should be ,finer than those of water's genial showers4 ,we see how quickly through a colander ,the wines will flow2 how1 on the other hand1 ,the sluggish olive-oil delays3 no doubt1 ,because 'tis wrought of elements more large1 ,or else more crook'd and intertangled4 ,thus ,it comes that the primordials cannot be ,so suddenly sundered one from other1 and seep1 ,one through each several hole of anything4 ,and note1 besides1 that liquor of honey or milk ,yields in the mouth agreeable taste to tongue1 ,whilst nauseous wormwood1 pungent centaury1 ,with their foul flavour set the lips awry2 ,thus simple 'tis to see that whatsoever ,can touch the senses pleasingly are made ,of smooth and rounded elements1 whilst those ,which seem the bitter and the sharp1 are held ,entwined by elements more crook'd1 and so ,are wont to tear their ways into our senses1 ,and rend our body as they enter in4 ,in short all good to sense1 all bad to touch1 ,being up-built of figures so unlike1 ,are mutually at strife--lest thou suppose ,that the shrill rasping of a squeaking saw ,consists of elements as smooth as song ,which1 waked by nimble fingers1 on the strings ,the sweet musicians fashion2 or suppose ,that same-shaped atoms through men's nostrils pierce ,when foul cadavers burn1 as when the stage ,is with ,cilician saffron sprinkled fresh1 ,and the altar near exhales ,panchaean scent2 ,or hold as of like seed the goodly hues ,of things which feast our eyes1 as those which sting ,against the smarting pupil and draw tears1 ,or show1 with gruesome aspect1 grim and vile4 ,for never a shape which charms our sense was made ,without some elemental smoothness2 whilst ,whate'er is harsh and irksome has been framed ,still with some roughness in its elements4 ,some1 too1 there are which justly are supposed ,to be nor smooth nor altogether hooked1 ,with bended barbs1 but slightly angled-out1 ,to tickle rather than to wound the sense-- ,and of which sort is the salt tartar of wine ,and flavours of the gummed elecampane4 ,again1 that glowing fire and icy rime ,are fanged with teeth unlike whereby to sting ,our body's sense1 the touch of each gives proof4 ,for touch--by sacred majesties of ,gods6-- ,touch is indeed the body's only sense-- ,be't that something in-from-outward works1 ,be't that something in the body born ,wounds1 or delighteth as it passes out ,along the procreant paths of ,aphrodite2 ,or be't the seeds by some collision whirl ,disordered in the body and confound ,by tumult and confusion all the sense-- ,as thou mayst find1 if haply with the hand ,thyself thou strike thy body's any part4 ,on which account1 the elemental forms ,must differ widely1 as enabled thus ,to cause diverse sensations4 ,and1 again1 ,what seems to us the hardened and condensed ,must be of atoms among themselves more hooked1 ,be held compacted deep within1 as 'twere ,by branch-like atoms--of which sort the chief ,are diamond stones1 despisers of all blows1 ,and stalwart flint and strength of solid iron1 ,and brazen bars1 which1 budging hard in locks1 ,do grate and scream4 ,but what are liquid1 formed ,of fluid body1 they indeed must be ,of elements more smooth and round--because ,their globules severally will not cohere3 ,to suck the poppy-seeds from palm of hand ,is quite as easy as drinking water down1 ,and they1 once struck1 roll like unto the same4 ,but that thou seest among the things that flow ,some bitter1 as the brine of ocean is1 ,is not the least a marvel444 ,for since 'tis fluid1 smooth its atoms are ,and round1 with painful rough ones mixed therein2 ,yet need not these be held together hooked3 ,in fact1 though rough1 they're globular besides1 ,able at once to roll1 and rasp the sense4 ,and that the more thou mayst believe me here1 ,that with smooth elements are mixed the rough 7,whence ,neptune's salt astringent body comes71 ,there is a means to separate the twain1 ,and thereupon dividedly to see ,how the sweet water1 after filtering through ,so often underground1 flows freshened forth ,into some hollow2 for it leaves above ,the primal germs of nauseating brine1 ,since cling the rough more readily in earth4 ,lastly1 whatso thou markest to disperse ,upon the instant--smoke1 and cloud1 and flame-- ,must not 7even though not all of smooth and round7 ,be yet co-linked with atoms intertwined1 ,that thus they can1 without together cleaving1 ,so pierce our body and so bore the rocks4 ,whatever we see444 ,given to senses1 that thou must perceive ,they're not from linked but pointed elements4 ,the which now having taught1 ,i will go on ,to bind thereto a fact to this allied ,and drawing from this its proof3 these primal germs ,vary1 yet only with finite tale of shapes4 ,for were these shapes quite infinite1 some seeds ,would have a body of infinite increase4 ,for in one seed1 in one small frame of any1 ,the shapes can't vary from one another much4 ,assume1 we'll say1 that of three minim parts ,consist the primal bodies1 or add a few3 ,when1 now1 by placing all these parts of one ,at top and bottom1 changing lefts and rights1 ,thou hast with every kind of shift found out ,what the aspect of shape of its whole body ,each new arrangement gives1 for what remains1 ,if thou percase wouldst vary its old shapes1 ,new parts must then be added2 follows next1 ,if thou percase wouldst vary still its shapes1 ,that by like logic each arrangement still ,requires its increment of other parts4 ,ergo1 an augmentation of its frame ,follows upon each novelty of forms4 ,wherefore1 it cannot be thou'lt undertake ,that seeds have infinite differences in form1 ,lest thus thou forcest some indeed to be ,of an immeasurable immensity-- ,which ,i have taught above cannot be proved4 9999999999 ,and now for thee barbaric robes1 and gleam ,of ,meliboean purple1 touched with dye ,of the ,thessalian shell444 ,the peacock's golden generations1 stained ,with spotted gaieties1 would lie o'erthrown ,by some new colour of new things more bright2 ,the odour of myrrh and savours of honey despised2 ,the swan's old lyric1 and ,apollo's hymns1 ,once modulated on the many chords1 ,would likewise sink o'ermastered and be mute3 ,for1 lo1 a somewhat1 finer than the rest1 ,would be arising evermore4 ,so1 too1 ,into some baser part might all retire1 ,even as we said to better might they come3 ,for1 lo1 a somewhat1 loathlier than the rest ,to nostrils1 ears1 and eyes1 and taste of tongue1 ,would then1 by reasoning reversed1 be there4 ,since 'tis not so1 but unto things are given ,their fixed limitations which do bound ,their sum on either side1 'tmust be confessed ,that matter1 too1 by finite tale of shapes ,does differ4 ,again1 from earth's midsummer heats ,unto the icy hoar-frosts of the year ,the forward path is fixed1 and by like law ,o'ertravelled backwards at the dawn of spring4 ,for each degree of hot1 and each of cold1 ,and the half-warm1 all filling up the sum ,in due progression1 lie1 my ,memmius1 there ,betwixt the two extremes3 the things create ,must differ1 therefore1 by a finite change1 ,since at each end marked off they ever are ,by fixed point--on one side plagued by flames ,and on the other by congealing frosts4 ,the which now having taught1 ,i will go on ,to bind thereto a fact to this allied ,and drawing from this its proof3 those primal germs ,which have been fashioned all of one like shape ,are infinite in tale2 for1 since the forms ,themselves are finite in divergences1 ,then those which are alike will have to be ,infinite1 else the sum of stuff remains ,a finite--what ,i've proved is not the fact1 ,showing in verse how corpuscles of stuff1 ,from everlasting and to-day the same1 ,uphold the sum of things1 all sides around ,by old succession of unending blows4 ,for though thou view'st some beasts to be more rare1 ,and mark'st in them a less prolific stock1 ,yet in another region1 in lands remote1 ,that kind abounding may make up the count2 ,even as we mark among the four-foot kind ,snake-handed elephants1 whose thousands wall ,with ivory ramparts ,india about1 ,that her interiors cannot entered be-- ,so big her count of brutes of which we see ,such few examples4 ,or suppose1 besides1 ,we feign some thing1 one of its kind and sole ,with body born1 to which is nothing like ,in all the lands3 yet now unless shall be ,an infinite count of matter out of which ,thus to conceive and bring it forth to life1 ,it cannot be created and--what's more-- ,it cannot take its food and get increase4 ,yea1 if through all the world in finite tale ,be tossed the procreant bodies of one thing1 ,whence1 then1 and where in what mode1 by what power1 ,shall they to meeting come together there1 ,in such vast ocean of matter and tumult strange8-- ,no means they have of joining into one4 ,but1 just as1 after mighty ship-wrecks piled1 ,the mighty main is wont to scatter wide ,the rowers' banks1 the ribs1 the yards1 the prow1 ,the masts and swimming oars1 so that afar ,along all shores of lands are seen afloat ,the carven fragments of the rended poop1 ,giving a lesson to mortality ,to shun the ambush of the faithless main1 ,the violence and the guile1 and trust it not ,at any hour1 however much may smile ,the crafty enticements of the placid deep3 ,exactly thus1 if once thou holdest true ,that certain seeds are finite in their tale1 ,the various tides of matter1 then1 must needs ,scatter them flung throughout the ages all1 ,so that not ever can they join1 as driven ,together into union1 nor remain ,in union1 nor with increment can grow-- ,but facts in proof are manifest for each3 ,things can be both begotten and increase4 ',tis therefore manifest that primal germs1 ,are infinite in any class thou wilt-- ,from whence is furnished matter for all things4 ,nor can those motions that bring death prevail ,forever1 nor eternally entomb ,the welfare of the world2 nor1 further1 can ,those motions that give birth to things and growth ,keep them forever when created there4 ,thus the long war1 from everlasting waged1 ,with equal strife among the elements ,goes on and on4 ,now here1 now there1 prevail ,the vital forces of the world--or fall4 ,mixed with the funeral is the wildered wail ,of infants coming to the shores of light3 ,no night a day1 no dawn a night hath followed ,that heard not1 mingling with the small birth-cries1 ,the wild laments1 companions old of death ,and the black rites4 ,this1 too1 in these affairs ',tis fit thou hold well sealed1 and keep consigned ,with no forgetting brain3 nothing there is ,whose nature is apparent out of hand ,that of one kind of elements consists-- ,nothing there is that's not of mixed seed4 ,and whatsoe'er possesses in itself ,more largely many powers and properties ,shows thus that here within itself there are ,the largest number of kinds and differing shapes ,of elements4 ,and1 chief of all1 the earth ,hath in herself first bodies whence the springs1 ,rolling chill waters1 renew forevermore ,the unmeasured main2 hath whence the fires arise-- ,for burns in many a spot her flamed crust1 ,whilst the impetuous ,aetna raves indeed ,from more profounder fires--and she1 again1 ,hath in herself the seed whence she can raise ,the shining grains and gladsome trees for men2 ,whence1 also1 rivers1 fronds1 and gladsome pastures ,can she supply for mountain-roaming beasts4 ,wherefore great mother of gods1 and mother of beasts1 ,and parent of man hath she alone been named4 ,her hymned the old and learned bards of ,greece 9999999999 ,seated in chariot o'er the realms of air ,to drive her team of lions1 teaching thus ,that the great earth hangs poised and cannot lie ,resting on other earth4 ,unto her car ,they've yoked the wild beasts1 since a progeny1 ,however savage1 must be tamed and chid ,by care of parents4 ,they have girt about ,with turret-crown the summit of her head1 ,since1 fortressed in her goodly strongholds high1 ',tis she sustains the cities2 now1 adorned ,with that same token1 to-day is carried forth1 ,with solemn awe through many a mighty land1 ,the image of that mother1 the divine4 ,her the wide nations1 after antique rite1 ,do name ,idaean ,mother1 giving her ,escort of ,phrygian bands1 since first1 they say1 ,from out those regions 'twas that grain began ,through all the world4 ,to her do they assign ,the ,galli1 the emasculate1 since thus ,they wish to show that men who violate ,the majesty of the mother and have proved ,ingrate to parents are to be adjudged ,unfit to give unto the shores of light ,a living progeny4 ,the ,galli come3 ,and hollow cymbals1 tight-skinned tambourines ,resound around to bangings of their hands2 ,the fierce horns threaten with a raucous bray2 ,the tubed pipe excites their maddened minds ,in ,phrygian measures2 they bear before them knives1 ,wild emblems of their frenzy1 which have power ,the rabble's ingrate heads and impious hearts ,to panic with terror of the goddess' might4 ,and so1 when through the mighty cities borne1 ,she blesses man with salutations mute1 ,they strew the highway of her journeyings ,with coin of brass and silver1 gifting her ,with alms and largesse1 and shower her and shade ,with flowers of roses falling like the snow ,upon the ,mother and her companion-bands4 ,here is an armed troop1 the which by ,greeks ,are called the ,phrygian ,curetes4 ,since ,haply among themselves they use to play ,in games of arms and leap in measure round ,with bloody mirth and by their nodding shake ,the terrorizing crests upon their heads1 ,this is the armed troop that represents ,the arm'd ,dictaean ,curetes1 who1 in ,crete1 ,as runs the story1 whilom did out-drown ,that infant cry of ,zeus1 what time their band1 ,young boys1 in a swift dance around the boy1 ,to measured step beat with the brass on brass1 ,that ,saturn might not get him for his jaws1 ,and give its mother an eternal wound ,along her heart4 ,and 'tis on this account ,that armed they escort the mighty ,mother1 ,or else because they signify by this ,that she1 the goddess1 teaches men to be ,eager with armed valour to defend ,their motherland1 and ready to stand forth1 ,the guard and glory of their parents' years4 ,a tale1 however beautifully wrought1 ,that's wide of reason by a long remove3 ,for all the gods must of themselves enjoy ,immortal aeons and supreme repose1 ,withdrawn from our affairs1 detached1 afar3 ,immune from peril and immune from pain1 ,themselves abounding in riches of their own1 ,needing not us1 they are not touched by wrath ,they are not taken by service or by gift4 ,truly is earth insensate for all time2 ,but1 by obtaining germs of many things1 ,in many a way she brings the many forth ,into the light of sun4 ,and here1 whoso ,decides to call the ocean ,neptune1 or ,the grain-crop ,ceres1 and prefers to abuse ,the name of ,bacchus rather than pronounce ,the liquor's proper designation1 him ,let us permit to go on calling earth ,mother of ,gods1 if only he will spare ,to taint his soul with foul religion4 ,so1 too1 the wooly flocks1 and horned kine1 ,and brood of battle-eager horses1 grazing ,often together along one grassy plain1 ,under the cope of one blue sky1 and slaking ,from out one stream of water each its thirst1 ,all live their lives with face and form unlike1 ,keeping the parents' nature1 parents' habits1 ,which1 kind by kind1 through ages they repeat4 ,so great in any sort of herb thou wilt1 ,so great again in any river of earth ,are the distinct diversities of matter4 ,hence1 further1 every creature--any one ,from out them all--compounded is the same ,of bones1 blood1 veins1 heat1 moisture1 flesh1 and thews-- ,all differing vastly in their forms1 and built ,of elements dissimilar in shape4 ,again1 all things by fire consumed ablaze1 ,within their frame lay up1 if naught besides1 ,at least those atoms whence derives their power ,to throw forth fire and send out light from under1 ,to shoot the sparks and scatter embers wide4 ,if1 with like reasoning of mind1 all else ,thou traverse through1 thou wilt discover thus ,that in their frame the seeds of many things ,they hide1 and divers shapes of seeds contain4 ,further1 thou markest much1 to which are given ,along together colour and flavour and smell1 ,among which1 chief1 are most burnt offerings4 9999999999 ,thus must they be of divers shapes composed4 ,a smell of scorching enters in our frame ,where the bright colour from the dye goes not2 ,and colour in one way1 flavour in quite another ,works inward to our senses--so mayst see ,they differ too in elemental shapes4 ,thus unlike forms into one mass combine1 ,and things exist by intermixed seed4 ,but still 'tmust not be thought that in all ways ,all things can be conjoined2 for then wouldst view ,portents begot about thee every side3 ,hulks of mankind half brute astarting up1 ,at times big branches sprouting from man's trunk1 ,limbs of a sea-beast to a land-beast knit1 ,and nature along the all-producing earth ,feeding those dire ,chimaeras breathing flame ,from hideous jaws--,of which 'tis simple fact ,that none have been begot2 because we see ,all are from fixed seed and fixed dam ,engendered and so function as to keep ,throughout their growth their own ancestral type4 ,this happens surely by a fixed law3 ,for from all food-stuff1 when once eaten down1 ,go sundered atoms1 suited to each creature1 ,throughout their bodies1 and1 conjoining there1 ,produce the proper motions2 but we see ,how1 contrariwise1 nature upon the ground ,throws off those foreign to their frame2 and many ,with viewless bodies from their bodies fly1 ,by blows impelled--those impotent to join ,to any part1 or1 when inside1 to accord ,and to take on the vital motions there4 ,but think not1 haply1 living forms alone ,are bound by these laws3 they distinguished all4 9999999999 ,for just as all things of creation are1 ,in their whole nature1 each to each unlike1 ,so must their atoms be in shape unlike-- ,not since few only are fashioned of like form1 ,but since they all1 as general rule1 are not ,the same as all4 ,nay1 here in these our verses1 ,elements many1 common to many words1 ,thou seest1 though yet 'tis needful to confess ,the words and verses differ1 each from each1 ,compounded out of different elements-- ,not since few only1 as common letters1 run ,through all the words1 or no two words are made1 ,one and the other1 from all like elements1 ,but since they all1 as general rule1 are not ,the same as all4 ,thus1 too1 in other things1 ,whilst many germs common to many things ,there are1 yet they1 combined among themselves1 ,can form new wholes to others quite unlike4 ,thus fairly one may say that humankind1 ,the grains1 the gladsome trees1 are all made up ,of different atoms4 ,further1 since the seeds ,are different1 difference must there also be ,in intervening spaces1 thoroughfares1 ,connections1 weights1 blows1 clashings1 motions1 all ,which not alone distinguish living forms1 ,but sunder earth's whole ocean from the lands1 ,and hold all heaven from the lands away4 ,,absence ,,of ,,secondary ,,qualities ,now come1 this wisdom by my sweet toil sought ,look thou perceive1 lest haply thou shouldst guess ,that the white objects shining to thine eyes ,are gendered of white atoms1 or the black ,of a black seed2 or yet believe that aught ,that's steeped in any hue should take its dye ,from bits of matter tinct with hue the same4 ,for matter's bodies own no hue the least-- ,or like to objects or1 again1 unlike4 ,but1 if percase it seem to thee that mind ,itself can dart no influence of its own ,into these bodies1 wide thou wand'rest off4 ,for since the blind-born1 who have ne'er surveyed ,the light of sun1 yet recognise by touch ,things that from birth had ne'er a hue for them1 ',tis thine to know that bodies can be brought ,no less unto the ken of our minds too1 ,though yet those bodies with no dye be smeared4 ,again1 ourselves whatever in the dark ,we touch1 the same we do not find to be ,tinctured with any colour4 ,now that here ,i win the argument1 ,i next will teach 9999999999 ,now1 every colour changes1 none except1 ,and every444 ,which the primordials ought nowise to do4 ,since an immutable somewhat must remain1 ,lest all things utterly be brought to naught4 ,for change of anything from out its bounds ,means instant death of that which was before4 ,wherefore be mindful not to stain with colour ,the seeds of things1 lest things return for thee ,all utterly to naught4 ,but now1 if seeds ,receive no property of colour1 and yet ,be still endowed with variable forms ,from which all kinds of colours they beget ,and vary 7by reason that ever it matters much ,with what seeds1 and in what positions joined1 ,and what the motions that they give and get71 ,forthwith most easily thou mayst devise ,why what was black of hue an hour ago ,can of a sudden like the marble gleam1-- ,as ocean1 when the high winds have upheaved ,its level plains1 is changed to hoary waves ,of marble whiteness3 for1 thou mayst declare1 ,that1 when the thing we often see as black ,is in its matter then commixed anew1 ,some atoms rearranged1 and some withdrawn1 ,and added some1 'tis seen forthwith to turn ,glowing and white4 ,but if of azure seeds ,consist the level waters of the deep1 ,they could in nowise whiten3 for however ,thou shakest azure seeds1 the same can never ,pass into marble hue4 ,but1 if the seeds-- ,which thus produce the ocean's one pure sheen-- ,be now with one hue1 now another dyed1 ,as oft from alien forms and divers shapes ,a cube's produced all uniform in shape1 ',twould be but natural1 even as in the cube ,we see the forms to be dissimilar1 ,that thus we'd see in brightness of the deep 7,or in whatever one pure sheen thou wilt7 ,colours diverse and all dissimilar4 ,besides1 the unlike shapes don't thwart the least ,the whole in being externally a cube2 ,but differing hues of things do block and keep ,the whole from being of one resultant hue4 ,then1 too1 the reason which entices us ,at times to attribute colours to the seeds ,falls quite to pieces1 since white things are not ,create from white things1 nor are black from black1 ,but evermore they are create from things ,of divers colours4 ,verily1 the white ,will rise more readily1 is sooner born ,out of no colour1 than of black or aught ,which stands in hostile opposition thus4 ,besides1 since colours cannot be1 sans light1 ,and the primordials come not forth to light1 ',tis thine to know they are not clothed with colour-- ,truly1 what kind of colour could there be ,in the viewless dark8 ,nay1 in the light itself ,a colour changes1 gleaming variedly1 ,when smote by vertical or slanting ray4 ,thus in the sunlight shows the down of doves ,that circles1 garlanding1 the nape and throat3 ,now it is ruddy with a bright gold-bronze1 ,now1 by a strange sensation it becomes ,green-emerald blended with the coral-red4 ,the peacock's tail1 filled with the copious light1 ,changes its colours likewise1 when it turns4 ,wherefore1 since by some blow of light begot1 ,without such blow these colours can't become4 ,and since the pupil of the eye receives ,within itself one kind of blow1 when said ,to feel a white hue1 then another kind1 ,when feeling a black or any other hue1 ,and since it matters nothing with what hue ,the things thou touchest be perchance endowed1 ,but rather with what sort of shape equipped1 ',tis thine to know the atoms need not colour1 ,but render forth sensations1 as of touch1 ,that vary with their varied forms4 ,besides1 ,since special shapes have not a special colour1 ,and all formations of the primal germs ,can be of any sheen thou wilt1 why1 then1 ,are not those objects which are of them made ,suffused1 each kind with colours of every kind8 ,for then 'twere meet that ravens1 as they fly1 ,should dartle from white pinions a white sheen1 ,or swans turn black from seed of black1 or be ,of any single varied dye thou wilt4 ,again1 the more an object's rent to bits1 ,the more thou see its colour fade away ,little by little till 'tis quite extinct2 ,as happens when the gaudy linen's picked ,shred after shred away3 the purple there1 ,phoenician red1 most brilliant of all dyes1 ,is lost asunder1 ravelled thread by thread2 ,hence canst perceive the fragments die away ,from out their colour1 long ere they depart ,back to the old primordials of things4 ,and1 last1 since thou concedest not all bodies ,send out a voice or smell1 it happens thus ,that not to all thou givest sounds and smells4 ,so1 too1 since we behold not all with eyes1 ',tis thine to know some things there are as much ,orphaned of colour1 as others without smell1 ,and reft of sound2 and those the mind alert ,no less can apprehend than it can mark ,the things that lack some other qualities4 ,but think not haply that the primal bodies ,remain despoiled alone of colour3 so1 ,are they from warmth dissevered and from cold ,and from hot exhalations2 and they move1 ,both sterile of sound and dry of juice2 and throw ,not any odour from their proper bodies4 ,just as1 when undertaking to prepare ,a liquid balm of myrrh and marjoram1 ,and flower of nard1 which to our nostrils breathes ,odour of nectar1 first of all behooves ,thou seek1 as far as find thou may and can1 ,the inodorous olive-oil 7which never sends ,one whiff of scent to nostrils71 that it may ,the least debauch and ruin with sharp tang ,the odorous essence with its body mixed ,and in it seethed4 ,and on the same account ,the primal germs of things must not be thought ,to furnish colour in begetting things1 ,nor sound1 since pow'rless they to send forth aught ,from out themselves1 nor any flavour1 too1 ,nor cold1 nor exhalation hot or warm4 9999999999 ,the rest2 yet since these things are mortal all-- ,the pliant mortal1 with a body soft2 ,the brittle mortal1 with a crumbling frame2 ,the hollow with a porous-all must be ,disjoined from the primal elements1 ,if still we wish under the world to lay ,immortal ground-works1 whereupon may rest ,the sum of weal and safety1 lest for thee ,all things return to nothing utterly4 ,now1 too3 whate'er we see possessing sense ,must yet confessedly be stablished all ,from elements insensate4 ,and those signs1 ,so clear to all and witnessed out of hand1 ,do not refute this dictum nor oppose2 ,but rather themselves do lead us by the hand1 ,compelling belief that living things are born ,of elements insensate1 as ,i say4 ,sooth1 we may see from out the stinking dung ,live worms spring up1 when1 after soaking rains1 ,the drenched earth rots2 and all things change the same3 ,lo1 change the rivers1 the fronds1 the gladsome pastures ,into the cattle1 the cattle their nature change ,into our bodies1 and from our body1 oft ,grow strong the powers and bodies of wild beasts ,and mighty-winged birds4 ,thus nature changes ,all foods to living frames1 and procreates ,from them the senses of live creatures all1 ,in manner about as she uncoils in flames ,dry logs of wood and turns them all to fire4 ,and seest not1 therefore1 how it matters much ,after what order are set the primal germs1 ,and with what other germs they all are mixed1 ,and what the motions that they give and get8 ,but now1 what is't that strikes thy sceptic mind1 ,constraining thee to sundry arguments ,against belief that from insensate germs ,the sensible is gendered8--,verily1 ',tis this3 that liquids1 earth1 and wood1 though mixed1 ,are yet unable to gender vital sense4 ,and1 therefore1 'twill be well in these affairs ,this to remember3 that ,i have not said ,senses are born1 under conditions all1 ,from all things absolutely which create ,objects that feel2 but much it matters here ,firstly1 how small the seeds which thus compose ,the feeling thing1 then1 with what shapes endowed1 ,and lastly what they in positions be1 ,in motions1 in arrangements4 ,of which facts ,naught we perceive in logs of wood and clods2 ,and yet even these1 when sodden by the rains1 ,give birth to wormy grubs1 because the bodies ,of matter1 from their old arrangements stirred ,by the new factor1 then combine anew ,in such a way as genders living things4 ,next1 they who deem that feeling objects can ,from feeling objects be create1 and these1 ,in turn1 from others that are wont to feel 9999999999 ,when soft they make them2 for all sense is linked ,with flesh1 and thews1 and veins--and such1 we see1 ,are fashioned soft and of a mortal frame4 ,yet be't that these can last forever on3 ,they'll have the sense that's proper to a part1 ,or else be judged to have a sense the same ,as that within live creatures as a whole4 ,but of themselves those parts can never feel1 ,for all the sense in every member back ,to something else refers--a severed hand1 ,or any other member of our frame1 ,itself alone cannot support sensation4 ,it thus remains they must resemble1 then1 ,live creatures as a whole1 to have the power ,of feeling sensation concordant in each part ,with the vital sense2 and so they're bound to feel ,the things we feel exactly as do we4 ,if such the case1 how1 then1 can they be named ,the primal germs of things1 and how avoid ,the highways of destruction8--since they be ,mere living things and living things be all ,one and the same with mortal4 ,grant they could1 ,yet by their meetings and their unions all1 ,naught would result1 indeed1 besides a throng ,and hurly-burly all of living things-- ,precisely as men1 and cattle1 and wild beasts1 ,by mere conglomeration each with each ,can still beget not anything of new4 ,but if by chance they lose1 inside a body1 ,their own sense and another sense take on1 ,what1 then1 avails it to assign them that ,which is withdrawn thereafter8 ,and besides1 ,to touch on proof that we pronounced before1 ,just as we see the eggs of feathered fowls ,to change to living chicks1 and swarming worms ,to bubble forth when from the soaking rains ,the earth is sodden1 sure1 sensations all ,can out of non-sensations be begot4 ,but if one say that sense can so far rise ,from non-sense by mutation1 or because ,brought forth as by a certain sort of birth1 ',twill serve to render plain to him and prove ,there is no birth1 unless there be before ,some formed union of the elements1 ,nor any change1 unless they be unite4 ,in first place1 senses can't in body be ,before its living nature's been begot1-- ,since all its stuff1 in faith1 is held dispersed ,about through rivers1 air1 and earth1 and all ,that is from earth created1 nor has met ,in combination1 and1 in proper mode1 ,conjoined into those vital motions which ,kindle the all-perceiving senses--they ,that keep and guard each living thing soever4 ,again1 a blow beyond its nature's strength ,shatters forthwith each living thing soe'er1 ,and on it goes confounding all the sense ,of body and mind4 ,for of the primal germs ,are loosed their old arrangements1 and1 throughout1 ,the vital motions blocked1--until the stuff1 ,shaken profoundly through the frame entire1 ,undoes the vital knots of soul from body ,and throws that soul1 to outward wide-dispersed1 ,through all the pores4 ,for what may we surmise ,a blow inflicted can achieve besides ,shaking asunder and loosening all apart8 ,it happens also1 when less sharp the blow1 ,the vital motions which are left are wont ,oft to win out--win out1 and stop and still ,the uncouth tumults gendered by the blow1 ,and call each part to its own courses back1 ,and shake away the motion of death which now ,begins its own dominion in the body1 ,and kindle anew the senses almost gone4 ,for by what other means could they the more ,collect their powers of thought and turn again ,from very doorways of destruction ,back unto life1 rather than pass whereto ,they be already well-nigh sped and so ,pass quite away8 ,again1 since pain is there ,where bodies of matter1 by some force stirred up1 ,through vitals and through joints1 within their seats ,quiver and quake inside1 but soft delight1 ,when they remove unto their place again3 ',tis thine to know the primal germs can be ,assaulted by no pain1 nor from themselves ,take no delight2 because indeed they are ,not made of any bodies of first things1 ,under whose strange new motions they might ache ,or pluck the fruit of any dear new sweet4 ,and so they must be furnished with no sense4 ,once more1 if thus1 that every living thing ,may have sensation1 needful 'tis to assign ,sense also to its elements1 what then ,of those fixed elements from which mankind ,hath been1 by their peculiar virtue1 formed8 ,of verity1 they'll laugh aloud1 like men1 ,shaken asunder by a spasm of mirth1 ,or sprinkle with dewy tear-drops cheeks and chins1 ,and have the cunning hardihood to say ,much on the composition of the world1 ,and in their turn inquire what elements ,they have themselves1--since1 thus the same in kind ,as a whole mortal creature1 even they ,must also be from other elements1 ,and then those others from others evermore-- ,so that thou darest nowhere make a stop4 ,oho1 ,i'll follow thee until thou grant ,the seed 7which here thou say'st speaks1 laughs1 and 9999999999 thinks7 ,is yet derived out of other seeds ,which in their turn are doing just the same4 ,but if we see what raving nonsense this1 ,and that a man may laugh1 though not1 forsooth1 ,compounded out of laughing elements1 ,and think and utter reason with learn'd speech1 ,though not himself compounded1 for a fact1 ,of sapient seeds and eloquent1 why1 then1 ,cannot those things which we perceive to have ,their own sensation be composed as well ,of intermixed seeds quite void of sense8 ,,infinite ,,worlds ,once more1 we all from seed celestial spring1 ,to all is that same father1 from whom earth1 ,the fostering mother1 as she takes the drops ,of liquid moisture1 pregnant bears her broods-- ,the shining grains1 and gladsome shrubs and trees1 ,and bears the human race and of the wild ,the generations all1 the while she yields ,the foods wherewith all feed their frames and lead ,the genial life and propagate their kind2 ,wherefore she owneth that maternal name1 ,by old desert4 ,what was before from earth1 ,the same in earth sinks back1 and what was sent ,from shores of ether1 that1 returning home1 ,the vaults of sky receive4 ,nor thus doth death ,so far annihilate things that she destroys ,the bodies of matter2 but she dissipates ,their combinations1 and conjoins anew ,one element with others2 and contrives ,that all things vary forms and change their colours ,and get sensations and straight give them o'er4 ,and thus may'st know it matters with what others ,and in what structure the primordial germs ,are held together1 and what motions they ,among themselves do give and get2 nor think ,that aught we see hither and thither afloat ,upon the crest of things1 and now a birth ,and straightway now a ruin1 inheres at rest ,deep in the eternal atoms of the world4 ,why1 even in these our very verses here ,it matters much with what and in what order ,each element is set3 the same denote ,sky1 and the ocean1 lands1 and streams1 and sun2 ,the same1 the grains1 and trees1 and living things4 ,and if not all alike1 at least the most-- ,but what distinctions by positions wrought6 ,and thus no less in things themselves1 when once ,around are changed the intervals between1 ,the paths of matter1 its connections1 weights1 ,blows1 clashings1 motions1 order1 structure1 shapes1 ,the things themselves must likewise changed be4 ,now to true reason give thy mind for us4 ,since here strange truth is putting forth its might ,to hit thee in thine ears1 a new aspect ,of things to show its front4 ,yet naught there is ,so easy that it standeth not at first ,more hard to credit than it after is2 ,and naught soe'er that's great to such degree1 ,nor wonderful so far1 but all mankind ,little by little abandon their surprise4 ,look upward yonder at the bright clear sky ,and what it holds--the stars that wander o'er1 ,the moon1 the radiance of the splendour-sun3 ,yet all1 if now they first for mortals were1 ,if unforeseen now first asudden shown1 ,what might there be more wonderful to tell1 ,what that the nations would before have dared ,less to believe might be8--,i fancy1 naught-- ,so strange had been the marvel of that sight4 ,the which o'erwearied to behold1 to-day ,none deigns look upward to those lucent realms4 ,then1 spew not reason from thy mind away1 ,beside thyself because the matter's new1 ,but rather with keen judgment nicely weigh2 ,and if to thee it then appeareth true1 ,render thy hands1 or1 if 'tis false at last1 ,gird thee to combat4 ,for my mind-of-man ,now seeks the nature of the vast ,beyond ,there on the other side1 that boundless sum ,which lies without the ramparts of the world1 ,toward which the spirit longs to peer afar1 ,toward which indeed the swift elan of thought ,flies unencumbered forth4 ,firstly1 we find1 ,off to all regions round1 on either side1 ,above1 beneath1 throughout the universe ,end is there none--as ,i have taught1 as too ,the very thing of itself declares aloud1 ,and as from nature of the unbottomed deep ,shines clearly forth4 ,nor can we once suppose ,in any way 'tis likely1 7seeing that space ,to all sides stretches infinite and free1 ,and seeds1 innumerable in number1 in sum ,bottomless1 there in many a manner fly1 ,bestirred in everlasting motion there71 ,that only this one earth and sky of ours ,hath been create and that those bodies of stuff1 ,so many1 perform no work outside the same2 ,seeing1 moreover1 this world too hath been ,by nature fashioned1 even as seeds of things ,by innate motion chanced to clash and cling-- ,after they'd been in many a manner driven ,together at random1 without design1 in vain-- ,and as at last those seeds together dwelt1 ,which1 when together of a sudden thrown1 ,should alway furnish the commencements fit ,of mighty things--the earth1 the sea1 the sky1 ,and race of living creatures4 ,thus1 ,i say1 ,again1 again1 'tmust be confessed there are ,such congregations of matter otherwhere1 ,like this our world which vasty ether holds ,in huge embrace4 ,besides1 when matter abundant ,is ready there1 when space on hand1 nor object ,nor any cause retards1 no marvel 'tis ,that things are carried on and made complete1 ,perforce4 ,and now1 if store of seeds there is ,so great that not whole life-times of the living ,can count the tale444 ,and if their force and nature abide the same1 ,able to throw the seeds of things together ,into their places1 even as here are thrown ,the seeds together in this world of ours1 ',tmust be confessed in other realms there are ,still other worlds1 still other breeds of men1 ,and other generations of the wild4 ,hence too it happens in the sum there is ,no one thing single of its kind in birth1 ,and single and sole in growth1 but rather it is ,one member of some generated race1 ,among full many others of like kind4 ,first1 cast thy mind abroad upon the living3 ,thou'lt find the race of mountain-ranging wild ,even thus to be1 and thus the scions of men ,to be begot1 and lastly the mute flocks ,of scaled fish1 and winged frames of birds4 ,wherefore confess we must on grounds the same ,that earth1 sun1 moon1 and ocean1 and all else1 ,exist not sole and single--rather in number ,exceeding number4 ,since that deeply set ,old boundary stone of life remains for them ,no less1 and theirs a body of mortal birth ,no less1 than every kind which here on earth ,is so abundant in its members found4 ,which well perceived if thou hold in mind1 ,then ,nature1 delivered from every haughty lord1 ,and forthwith free1 is seen to do all things ,herself and through herself of own accord1 ,rid of all gods4 ,for--by their holy hearts ,which pass in long tranquillity of peace ,untroubled ages and a serene life6-- ,who hath the power 7,i ask71 who hath the power ,to rule the sum of the immeasurable1 ,to hold with steady hand the giant reins ,of the unfathomed deep8 ,who hath the power ,at once to roll a multitude of skies1 ,at once to heat with fires ethereal all ,the fruitful lands of multitudes of worlds1 ,to be at all times in all places near1 ,to stablish darkness by his clouds1 to shake ,the serene spaces of the sky with sound1 ,and hurl his lightnings1--ha1 and whelm how oft ,in ruins his own temples1 and to rave1 ,retiring to the wildernesses1 there ,at practice with that thunderbolt of his1 ,which yet how often shoots the guilty by1 ,and slays the honourable blameless ones6 ,ere since the birth-time of the world1 ere since ,the risen first-born day of sea1 earth1 sun1 ,have many germs been added from outside1 ,have many seeds been added round about1 ,which the great ,all1 the while it flung them on1 ,brought hither1 that from them the sea and lands ,could grow more big1 and that the house of heaven ,might get more room and raise its lofty roofs ,far over earth1 and air arise around4 ,for bodies all1 from out all regions1 are ,divided by blows1 each to its proper thing1 ,and all retire to their own proper kinds3 ,the moist to moist retires2 earth gets increase ,from earthy body2 and fires1 as on a forge1 ,beat out new fire2 and ether forges ether2 ,till nature1 author and ender of the world1 ,hath led all things to extreme bound of growth3 ,as haps when that which hath been poured inside ,the vital veins of life is now no more ,than that which ebbs within them and runs off4 ,this is the point where life for each thing ends2 ,this is the point where nature with her powers ,curbs all increase4 ,for whatsoe'er thou seest ,grow big with glad increase1 and step by step ,climb upward to ripe age1 these to themselves ,take in more bodies than they send from selves1 ,whilst still the food is easily infused ,through all the veins1 and whilst the things are not ,so far expanded that they cast away ,such numerous atoms as to cause a waste ,greater than nutriment whereby they wax4 ,for 'tmust be granted1 truly1 that from things ,many a body ebbeth and runs off2 ,but yet still more must come1 until the things ,have touched development's top pinnacle2 ,then old age breaks their powers and ripe strength ,and falls away into a worser part4 ,for ever the ampler and more wide a thing1 ,as soon as ever its augmentation ends1 ,it scatters abroad forthwith to all sides round ,more bodies1 sending them from out itself4 ,nor easily now is food disseminate ,through all its veins2 nor is that food enough ,to equal with a new supply on hand ,those plenteous exhalations it gives off4 ,thus1 fairly1 all things perish1 when with ebbing ,they're made less dense and when from blows without ,they are laid low2 since food at last will fail ,extremest eld1 and bodies from outside ,cease not with thumping to undo a thing ,and overmaster by infesting blows4 ,thus1 too1 the ramparts of the mighty world ,on all sides round shall taken be by storm1 ,and tumble to wrack and shivered fragments down4 ,for food it is must keep things whole1 renewing2 ',tis food must prop and give support to all1-- ,but to no purpose1 since nor veins suffice ,to hold enough1 nor nature ministers ,as much as needful4 ,and even now 'tis thus3 ,its age is broken and the earth1 outworn ,with many parturitions1 scarce creates ,the little lives--she who created erst ,all generations and gave forth at birth ,enormous bodies of wild beasts of old4 ,for never1 ,i fancy1 did a golden cord ,from off the firmament above let down ,the mortal generations to the fields2 ,nor sea1 nor breakers pounding on the rocks ,created them2 but earth it was who bore-- ,the same to-day who feeds them from herself4 ,besides1 herself of own accord1 she first ,the shining grains and vineyards of all joy ,created for mortality2 herself ,gave the sweet fruitage and the pastures glad1 ,which now to-day yet scarcely wax in size1 ,even when aided by our toiling arms4 ,we break the ox1 and wear away the strength ,of sturdy farm-hands2 iron tools to-day ,barely avail for tilling of the fields1 ,so niggardly they grudge our harvestings1 ,so much increase our labour4 ,now to-day ,the aged ploughman1 shaking of his head1 ,sighs o'er and o'er that labours of his hands ,have fallen out in vain1 and1 as he thinks ,how present times are not as times of old1 ,often he praises the fortunes of his sire1 ,and crackles1 prating1 how the ancient race1 ,fulfilled with piety1 supported life ,with simple comfort in a narrow plot1 ,since1 man for man1 the measure of each field ,was smaller far i' the old days4 ,and1 again1 ,the gloomy planter of the withered vine ,rails at the season's change and wearies heaven1 ,nor grasps that all of things by sure degrees ,are wasting away and going to the tomb1 ,outworn by venerable length of life4 ,,book ,,iii ,,proem ,o thou who first uplifted in such dark ,so clear a torch aloft1 who first shed light ,upon the profitable ends of man1 ,o thee ,i follow1 glory of the ,greeks1 ,and set my footsteps squarely planted now ,even in the impress and the marks of thine-- ,less like one eager to dispute the palm1 ,more as one craving out of very love ,that ,i may copy thee6--for how should swallow ,contend with swans or what compare could be ,in a race between young kids with tumbling legs ,and the strong might of the horse8 ,our father thou1 ,and finder-out of truth1 and thou to us ,suppliest a father's precepts2 and from out ,those scriven leaves of thine1 renowned soul 7,like bees that sip of all in flowery wolds71 ,we feed upon thy golden sayings all-- ,golden1 and ever worthiest endless life4 ,for soon as ever thy planning thought that sprang ,from god-like mind begins its loud proclaim ,of nature's courses1 terrors of the brain ,asunder flee1 the ramparts of the world ,dispart away1 and through the void entire ,i see the movements of the universe4 ,rises to vision the majesty of gods1 ,and their abodes of everlasting calm ,which neither wind may shake nor rain-cloud splash1 ,nor snow1 congealed by sharp frosts1 may harm ,with its white downfall3 ever1 unclouded sky ,o'er roofs1 and laughs with far-diffused light4 ,and nature gives to them their all1 nor aught ,may ever pluck their peace of mind away4 ,but nowhere to my vision rise no more ,the vaults of ,acheron1 though the broad earth ,bars me no more from gazing down o'er all ,which under our feet is going on below ,along the void4 ,o1 here in these affairs ,some new divine delight and trembling awe ,takes hold through me1 that thus by power of thine ,nature1 so plain and manifest at last1 ,hath been on every side laid bare to man6 ,and since ,i've taught already of what sort ,the seeds of all things are1 and how1 distinct ,in divers forms1 they flit of own accord1 ,stirred with a motion everlasting on1 ,and in what mode things be from them create1 ,now1 after such matters1 should my verse1 meseems1 ,make clear the nature of the mind and soul1 ,and drive that dread of ,acheron without1 ,headlong1 which so confounds our human life ,unto its deeps1 pouring o'er all that is ,the black of death1 nor leaves not anything ,to prosper--a liquid and unsullied joy4 ,for as to what men sometimes will affirm3 ,that more than ,tartarus 7the realm of death7 ,they fear diseases and a life of shame1 ,and know the substance of the soul is blood1 ,or rather wind 7if haply thus their whim71 ,and so need naught of this our science1 then ,thou well may'st note from what's to follow now ,that more for glory do they braggart forth ,than for belief4 ,for mark these very same3 ,exiles from country1 fugitives afar ,from sight of men1 with charges foul attaint1 ,abased with every wretchedness1 they yet ,live1 and where'er the wretches come1 they yet ,make the ancestral sacrifices there1 ,butcher the black sheep1 and to gods below ,offer the honours1 and in bitter case ,turn much more keenly to religion4 ,wherefore1 it's surer testing of a man ,in doubtful perils--mark him as he is ,amid adversities2 for then alone ,are the true voices conjured from his breast1 ,the mask off-stripped1 reality behind4 ,and greed1 again1 and the blind lust of honours ,which force poor wretches past the bounds of law1 ,and1 oft allies and ministers of crime1 ,to push through nights and days with hugest toil ,to rise untrammelled to the peaks of power-- ,these wounds of life in no mean part are kept ,festering and open by this fright of death4 ,for ever we see fierce ,want and foul ,disgrace ,dislodged afar from secure life and sweet1 ,like huddling ,shapes before the doors of death4 ,and whilst1 from these1 men wish to scape afar1 ,driven by false terror1 and afar remove1 ,with civic blood a fortune they amass1 ,they double their riches1 greedy1 heapers-up ,of corpse on corpse they have a cruel laugh ,for the sad burial of a brother-born1 ,and hatred and fear of tables of their kin4 ,likewise1 through this same terror1 envy oft ,makes them to peak because before their eyes ,that man is lordly1 that man gazed upon ,who walks begirt with honour glorious1 ,whilst they in filth and darkness roll around2 ,some perish away for statues and a name1 ,and oft to that degree1 from fright of death1 ,will hate of living and beholding light ,take hold on humankind that they inflict ,their own destruction with a gloomy heart-- ,forgetful that this fear is font of cares1 ,this fear the plague upon their sense of shame1 ,and this that breaks the ties of comradry ,and oversets all reverence and faith1 ,mid direst slaughter4 ,for long ere to-day ,often were traitors to country and dear parents ,through quest to shun the realms of ,acheron4 ,for just as children tremble and fear all ,in the viewless dark1 so even we at times ,dread in the light so many things that be ,no whit more fearsome than what children feign1 ,shuddering1 will be upon them in the dark4 ,this terror1 then1 this darkness of the mind1 ,not sunrise with its flaring spokes of light1 ,nor glittering arrows of morning sun disperse1 ,but only nature's aspect and her law4 ,,nature ,,and ,,composition ,,of ,,the ,,mind ,first1 then1 ,i say1 the mind which oft we call ,the intellect1 wherein is seated life's ,counsel and regimen1 is part no less ,of man than hand and foot and eyes are parts ,of one whole breathing creature4 ,but some hold ,that sense of mind is in no fixed part seated1 ,but is of body some one vital state1-- ,named harmony by ,greeks1 because thereby ,we live with sense1 though intellect be not ,in any part3 as oft the body is said ,to have good health 7when health1 however1 's not ,one part of him who has it71 so they place ,the sense of mind in no fixed part of man4 ,mightily1 diversly1 meseems they err4 ,often the body palpable and seen ,sickens1 while yet in some invisible part ,we feel a pleasure2 oft the other way1 ,a miserable in mind feels pleasure still ,throughout his body--quite the same as when ,a foot may pain without a pain in head4 ,besides1 when these our limbs are given o'er ,to gentle sleep and lies the burdened frame ,at random void of sense1 a something else ,is yet within us1 which upon that time ,bestirs itself in many a wise1 receiving ,all motions of joy and phantom cares of heart4 ,now1 for to see that in man's members dwells ,also the soul1 and body ne'er is wont ,to feel sensation by a harmony ,take this in chief3 the fact that life remains ,oft in our limbs1 when much of body's gone2 ,yet that same life1 when particles of heat1 ,though few1 have scattered been1 and through the mouth ,air has been given forth abroad1 forthwith ,forever deserts the veins1 and leaves the bones4 ,thus mayst thou know that not all particles ,perform like parts1 nor in like manner all ,are props of weal and safety3 rather those-- ,the seeds of wind and exhalations warm-- ,take care that in our members life remains4 ,therefore a vital heat and wind there is ,within the very body1 which at death ,deserts our frames4 ,and so1 since nature of mind ,and even of soul is found to be1 as 'twere1 ,a part of man1 give over harmony-- ,name to musicians brought from ,helicon1-- ,unless themselves they filched it otherwise1 ,to serve for what was lacking name till then4 ,whate'er it be1 they're welcome to it--thou1 ,hearken my other maxims4 ,mind and soul1 ,i say1 are held conjoined one with other1 ,and form one single nature of themselves2 ,but chief and regnant through the frame entire ,is still that counsel which we call the mind1 ,and that cleaves seated in the midmost breast4 ,here leap dismay and terror2 round these haunts ,be blandishments of joys2 and therefore here ,the intellect1 the mind4 ,the rest of soul1 ,throughout the body scattered1 but obeys-- ,moved by the nod and motion of the mind4 ,this1 for itself1 sole through itself1 hath thought2 ,this for itself hath mirth1 even when the thing ,that moves it1 moves nor soul nor body at all4 ,and as1 when head or eye in us is smit ,by assailing pain1 we are not tortured then ,through all the body1 so the mind alone ,is sometimes smitten1 or livens with a joy1 ,whilst yet the soul's remainder through the limbs ,and through the frame is stirred by nothing new4 ,but when the mind is moved by shock more fierce1 ,we mark the whole soul suffering all at once ,along man's members3 sweats and pallors spread ,over the body1 and the tongue is broken1 ,and fails the voice away1 and ring the ears1 ,mists blind the eyeballs1 and the joints collapse1-- ,aye1 men drop dead from terror of the mind4 ,hence1 whoso will can readily remark ,that soul conjoined is with mind1 and1 when ',tis strook by influence of the mind1 forthwith ,in turn it hits and drives the body too4 ,and this same argument establisheth ,that nature of mind and soul corporeal is3 ,for when 'tis seen to drive the members on1 ,to snatch from sleep the body1 and to change ,the countenance1 and the whole state of man ,to rule and turn1--what yet could never be ,sans contact1 and sans body contact fails-- ,must we not grant that mind and soul consist ,of a corporeal nature8--,and besides ,thou markst that likewise with this body of ours ,suffers the mind and with our body feels4 ,if the dire speed of spear that cleaves the bones ,and bares the inner thews hits not the life1 ,yet follows a fainting and a foul collapse1 ,and1 on the ground1 dazed tumult in the mind1 ,and whiles a wavering will to rise afoot4 ,so nature of mind must be corporeal1 since ,from stroke and spear corporeal 'tis in throes4 ,now1 of what body1 what components formed ,is this same mind ,i will go on to tell4 ,first1 ,i aver1 'tis superfine1 composed ,of tiniest particles--that such the fact ,thou canst perceive1 if thou attend1 from this3 ,nothing is seen to happen with such speed ,as what the mind proposes and begins2 ,therefore the same bestirs itself more swiftly ,than aught whose nature's palpable to eyes4 ,but what's so agile must of seeds consist ,most round1 most tiny1 that they may be moved1 ,when hit by impulse slight4 ,so water moves1 ,in waves along1 at impulse just the least-- ,being create of little shapes that roll2 ,but1 contrariwise1 the quality of honey ,more stable is1 its liquids more inert1 ,more tardy its flow2 for all its stock of matter ,cleaves more together1 since1 indeed1 'tis made ,of atoms not so smooth1 so fine1 and round4 ,for the light breeze that hovers yet can blow ,high heaps of poppy-seed away for thee ,downward from off the top2 but1 contrariwise1 ,a pile of stones or spiny ears of wheat ,it can't at all4 ,thus1 in so far as bodies ,are small and smooth1 is their mobility2 ,but1 contrariwise1 the heavier and more rough1 ,the more immovable they prove4 ,now1 then1 ,since nature of mind is movable so much1 ,consist it must of seeds exceeding small ,and smooth and round4 ,which fact once known to thee1 ,good friend1 will serve thee opportune in else4 ,this also shows the nature of the same1 ,how nice its texture1 in how small a space ',twould go1 if once compacted as a pellet3 ,when death's unvexed repose gets hold on man ,and mind and soul retire1 thou markest there ,from the whole body nothing ta'en in form1 ,nothing in weight4 ,death grants ye everything1 ,but vital sense and exhalation hot4 ,thus soul entire must be of smallmost seeds1 ,twined through the veins1 the vitals1 and the thews1 ,seeing that1 when 'tis from whole body gone1 ,the outward figuration of the limbs ,is unimpaired and weight fails not a whit4 ,just so1 when vanished the bouquet of wine1 ,or when an unguent's perfume delicate ,into the winds away departs1 or when ,from any body savour's gone1 yet still ,the thing itself seems minished naught to eyes1 ,thereby1 nor aught abstracted from its weight-- ,no marvel1 because seeds many and minute ,produce the savours and the redolence ,in the whole body of the things4 ,and so1 ,again1 again1 nature of mind and soul ',tis thine to know created is of seeds ,the tiniest ever1 since at flying-forth ,it beareth nothing of the weight away4 ,yet fancy not its nature simple so4 ,for an impalpable aura1 mixed with heat1 ,deserts the dying1 and heat draws off the air2 ,and heat there's none1 unless commixed with air3 ,for1 since the nature of all heat is rare1 ,athrough it many seeds of air must move4 ,thus nature of mind is triple2 yet those all ,suffice not for creating sense--since mind ,accepteth not that aught of these can cause ,sense-bearing motions1 and much less the thoughts ,a man revolves in mind4 ,so unto these ,must added be a somewhat1 and a fourth2 ,that somewhat's altogether void of name2 ,than which existeth naught more mobile1 naught ,more an impalpable1 of elements ,more small and smooth and round4 ,that first transmits ,sense-bearing motions through the frame1 for that ,is roused the first1 composed of little shapes2 ,thence heat and viewless force of wind take up ,the motions1 and thence air1 and thence all things ,are put in motion2 the blood is strook1 and then ,the vitals all begin to feel1 and last ,to bones and marrow the sensation comes-- ,pleasure or torment4 ,nor will pain for naught ,enter so far1 nor a sharp ill seep through1 ,but all things be perturbed to that degree ,that room for life will fail1 and parts of soul ,will scatter through the body's every pore4 ,yet as a rule1 almost upon the skin ,these motion a,il are stopped1 and this is why ,we have the power to retain our life4 ,now in my eagerness to tell thee how ,they are commixed1 through what unions fit ,they function so1 my country's pauper-speech ,constrains me sadly4 ,as ,i can1 however1 ,i'll touch some points and pass4 ,in such a wise ,course these primordials 'mongst one another ,with inter-motions that no one can be ,from other sundered1 nor its agency ,perform1 if once divided by a space2 ,like many powers in one body they work4 ,as in the flesh of any creature still ,is odour and savour and a certain warmth1 ,and yet from all of these one bulk of body ,is made complete1 so1 viewless force of wind ,and warmth and air1 commingled1 do create ,one nature1 by that mobile energy ,assisted which from out itself to them ,imparts initial motion1 whereby first ,sense-bearing motion along the vitals springs4 ,for lurks this essence far and deep and under1 ,nor in our body is aught more shut from view1 ,and 'tis the very soul of all the soul4 ,and as within our members and whole frame ,the energy of mind and power of soul ,is mixed and latent1 since create it is ,of bodies small and few1 so lurks this fourth1 ,this essence void of name1 composed of small1 ,and seems the very soul of all the soul1 ,and holds dominion o'er the body all4 ,and by like reason wind and air and heat ,must function so1 commingled through the frame1 ,and now the one subside and now another ,in interchange of dominance1 that thus ,from all of them one nature be produced1 ,lest heat and wind apart1 and air apart1 ,make sense to perish1 by disseverment4 ,there is indeed in mind that heat it gets ,when seething in rage1 and flashes from the eyes ,more swiftly fire2 there is1 again1 that wind1 ,much1 and so cold1 companion of all dread1 ,which rouses the shudder in the shaken frame2 ,there is no less that state of air composed1 ,making the tranquil breast1 the serene face4 ,but more of hot have they whose restive hearts1 ,whose minds of passion quickly seethe in rage-- ,of which kind chief are fierce abounding lions1 ,who often with roaring burst the breast o'erwrought1 ,unable to hold the surging wrath within2 ,but the cold mind of stags has more of wind1 ,and speedier through their inwards rouses up ,the icy currents which make their members quake4 ,but more the oxen live by tranquil air1 ,nor e'er doth smoky torch of wrath applied1 ,o'erspreading with shadows of a darkling murk1 ,rouse them too far2 nor will they stiffen stark1 ,pierced through by icy javelins of fear2 ,but have their place half-way between the two-- ,stags and fierce lions4 ,thus the race of men3 ,though training make them equally refined1 ,it leaves those pristine vestiges behind ,of each mind's nature4 ,nor may we suppose ,evil can e'er be rooted up so far ,that one man's not more given to fits of wrath1 ,another's not more quickly touched by fear1 ,a third not more long-suffering than he should4 ,and needs must differ in many things besides ,the varied natures and resulting habits ,of humankind--of which not now can ,i ,expound the hidden causes1 nor find names ,enough for all the divers shapes of those ,primordials whence this variation springs4 ,but this meseems ,i'm able to declare3 ,those vestiges of natures left behind ,which reason cannot quite expel from us ,are still so slight that naught prevents a man ,from living a life even worthy of the gods4 ,so then this soul is kept by all the body1 ,itself the body's guard1 and source of weal3 ,for they with common roots cleave each to each1 ,nor can be torn asunder without death4 ,not easy 'tis from lumps of frankincense ,to tear their fragrance forth1 without its nature ,perishing likewise3 so1 not easy 'tis ,from all the body nature of mind and soul ,to draw away1 without the whole dissolved4 ,with seeds so intertwined even from birth1 ,they're dowered conjointly with a partner-life2 ,no energy of body or mind1 apart1 ,each of itself without the other's power1 ,can have sensation2 but our sense1 enkindled ,along the vitals1 to flame is blown by both ,with mutual motions4 ,besides the body alone ,is nor begot nor grows1 nor after death ,seen to endure4 ,for not as water at times ,gives off the alien heat1 nor is thereby ,itself destroyed1 but unimpaired remains-- ,not thus1 ,i say1 can the deserted frame ,bear the dissevering of its joined soul1 ,but1 rent and ruined1 moulders all away4 ,thus the joint contact of the body and soul ,learns from their earliest age the vital motions1 ,even when still buried in the mother's womb2 ,so no dissevering can hap to them1 ,without their bane and ill4 ,and thence mayst see ,that1 as conjoined is their source of weal1 ,conjoined also must their nature be4 ,if one1 moreover1 denies that body feel1 ,and holds that soul1 through all the body mixed1 ,takes on this motion which we title sense1 ,he battles in vain indubitable facts3 ,for who'll explain what body's feeling is1 ,except by what the public fact itself ,has given and taught us8,but when soul is parted1 ,body's without all sense4 ,true6--loses what ,was even in its life-time not its own2 ,and much beside it loses1 when soul's driven ,forth from that life-time4 ,or1 to say that eyes ,themselves can see no thing1 but through the same ,the mind looks forth1 as out of opened doors1 ,is--a hard saying2 since the feel in eyes ,says the reverse4 ,for this itself draws on ,and forces into the pupils of our eyes ,our consciousness4 ,and note the case when often ,we lack the power to see refulgent things1 ,because our eyes are hampered by their light-- ,with a mere doorway this would happen not2 ,for1 since it is our very selves that see1 ,no open portals undertake the toil4 ,besides1 if eyes of ours but act as doors1 ,methinks that1 were our sight removed1 the mind ,ought then still better to behold a thing-- ,when even the door-posts have been cleared away4 ,herein in these affairs nowise take up ,what honoured sage1 ,democritus1 lays down-- ,that proposition1 that primordials ,of body and mind1 each super-posed on each1 ,vary alternately and interweave ,the fabric of our members4 ,for not only ,are the soul-elements smaller far than those ,which this our body and inward parts compose1 ,but also are they in their number less1 ,and scattered sparsely through our frame4 ,and thus ,this canst thou guarantee3 soul's primal germs ,maintain between them intervals as large ,at least as are the smallest bodies1 which1 ,when thrown against us1 in our body rouse ,sense-bearing motions4 ,hence it comes that we ,sometimes don't feel alighting on our frames ,the clinging dust1 or chalk that settles soft2 ,nor mists of night1 nor spider's gossamer ,we feel against us1 when1 upon our road1 ,its net entangles us1 nor on our head ,the dropping of its withered garmentings2 ,nor bird-feathers1 nor vegetable down1 ,flying about1 so light they barely fall2 ,nor feel the steps of every crawling thing1 ,nor each of all those footprints on our skin ,of midges and the like4 ,to that degree ,must many primal germs be stirred in us ,ere once the seeds of soul that through our frame ,are intermingled 'gin to feel that those ,primordials of the body have been strook1 ,and ere1 in pounding with such gaps between1 ,they clash1 combine and leap apart in turn4 ,but mind is more the keeper of the gates1 ,hath more dominion over life than soul4 ,for without intellect and mind there's not ,one part of soul can rest within our frame ,least part of time2 companioning1 it goes ,with mind into the winds away1 and leaves ,the icy members in the cold of death4 ,but he whose mind and intellect abide ,himself abides in life4 ,however much ,the trunk be mangled1 with the limbs lopped off1 ,the soul withdrawn and taken from the limbs1 ,still lives the trunk and draws the vital air4 ,even when deprived of all but all the soul1 ,yet will it linger on and cleave to life1-- ,just as the power of vision still is strong1 ,if but the pupil shall abide unharmed1 ,even when the eye around it's sorely rent-- ,provided only thou destroyest not ,wholly the ball1 but1 cutting round the pupil1 ,leavest that pupil by itself behind-- ,for more would ruin sight4 ,but if that centre1 ,that tiny part of eye1 be eaten through1 ,forthwith the vision fails and darkness comes1 ,though in all else the unblemished ball be clear4 ',tis by like compact that the soul and mind ,are each to other bound forevermore4 ,,the ,,soul ,,is ,,mortal ,now come3 that thou mayst able be to know ,that minds and the light souls of all that live ,have mortal birth and death1 ,i will go on ,verses to build meet for thy rule of life1 ,sought after long1 discovered with sweet toil4 ,but under one name ,i'd have thee yoke them both2 ,and when1 for instance1 ,i shall speak of soul1 ,teaching the same to be but mortal1 think ,thereby ,i'm speaking also of the mind-- ,since both are one1 a substance inter-joined4 ,first1 then1 since ,i have taught how soul exists ,a subtle fabric1 of particles minute1 ,made up from atoms smaller much than those ,of water's liquid damp1 or fog1 or smoke1 ,so in mobility it far excels1 ,more prone to move1 though strook by lighter cause ,even moved by images of smoke or fog-- ,as where we view1 when in our sleeps we're lulled1 ,the altars exhaling steam and smoke aloft-- ,for1 beyond doubt1 these apparitions come ,to us from outward4 ,now1 then1 since thou seest1 ,their liquids depart1 their waters flow away1 ,when jars are shivered1 and since fog and smoke ,depart into the winds away1 believe ,the soul no less is shed abroad and dies ,more quickly far1 more quickly is dissolved ,back to its primal bodies1 when withdrawn ,from out man's members it has gone away4 ,for1 sure1 if body 7container of the same ,like as a jar71 when shivered from some cause1 ,and rarefied by loss of blood from veins1 ,cannot for longer hold the soul1 how then ,thinkst thou it can be held by any air-- ,a stuff much rarer than our bodies be8 ,besides we feel that mind to being comes ,along with body1 with body grows and ages4 ,for just as children totter round about ,with frames infirm and tender1 so there follows ,a weakling wisdom in their minds2 and then1 ,where years have ripened into robust powers1 ,counsel is also greater1 more increased ,the power of mind2 thereafter1 where already ,the body's shattered by master-powers of eld1 ,and fallen the frame with its enfeebled powers1 ,thought hobbles1 tongue wanders1 and the mind gives way2 ,all fails1 all's lacking at the selfsame time4 ,therefore it suits that even the soul's dissolved1 ,like smoke1 into the lofty winds of air2 ,since we behold the same to being come ,along with body and grow1 and1 as ,i've taught1 ,crumble and crack1 therewith outworn by eld4 ,then1 too1 we see1 that1 just as body takes ,monstrous diseases and the dreadful pain1 ,so mind its bitter cares1 the grief1 the fear2 ,wherefore it tallies that the mind no less ,partaker is of death2 for pain and disease ,are both artificers of death1--as well ,we've learned by the passing of many a man ere now4 ,nay1 too1 in diseases of body1 often the mind ,wanders afield2 for 'tis beside itself1 ,and crazed it speaks1 or many a time it sinks1 ,with eyelids closing and a drooping nod1 ,in heavy drowse1 on to eternal sleep2 ,from whence nor hears it any voices more1 ,nor able is to know the faces here ,of those about him standing with wet cheeks ,who vainly call him back to light and life4 ,wherefore mind too1 confess we must1 dissolves1 ,seeing1 indeed1 contagions of disease ,enter into the same4 ,again1 ,o why1 ,when the strong wine has entered into man1 ,and its diffused fire gone round the veins1 ,why follows then a heaviness of limbs1 ,a tangle of the legs as round he reels1 ,a stuttering tongue1 an intellect besoaked1 ,eyes all aswim1 and hiccups1 shouts1 and brawls1 ,and whatso else is of that ilk8--,why this8-- ,if not that violent and impetuous wine ,is wont to confound the soul within the body8 ,but whatso can confounded be and balked1 ,gives proof1 that if a hardier cause got in1 ',twould hap that it would perish then1 bereaved ,of any life thereafter4 ,and1 moreover1 ,often will some one in a sudden fit1 ,as if by stroke of lightning1 tumble down ,before our eyes1 and sputter foam1 and grunt1 ,blither1 and twist about with sinews taut1 ,gasp up in starts1 and weary out his limbs ,with tossing round4 ,no marvel1 since distract ,through frame by violence of disease4 9999999999 ,confounds1 he foams1 as if to vomit soul1 ,as on the salt sea boil the billows round ,under the master might of winds4 ,and now ,a groan's forced out1 because his limbs are griped1 ,but1 in the main1 because the seeds of voice ,are driven forth and carried in a mass ,outwards by mouth1 where they are wont to go1 ,and have a builded highway4 ,he becomes ,mere fool1 since energy of mind and soul ,confounded is1 and1 as ,i've shown1 to-riven1 ,asunder thrown1 and torn to pieces all ,by the same venom4 ,but1 again1 where cause ,of that disease has faced about1 and back ,retreats sharp poison of corrupted frame ,into its shadowy lairs1 the man at first ,arises reeling1 and gradually comes back ,to all his senses and recovers soul4 ,thus1 since within the body itself of man ,the mind and soul are by such great diseases ,shaken1 so miserably in labour distraught1 ,why1 then1 believe that in the open air1 ,without a body1 they can pass their life1 ,immortal1 battling with the master winds8 ,and1 since we mark the mind itself is cured1 ,like the sick body1 and restored can be ,by medicine1 this is forewarning too ,that mortal lives the mind4 ,for proper it is ,that whosoe'er begins and undertakes ,to alter the mind1 or meditates to change ,any another nature soever1 should add ,new parts1 or readjust the order given1 ,or from the sum remove at least a bit4 ,but what's immortal willeth for itself ,its parts be nor increased1 nor rearranged1 ,nor any bit soever flow away3 ,for change of anything from out its bounds ,means instant death of that which was before4 ,ergo1 the mind1 whether in sickness fallen1 ,or by the medicine restored1 gives signs1 ,as ,i have taught1 of its mortality4 ,so surely will a fact of truth make head ',gainst errors' theories all1 and so shut off ,all refuge from the adversary1 and rout ,error by two-edged confutation4 ,and since the mind is of a man one part1 ,which in one fixed place remains1 like ears1 ,and eyes1 and every sense which pilots life2 ,and just as hand1 or eye1 or nose1 apart1 ,severed from us1 can neither feel nor be1 ,but in the least of time is left to rot1 ,thus mind alone can never be1 without ,the body and the man himself1 which seems1 ,as 'twere the vessel of the same--or aught ,whate'er thou'lt feign as yet more closely joined3 ,since body cleaves to mind by surest bonds4 ,again1 the body's and the mind's live powers ,only in union prosper and enjoy2 ,for neither can nature of mind1 alone of self ,sans body1 give the vital motions forth2 ,nor1 then1 can body1 wanting soul1 endure ,and use the senses4 ,verily1 as the eye1 ,alone1 up-rended from its roots1 apart ,from all the body1 can peer about at naught1 ,so soul and mind it seems are nothing able1 ,when by themselves4 ,no marvel1 because1 commixed ,through veins and inwards1 and through bones and thews1 ,their elements primordial are confined ,by all the body1 and own no power free ,to bound around through interspaces big1 ,thus1 shut within these confines1 they take on ,motions of sense1 which1 after death1 thrown out ,beyond the body to the winds of air1 ,take on they cannot--and on this account1 ,because no more in such a way confined4 ,for air will be a body1 be alive1 ,if in that air the soul can keep itself1 ,and in that air enclose those motions all ,which in the thews and in the body itself ,a while ago 'twas making4 ,so for this1 ,again1 again1 ,i say confess we must1 ,that1 when the body's wrappings are unwound1 ,and when the vital breath is forced without1 ,the soul1 the senses of the mind dissolve1-- ,since for the twain the cause and ground of life ,is in the fact of their conjoined estate4 ,once more1 since body's unable to sustain ,division from the soul1 without decay ,and obscene stench1 how canst thou doubt but that ,the soul1 uprisen from the body's deeps1 ,has filtered away1 wide-drifted like a smoke1 ,or that the changed body crumbling fell ,with ruin so entire1 because1 indeed1 ,its deep foundations have been moved from place1 ,the soul out-filtering even through the frame1 ,and through the body's every winding way ,and orifice8 ,and so by many means ,thou'rt free to learn that nature of the soul ,hath passed in fragments out along the frame1 ,and that 'twas shivered in the very body ,ere ever it slipped abroad and swam away ,into the winds of air4 ,for never a man ,dying appears to feel the soul go forth ,as one sure whole from all his body at once1 ,nor first come up the throat and into mouth2 ,but feels it failing in a certain spot1 ,even as he knows the senses too dissolve ,each in its own location in the frame4 ,but were this mind of ours immortal mind1 ,dying 'twould scarce bewail a dissolution1 ,but rather the going1 the leaving of its coat1 ,like to a snake4 ,wherefore1 when once the body ,hath passed away1 admit we must that soul1 ,shivered in all that body1 perished too4 ,nay1 even when moving in the bounds of life1 ,often the soul1 now tottering from some cause1 ,craves to go out1 and from the frame entire ,loosened to be2 the countenance becomes ,flaccid1 as if the supreme hour were there2 ,and flabbily collapse the members all ,against the bloodless trunk--the kind of case ,we see when we remark in common phrase1 ,that man's quite gone1 or fainted dead away2 ,and where there's now a bustle of alarm1 ,and all are eager to get some hold upon ,the man's last link of life4 ,for then the mind ,and all the power of soul are shook so sore1 ,and these so totter along with all the frame1 ,that any cause a little stronger might ,dissolve them altogether4--,why1 then1 doubt ,that soul1 when once without the body thrust1 ,there in the open1 an enfeebled thing1 ,its wrappings stripped away1 cannot endure ,not only through no everlasting age1 ,but even1 indeed1 through not the least of time8 ,then1 too1 why never is the intellect1 ,the counselling mind1 begotten in the head1 ,the feet1 the hands1 instead of cleaving still ,to one sole seat1 to one fixed haunt1 the breast1 ,if not that fixed places be assigned ,for each thing's birth1 where each1 when 'tis create1 ,is able to endure1 and that our frames ,have such complex adjustments that no shift ,in order of our members may appear8 ,to that degree effect succeeds to cause1 ,nor is the flame once wont to be create ,in flowing streams1 nor cold begot in fire4 ,besides1 if nature of soul immortal be1 ,and able to feel1 when from our frame disjoined1 ,the same1 ,i fancy1 must be thought to be ,endowed with senses five1--nor is there way ,but this whereby to image to ourselves ,how under-souls may roam in ,acheron4 ,thus painters and the elder race of bards ,have pictured souls with senses so endowed4 ,but neither eyes1 nor nose1 nor hand1 alone ,apart from body can exist for soul1 ,nor tongue nor ears apart4 ,and hence indeed ,alone by self they can nor feel nor be4 ,and since we mark the vital sense to be ,in the whole body1 all one living thing1 ,if of a sudden a force with rapid stroke ,should slice it down the middle and cleave in twain1 ,beyond a doubt likewise the soul itself1 ,divided1 dissevered1 asunder will be flung ,along with body4 ,but what severed is ,and into sundry parts divides1 indeed ,admits it owns no everlasting nature4 ,we hear how chariots of war1 areek ,with hurly slaughter1 lop with flashing scythes ,the limbs away so suddenly that there1 ,fallen from the trunk1 they quiver on the earth1 ,the while the mind and powers of the man ,can feel no pain1 for swiftness of his hurt1 ,and sheer abandon in the zest of battle3 ,with the remainder of his frame he seeks ,anew the battle and the slaughter1 nor marks ,how the swift wheels and scythes of ravin have dragged ,off with the horses his left arm and shield2 ,nor other how his right has dropped away1 ,mounting again and on4 ,a third attempts ,with leg dismembered to arise and stand1 ,whilst1 on the ground hard by1 the dying foot ,twitches its spreading toes4 ,and even the head1 ,when from the warm and living trunk lopped off1 ,keeps on the ground the vital countenance ,and open eyes1 until 't has rendered up ,all remnants of the soul4 ,nay1 once again3 ,if1 when a serpent's darting forth its tongue1 ,and lashing its tail1 thou gettest chance to hew ,with axe its length of trunk to many parts1 ,thou'lt see each severed fragment writhing round ,with its fresh wound1 and spattering up the sod1 ,and there the fore-part seeking with the jaws ,after the hinder1 with bite to stop the pain4 ,so shall we say that these be souls entire ,in all those fractions8--but from that 'twould follow ,one creature'd have in body many souls4 ,therefore1 the soul1 which was indeed but one1 ,has been divided with the body too3 ,each is but mortal1 since alike is each ,hewn into many parts4 ,again1 how often ,we view our fellow going by degrees1 ,and losing limb by limb the vital sense2 ,first nails and fingers of the feet turn blue1 ,next die the feet and legs1 then o'er the rest ,slow crawl the certain footsteps of cold death4 ,and since this nature of the soul is torn1 ,nor mounts away1 as at one time1 entire1 ,we needs must hold it mortal4 ,but perchance ,if thou supposest that the soul itself ,can inward draw along the frame1 and bring ,its parts together to one place1 and so ,from all the members draw the sense away1 ,why1 then1 that place in which such stock of soul ,collected is1 should greater seem in sense4 ,but since such place is nowhere1 for a fact1 ,as said before1 'tis rent and scattered forth1 ,and so goes under4 ,or again1 if now ,i please to grant the false1 and say that soul ,can thus be lumped within the frames of those ,who leave the sunshine1 dying bit by bit1 ,still must the soul as mortal be confessed2 ,nor aught it matters whether to wrack it go1 ,dispersed in the winds1 or1 gathered in a mass ,from all its parts1 sink down to brutish death1 ,since more and more in every region sense ,fails the whole man1 and less and less of life ,in every region lingers4 ,and besides1 ,if soul immortal is1 and winds its way ,into the body at the birth of man1 ,why can we not remember something1 then1 ,of life-time spent before8 why keep we not ,some footprints of the things we did of1 old8 ,but if so changed hath been the power of mind1 ,that every recollection of things done ,is fallen away1 at no o'erlong remove ,is that1 ,i trow1 from what we mean by death4 ,wherefore 'tis sure that what hath been before ,hath died1 and what now is is now create4 ,moreover1 if after the body hath been built ,our mind's live powers are wont to be put in1 ,just at the moment that we come to birth1 ,and cross the sills of life1 'twould scarcely fit ,for them to live as if they seemed to grow ,along with limbs and frame1 even in the blood1 ,but rather as in a cavern all alone4 7,yet all the body duly throngs with sense47 ,but public fact declares against all this3 ,for soul is so entwined through the veins1 ,the flesh1 the thews1 the bones1 that even the teeth ,share in sensation1 as proven by dull ache1 ,by twinge from icy water1 or grating crunch ,upon a stone that got in mouth with bread4 ,wherefore1 again1 again1 souls must be thought ,nor void of birth1 nor free from law of death2 ,nor1 if1 from outward1 in they wound their way1 ,could they be thought as able so to cleave ,to these our frames1 nor1 since so interwove1 ,appears it that they're able to go forth ,unhurt and whole and loose themselves unscathed ,from all the thews1 articulations1 bones4 ,but1 if perchance thou thinkest that the soul1 ,from outward winding in its way1 is wont ,to seep and soak along these members ours1 ,then all the more 'twill perish1 being thus ,with body fused--for what will seep and soak ,will be dissolved and will therefore die4 ,for just as food1 dispersed through all the pores ,of body1 and passed through limbs and all the frame1 ,perishes1 supplying from itself the stuff ,for other nature1 thus the soul and mind1 ,though whole and new into a body going1 ,are yet1 by seeping in1 dissolved away1 ,whilst1 as through pores1 to all the frame there pass ,those particles from which created is ,this nature of mind1 now ruler of our body1 ,born from that soul which perished1 when divided ,along the frame4 ,wherefore it seems that soul ,hath both a natal and funeral hour4 ,besides are seeds of soul there left behind ,in the breathless body1 or not8 ,if there they are1 ,it cannot justly be immortal deemed1 ,since1 shorn of some parts lost1 'thas gone away3 ,but if1 borne off with members uncorrupt1 ',thas fled so absolutely all away ,it leaves not one remainder of itself ,behind in body1 whence do cadavers1 then1 ,from out their putrid flesh exhale the worms1 ,and whence does such a mass of living things1 ,boneless and bloodless1 o'er the bloated frame ,bubble and swarm8 ,but if perchance thou thinkest ,that souls from outward into worms can wind1 ,and each into a separate body come1 ,and reckonest not why many thousand souls ,collect where only one has gone away1 ,here is a point1 in sooth1 that seems to need ,inquiry and a putting to the test3 ,whether the souls go on a hunt for seeds ,of worms wherewith to build their dwelling places1 ,or enter bodies ready-made1 as 'twere4 ,but why themselves they thus should do and toil ',tis hard to say1 since1 being free of body1 ,they flit around1 harassed by no disease1 ,nor cold nor famine2 for the body labours ,by more of kinship to these flaws of life1 ,and mind by contact with that body suffers ,so many ills4 ,but grant it be for them ,however useful to construct a body ,to which to enter in1 'tis plain they can't4 ,then1 souls for self no frames nor bodies make1 ,nor is there how they once might enter in ,to bodies ready-made--for they cannot ,be nicely interwoven with the same1 ,and there'll be formed no interplay of sense ,common to each4 ,again1 why is't there goes ,impetuous rage with lion's breed morose1 ,and cunning with foxes1 and to deer why given ,the ancestral fear and tendency to flee1 ,and why in short do all the rest of traits ,engender from the very start of life ,in the members and mentality1 if not ,because one certain power of mind that came ,from its own seed and breed waxes the same ,along with all the body8 ,but were mind ,immortal1 were it wont to change its bodies1 ,how topsy-turvy would earth's creatures act6 ,the ,hyrcan hound would flee the onset oft ,of antlered stag1 the scurrying hawk would quake ,along the winds of air at the coming dove1 ,and men would dote1 and savage beasts be wise2 ,for false the reasoning of those that say ,immortal mind is changed by change of body-- ,for what is changed dissolves1 and therefore dies4 ,for parts are re-disposed and leave their order2 ,wherefore they must be also capable ,of dissolution through the frame at last1 ,that they along with body perish all4 ,but should some say that always souls of men ,go into human bodies1 ,i will ask3 ,how can a wise become a dullard soul8 ,and why is never a child's a prudent soul8 ,and the mare's filly why not trained so well ,as sturdy strength of steed8 ,we may be sure ,they'll take their refuge in the thought that mind ,becomes a weakling in a weakling frame4 ,yet be this so1 'tis needful to confess ,the soul but mortal1 since1 so altered now ,throughout the frame1 it loses the life and sense ,it had before4 ,or how can mind wax strong ,coequally with body and attain ,the craved flower of life1 unless it be ,the body's colleague in its origins8 ,or what's the purport of its going forth ,from aged limbs8--fears it1 perhaps1 to stay1 ,pent in a crumbled body8 ,or lest its house1 ,outworn by venerable length of days1 ,may topple down upon it8 ,but indeed ,for an immortal perils are there none4 ,again1 at parturitions of the wild ,and at the rites of ,love1 that souls should stand ,ready hard by seems ludicrous enough-- ,immortals waiting for their mortal limbs ,in numbers innumerable1 contending madly ,which shall be first and chief to enter in6-- ,unless perchance among the souls there be ,such treaties stablished that the first to come ,flying along1 shall enter in the first1 ,and that they make no rivalries of strength6 ,again1 in ether can't exist a tree1 ,nor clouds in ocean deeps1 nor in the fields ,can fishes live1 nor blood in timber be1 ,nor sap in boulders3 fixed and arranged ,where everything may grow and have its place4 ,thus nature of mind cannot arise alone ,without the body1 nor exist afar ,from thews and blood4 ,but if 'twere possible1 ,much rather might this very power of mind ,be in the head1 the shoulders or the heels1 ,and1 born in any part soever1 yet ,in the same man1 in the same vessel abide4 ,but since within this body even of ours ,stands fixed and appears arranged sure ,where soul and mind can each exist and grow1 ,deny we must the more that they can have ,duration and birth1 wholly outside the frame4 ,for1 verily1 the mortal to conjoin ,with the eternal1 and to feign they feel ,together1 and can function each with each1 ,is but to dote3 for what can be conceived ,of more unlike1 discrepant1 ill-assorted1 ,than something mortal in a union joined ,with an immortal and a secular ,to bear the outrageous tempests8 ,then1 again1 ,whatever abides eternal must indeed ,either repel all strokes1 because 'tis made ,of solid body1 and permit no entrance ,of aught with power to sunder from within ,the parts compact--as are those seeds of stuff ,whose nature we've exhibited before2 ,or else be able to endure through time ,for this3 because they are from blows exempt1 ,as is the void1 the which abides untouched1 ,unsmit by any stroke2 or else because ,there is no room around1 whereto things can1 ,as 'twere1 depart in dissolution all1-- ,even as the sum of sums eternal is1 ,without or place beyond whereto things may ,asunder fly1 or bodies which can smite1 ,and thus dissolve them by the blows of might4 ,but if perchance the soul's to be adjudged ,immortal1 mainly on ground 'tis kept secure ,in vital forces--either because there come ,never at all things hostile to its weal1 ,or else because what come somehow retire1 ,repelled or ere we feel the harm they work1 9999999999 ,for1 lo1 besides that1 when the frame's diseased1 ,soul sickens too1 there cometh1 many a time1 ,that which torments it with the things to be1 ,keeps it in dread1 and wearies it with cares2 ,and even when evil acts are of the past1 ,still gnaw the old transgressions bitterly4 ,add1 too1 that frenzy1 peculiar to the mind1 ,and that oblivion of the things that were2 ,add its submergence in the murky waves ,of drowse and torpor4 ,,folly ,,of ,,the ,,fear ,,of ,,death ,therefore death to us ,is nothing1 nor concerns us in the least1 ,since nature of mind is mortal evermore4 ,and just as in the ages gone before ,we felt no touch of ill1 when all sides round ,to battle came the ,carthaginian host1 ,and the times1 shaken by tumultuous war1 ,under the aery coasts of arching heaven ,shuddered and trembled1 and all humankind ,doubted to which the empery should fall ,by land and sea1 thus when we are no more1 ,when comes that sundering of our body and soul ,through which we're fashioned to a single state1 ,verily naught to us1 us then no more1 ,can come to pass1 naught move our senses then-- ,no1 not if earth confounded were with sea1 ,and sea with heaven4 ,but if indeed do feel ,the nature of mind and energy of soul1 ,after their severance from this body of ours1 ,yet nothing 'tis to us who in the bonds ,and wedlock of the soul and body live1 ,through which we're fashioned to a single state4 ,and1 even if time collected after death ,the matter of our frames and set it all ,again in place as now1 and if again ,to us the light of life were given1 ,o yet ,that process too would not concern us aught1 ,when once the self-succession of our sense ,has been asunder broken4 ,and now and here1 ,little enough we're busied with the selves ,we were aforetime1 nor1 concerning them1 ,suffer a sore distress4 ,for shouldst thou gaze ,backwards across all yesterdays of time ,the immeasurable1 thinking how manifold ,the motions of matter are1 then couldst thou well ,credit this too3 often these very seeds 7,from which we are to-day7 of old were set ,in the same order as they are to-day-- ,yet this we can't to consciousness recall ,through the remembering mind4 ,for there hath been ,an interposed pause of life1 and wide ,have all the motions wandered everywhere ,from these our senses4 ,for if woe and ail ,perchance are toward1 then the man to whom ,the bane can happen must himself be there ,at that same time4 ,but death precludeth this1 ,forbidding life to him on whom might crowd ,such irk and care2 and granted 'tis to know3 ,nothing for us there is to dread in death1 ,no wretchedness for him who is no more1 ,the same estate as if ne'er born before1 ,when death immortal hath ta'en the mortal life4 ,hence1 where thou seest a man to grieve because ,when dead he rots with body laid away1 ,or perishes in flames or jaws of beasts1 ,know well3 he rings not true1 and that beneath ,still works an unseen sting upon his heart1 ,however he deny that he believes4 ,his shall be aught of feeling after death4 ,for he1 ,i fancy1 grants not what he says1 ,nor what that presupposes1 and he fails ,to pluck himself with all his roots from life ,and cast that self away1 quite unawares ,feigning that some remainder's left behind4 ,for when in life one pictures to oneself ,his body dead by beasts and vultures torn1 ,he pities his state1 dividing not himself ,therefrom1 removing not the self enough ,from the body flung away1 imagining ,himself that body1 and projecting there ,his own sense1 as he stands beside it3 hence ,he grieves that he is mortal born1 nor marks ,that in true death there is no second self ,alive and able to sorrow for self destroyed1 ,or stand lamenting that the self lies there ,mangled or burning4 ,for if it an evil is ,dead to be jerked about by jaw and fang ,of the wild brutes1 ,i see not why 'twere not ,bitter to lie on fires and roast in flames1 ,or suffocate in honey1 and1 reclined ,on the smooth oblong of an icy slab1 ,grow stiff in cold1 or sink with load of earth ,down-crushing from above4 ,thee now no more ,the joyful house and best of wives shall welcome1 ,nor little sons run up to snatch their kisses ,and touch with silent happiness thy heart4 ,thou shalt not speed in undertakings more1 ,nor be the warder of thine own no more4 ,poor wretch1 they say1 one hostile hour hath ta'en ,wretchedly from thee all life's many guerdons1 ,but add not1 yet no longer unto thee ,remains a remnant of desire for them ,if this they only well perceived with mind ,and followed up with maxims1 they would free ,their state of man from anguish and from fear4 ,o even as here thou art1 aslumber in death1 ,so shalt thou slumber down the rest of time1 ,released from every harrying pang4 ,but we1 ,we have bewept thee with insatiate woe1 ,standing beside whilst on the awful pyre ,thou wert made ashes2 and no day shall take ,for us the eternal sorrow from the breast4 ,but ask the mourner what's the bitterness ,that man should waste in an eternal grief1 ,if1 after all1 the thing's but sleep and rest8 ,for when the soul and frame together are sunk ,in slumber1 no one then demands his self ,or being4 ,well1 this sleep may be forever1 ,without desire of any selfhood more1 ,for all it matters unto us asleep4 ,yet not at all do those primordial germs ,roam round our members1 at that time1 afar ,from their own motions that produce our senses-- ,since1 when he's startled from his sleep1 a man ,collects his senses4 ,death is1 then1 to us ,much less--if there can be a less than that ,which is itself a nothing3 for there comes ,hard upon death a scattering more great ,of the throng of matter1 and no man wakes up ,on whom once falls the icy pause of life4 ,this too1 ,o often from the soul men say1 ,along their couches holding of the cups1 ,with faces shaded by fresh wreaths awry3 ,brief is this fruit of joy to paltry man1 ,soon1 soon departed1 and thereafter1 no1 ,it may not be recalled4--,as if1 forsooth1 ,it were their prime of evils in great death ,to parch1 poor tongues1 with thirst and arid drought1 ,or chafe for any lack4 ,once more1 if ,nature ,should of a sudden send a voice abroad1 ,and her own self inveigh against us so3 ,mortal1 what hast thou of such grave concern ,that thou indulgest in too sickly plaints8 ,why this bemoaning and beweeping death8 ,for if thy life aforetime and behind ,to thee was grateful1 and not all thy good ,was heaped as in sieve to flow away ,and perish unavailingly1 why not1 ,even like a banqueter1 depart the halls1 ,laden with life8 why not with mind content ,take now1 thou fool1 thy unafflicted rest8 ,but if whatever thou enjoyed hath been ,lavished and lost1 and life is now offence1 ,why seekest more to add--which in its turn ,will perish foully and fall out in vain8 ,o why not rather make an end of life1 ,of labour8 ,for all ,i may devise or find ,to pleasure thee is nothing3 all things are ,the same forever4 ,though not yet thy body ,wrinkles with years1 nor yet the frame exhausts ,outworn1 still things abide the same1 even if ,thou goest on to conquer all of time ,with length of days1 yea1 if thou never diest-- ,what were our answer1 but that ,nature here ,urges just suit and in her words lays down ,true cause of action8 ,yet should one complain1 ,riper in years and elder1 and lament1 ,poor devil1 his death more sorely than is fit1 ,then would she not1 with greater right1 on him ,cry out1 inveighing with a voice more shrill3 ,off with thy tears1 and choke thy whines1 buffoon6 ,thou wrinklest--after thou hast had the sum ,of the guerdons of life2 yet1 since thou cravest ever ,what's not at hand1 contemning present good1 ,that life has slipped away1 unperfected ,and unavailing unto thee4 ,and now1 ,or ere thou guessed it1 death beside thy head ,stands--and before thou canst be going home ,sated and laden with the goodly feast4 ,but now yield all that's alien to thine age1-- ,up1 with good grace6 make room for sons3 thou must4 ,justly1 ,i fancy1 would she reason thus1 ,justly inveigh and gird3 since ever the old ,outcrowded by the new gives way1 and ever ,the one thing from the others is repaired4 ,nor no man is consigned to the abyss ,of ,tartarus1 the black4 ,for stuff must be1 ,that thus the after-generations grow1-- ,though these1 their life completed1 follow thee2 ,and thus like thee are generations all-- ,already fallen1 or some time to fall4 ,so one thing from another rises ever2 ,and in fee-simple life is given to none1 ,but unto all mere usufruct4 ,look back3 ,nothing to us was all fore-passed eld ,of time the eternal1 ere we had a birth4 ,and ,nature holds this like a mirror up ,of time-to-be when we are dead and gone4 ,and what is there so horrible appears8 ,now what is there so sad about it all8 ,is't not serener far than any sleep8 ,and1 verily1 those tortures said to be ,in ,acheron1 the deep1 they all are ours ,here in this life4 ,no ,tantalus1 benumbed ,with baseless terror1 as the fables tell1 ,fears the huge boulder hanging in the air3 ,but1 rather1 in life an empty dread of ,gods ,urges mortality1 and each one fears ,such fall of fortune as may chance to him4 ,nor eat the vultures into ,tityus ,prostrate in ,acheron1 nor can they find1 ,forsooth1 throughout eternal ages1 aught ,to pry around for in that mighty breast4 ,however hugely he extend his bulk-- ,who hath for outspread limbs not acres nine1 ,but the whole earth--he shall not able be ,to bear eternal pain nor furnish food ,from his own frame forever4 ,but for us ,a ,tityus is he whom vultures rend ,prostrate in love1 whom anxious anguish eats1 ,whom troubles of any unappeased desires ,asunder rip4 ,we have before our eyes ,here in this life also a ,sisyphus ,in him who seeketh of the populace ,the rods1 the axes fell1 and evermore ,retires a beaten and a gloomy man4 ,for to seek after power--an empty name1 ,nor given at all--and ever in the search ,to endure a world of toil1 ,o this it is ,to shove with shoulder up the hill a stone ,which yet comes rolling back from off the top1 ,and headlong makes for levels of the plain4 ,then to be always feeding an ingrate mind1 ,filling with good things1 satisfying never-- ,as do the seasons of the year for us1 ,when they return and bring their progenies ,and varied charms1 and we are never filled ,with the fruits of life--,o this1 ,i fancy1 'tis ,to pour1 like those young virgins in the tale1 ,waters into a sieve1 unfilled forever4 9999999999 ,cerberus and ,furies1 and that ,lack of ,light 9999999999 ,tartarus1 out-belching from his mouth the surge ,of horrible heat--the which are nowhere1 nor ,indeed can be3 but in this life is fear ,of retributions just and expiations ,for evil acts3 the dungeon and the leap ,from that dread rock of infamy1 the stripes1 ,the executioners1 the oaken rack1 ,the iron plates1 bitumen1 and the torch4 ,and even though these are absent1 yet the mind1 ,with a fore-fearing conscience1 plies its goads ,and burns beneath the lash1 nor sees meanwhile ,what terminus of ills1 what end of pine ,can ever be1 and feareth lest the same ,but grow more heavy after death4 ,of truth1 ,the life of fools is ,acheron on earth4 ,this also to thy very self sometimes ,repeat thou mayst3 ,lo1 even good ,ancus left ,the sunshine with his eyes1 in divers things ,a better man than thou1 ,o worthless hind2 ,and many other kings and lords of rule ,thereafter have gone under1 once who swayed ,o'er mighty peoples4 ,and he also1 he-- ,who whilom paved a highway down the sea1 ,and gave his legionaries thoroughfare ,along the deep1 and taught them how to cross ,the pools of brine afoot1 and did contemn1 ,trampling upon it with his cavalry1 ,the bellowings of ocean--poured his soul ,from dying body1 as his light was ta'en4 ,and ,scipio's son1 the thunderbolt of war1 ,horror of ,carthage1 gave his bones to earth1 ,like to the lowliest villein in the house4 ,add finders-out of sciences and arts2 ,add comrades of the ,heliconian dames1 ,among whom ,homer1 sceptered o'er them all1 ,now lies in slumber sunken with the rest4 ,then1 too1 ,democritus1 when ripened eld ,admonished him his memory waned away1 ,of own accord offered his head to death4 ,even ,epicurus went1 his light of life ,run out1 the man in genius who o'er-topped ,the human race1 extinguishing all others1 ,as sun1 in ether arisen1 all the stars4 ,wilt thou1 then1 dally1 thou complain to go8-- ,for whom already life's as good as dead1 ,whilst yet thou livest and lookest8--who in sleep ,wastest thy life--time's major part1 and snorest ,even when awake1 and ceasest not to see ,the stuff of dreams1 and bearest a mind beset ,by baseless terror1 nor discoverest oft ,what's wrong with thee1 when1 like a sotted wretch1 ,thou'rt jostled along by many crowding cares1 ,and wanderest reeling round1 with mind aswim4 ,if men1 in that same way as on the mind ,they feel the load that wearies with its weight1 ,could also know the causes whence it comes1 ,and why so great the heap of ill on heart1 ,o not in this sort would they live their life1 ,as now so much we see them1 knowing not ,what 'tis they want1 and seeking ever and ever ,a change of place1 as if to drop the burden4 ,the man who sickens of his home goes out1 ,forth from his splendid halls1 and straight--returns1 ,feeling i'faith no better off abroad4 ,he races1 driving his ,gallic ponies along1 ,down to his villa1 madly1--as in haste ,to hurry help to a house afire4--,at once ,he yawns1 as soon as foot has touched the threshold1 ,or drowsily goes off in sleep and seeks ,forgetfulness1 or maybe bustles about ,and makes for town again4 ,in such a way ,each human flees himself--a self in sooth1 ,as happens1 he by no means can escape2 ,and willy-nilly he cleaves to it and loathes1 ,sick1 sick1 and guessing not the cause of ail4 ,yet should he see but that1 ,o chiefly then1 ,leaving all else1 he'd study to divine ,the nature of things1 since here is in debate ,eternal time and not the single hour1 ,mortal's estate in whatsoever remains ,after great death4 ,and too1 when all is said1 ,what evil lust of life is this so great ,subdues us to live1 so dreadfully distraught ,in perils and alarms8 one fixed end ,of life abideth for mortality2 ,death's not to shun1 and we must go to meet4 ,besides we're busied with the same devices1 ,ever and ever1 and we are at them ever1 ,and there's no new delight that may be forged ,by living on4 ,but whilst the thing we long for ,is lacking1 that seems good above all else2 ,thereafter1 when we've touched it1 something else ,we long for2 ever one equal thirst of life ,grips us agape4 ,and doubtful 'tis what fortune ,the future times may carry1 or what be ,that chance may bring1 or what the issue next ,awaiting us4 ,nor by prolonging life ,take we the least away from death's own time1 ,nor can we pluck one moment off1 whereby ,to minish the aeons of our state of death4 ,therefore1 ,o man1 by living on1 fulfil ,as many generations as thou may3 ,eternal death shall there be waiting still2 ,and he who died with light of yesterday ,shall be no briefer time in death's ,no-more ,than he who perished months or years before4 ,,book ,,iv ,,proem ,i wander afield1 thriving in sturdy thought1 ,through unpathed haunts of the ,pierides1 ,trodden by step of none before4 ,i joy ,to come on undefiled fountains there1 ,to drain them deep2 ,i joy to pluck new flowers1 ,to seek for this my head a signal crown ,from regions where the ,muses never yet ,have garlanded the temples of a man3 ,first1 since ,i teach concerning mighty things1 ,and go right on to loose from round the mind ,the tightened coils of dread religion2 ,next1 since1 concerning themes so dark1 ,i frame ,song so pellucid1 touching all throughout ,even with the ,muses' charm--which1 as 'twould seem1 ,is not without a reasonable ground3 ,for as physicians1 when they seek to give ,young boys the nauseous wormwood1 first do touch ,the brim around the cup with the sweet juice ,and yellow of the honey1 in order that ,the thoughtless age of boyhood be cajoled ,as far as the lips1 and meanwhile swallow down ,the wormwood's bitter draught1 and1 though befooled1 ,be yet not merely duped1 but rather thus ,grow strong again with recreated health3 ,so now ,i too 7since this my doctrine seems ,in general somewhat woeful unto those ,who've had it not in hand1 and since the crowd ,starts back from it in horror7 have desired ,to expound our doctrine unto thee in song ,soft-speaking and ,pierian1 and1 as 'twere1 ,to touch it with sweet honey of the ,muse-- ,if by such method haply ,i might hold ,the mind of thee upon these lines of ours1 ,till thou dost learn the nature of all things ,and understandest their utility4 ,,existence ,,and ,,character ,,of ,,the ,,images ,but since ,i've taught already of what sort ,the seeds of all things are1 and how distinct ,in divers forms they flit of own accord1 ,stirred with a motion everlasting on1 ,and in what mode things be from them create1 ,and since ,i've taught what the mind's nature is1 ,and of what things 'tis with the body knit ,and thrives in strength1 and by what mode uptorn ,that mind returns to its primordials1 ,now will ,i undertake an argument-- ,one for these matters of supreme concern-- ,that there exist those somewhats which we call ,the images of things3 these1 like to films ,scaled off the utmost outside of the things1 ,flit hither and thither through the atmosphere1 ,and the same terrify our intellects1 ,coming upon us waking or in sleep1 ,when oft we peer at wonderful strange shapes ,and images of people lorn of light1 ,which oft have horribly roused us when we lay ,in slumber--that haply nevermore may we ,suppose that souls get loose from ,acheron1 ,or shades go floating in among the living1 ,or aught of us is left behind at death1 ,when body and mind1 destroyed together1 each ,back to its own primordials goes away4 ,and thus ,i say that effigies of things1 ,and tenuous shapes from off the things are sent1 ,from off the utmost outside of the things1 ,which are like films or may be named a rind1 ,because the image bears like look and form ,with whatso body has shed it fluttering forth-- ,a fact thou mayst1 however dull thy wits1 ,well learn from this3 mainly1 because we see ,even 'mongst visible objects many be ,that send forth bodies1 loosely some diffused-- ,like smoke from oaken logs and heat from fires-- ,and some more interwoven and condensed-- ,as when the locusts in the summertime ,put off their glossy tunics1 or when calves ,at birth drop membranes from their body's surface1 ,or when1 again1 the slippery serpent doffs ,its vestments 'mongst the thorns--for oft we see ,the breres augmented with their flying spoils3 ,since such takes place1 'tis likewise certain too ,that tenuous images from things are sent1 ,from off the utmost outside of the things4 ,for why those kinds should drop and part from things1 ,rather than others tenuous and thin1 ,no power has man to open mouth to tell2 ,especially1 since on outsides of things ,are bodies many and minute which could1 ,in the same order which they had before1 ,and with the figure of their form preserved1 ,be thrown abroad1 and much more swiftly too1 ,being less subject to impediments1 ,as few in number and placed along the front4 ,for truly many things we see discharge ,their stuff at large1 not only from their cores ,deep-set within1 as we have said above1 ,but from their surfaces at times no less-- ,their very colours too4 ,and commonly ,the awnings1 saffron1 red and dusky blue1 ,stretched overhead in mighty theatres1 ,upon their poles and cross-beams fluttering1 ,have such an action quite2 for there they dye ,and make to undulate with their every hue ,the circled throng below1 and all the stage1 ,and rich attire in the patrician seats4 ,and ever the more the theatre's dark walls ,around them shut1 the more all things within ,laugh in the bright suffusion of strange glints1 ,the daylight being withdrawn4 ,and therefore1 since ,the canvas hangings thus discharge their dye ,from off their surface1 things in general must ,likewise their tenuous effigies discharge1 ,because in either case they are off-thrown ,from off the surface4 ,so there are indeed ,such certain prints and vestiges of forms ,which flit around1 of subtlest texture made1 ,invisible1 when separate1 each and one4 ,again1 all odour1 smoke1 and heat1 and such ,streams out of things diffusedly1 because1 ,whilst coming from the deeps of body forth ,and rising out1 along their bending path ,they're torn asunder1 nor have gateways straight ,wherethrough to mass themselves and struggle abroad4 ,but contrariwise1 when such a tenuous film ,of outside colour is thrown off1 there's naught ,can rend it1 since 'tis placed along the front ,ready to hand4 ,lastly those images ,which to our eyes in mirrors do appear1 ,in water1 or in any shining surface1 ,must be1 since furnished with like look of things1 ,fashioned from images of things sent out4 ,there are1 then1 tenuous effigies of forms1 ,like unto them1 which no one can divine ,when taken singly1 which do yet give back1 ,when by continued and recurrent discharge ,expelled1 a picture from the mirrors' plane4 ,nor otherwise1 it seems1 can they be kept ,so well conserved that thus be given back ,figures so like each object4 ,now then1 learn ,how tenuous is the nature of an image4 ,and in the first place1 since primordials be ,so far beneath our senses1 and much less ,e'en than those objects which begin to grow ,too small for eyes to note1 learn now in few ,how nice are the beginnings of all things-- ,that this1 too1 ,i may yet confirm in proof3 ,first1 living creatures are sometimes so small ,that even their third part can nowise be seen2 ,judge1 then1 the size of any inward organ-- ,what of their sphered heart1 their eyes1 their limbs1 ,the skeleton8--,how tiny thus they are6 ,and what besides of those first particles ,whence soul and mind must fashioned be8--,seest not ,how nice and how minute8 ,besides1 whatever ,exhales from out its body a sharp smell-- ,the nauseous absinth1 or the panacea1 ,strong southernwood1 or bitter centaury-- ,if never so lightly with thy fingers twain ,perchance thou touch a one of them 9999999999 ,then why not rather know that images ,flit hither and thither1 many1 in many modes1 ,bodiless and invisible8 ,but lest ,haply thou holdest that those images ,which come from objects are the sole that flit1 ,others indeed there be of own accord ,begot1 self-formed in earth's aery skies1 ,which1 moulded to innumerable shapes1 ,are borne aloft1 and1 fluid as they are1 ,cease not to change appearance and to turn ,into new outlines of all sorts of forms2 ,as we behold the clouds grow thick on high ,and smirch the serene vision of the world1 ,stroking the air with motions4 ,for oft are seen ,the giants' faces flying far along ,and trailing a spread of shadow2 and at times ,the mighty mountains and mountain-sundered rocks ,going before and crossing on the sun1 ,whereafter a monstrous beast dragging amain ,and leading in the other thunderheads4 ,now hear how easy and how swift they be ,engendered1 and perpetually flow off ,from things and gliding pass away4444 9999999999 ,for ever every outside streams away ,from off all objects1 since discharge they may2 ,and when this outside reaches other things1 ,as chiefly glass1 it passes through2 but where ,it reaches the rough rocks or stuff of wood1 ,there 'tis so rent that it cannot give back ,an image4 ,but when gleaming objects dense1 ,as chiefly mirrors1 have been set before it1 ,nothing of this sort happens4 ,for it can't ,go1 as through glass1 nor yet be rent--its safety1 ,by virtue of that smoothness1 being sure4 ',tis therefore that from them the images ,stream back to us2 and howso suddenly ,thou place1 at any instant1 anything ,before a mirror1 there an image shows2 ,proving that ever from a body's surface ,flow off thin textures and thin shapes of things4 ,thus many images in little time ,are gendered2 so their origin is named ,rightly a speedy4 ,and even as the sun ,must send below1 in little time1 to earth ,so many beams to keep all things so full ,of light incessant2 thus1 on grounds the same1 ,from things there must be borne1 in many modes1 ,to every quarter round1 upon the moment1 ,the many images of things2 because ,unto whatever face of things we turn ,the mirror1 things of form and hue the same ,respond4 ,besides1 though but a moment since ,serenest was the weather of the sky1 ,so fiercely sudden is it foully thick ,that ye might think that round about all murk ,had parted forth from ,acheron and filled ,the mighty vaults of sky--so grievously1 ,as gathers thus the storm-clouds' gruesome night1 ,do faces of black horror hang on high-- ,of which how small a part an image is ,there's none to tell or reckon out in words4 ,now come2 with what swift motion they are borne1 ,these images1 and what the speed assigned ,to them across the breezes swimming on-- ,so that o'er lengths of space a little hour ,alone is wasted1 toward whatever region ,each with its divers impulse tends--,i'll tell ,in verses sweeter than they many are2 ,even as the swan's slight note is better far ,than that dispersed clamour of the cranes ,among the southwind's aery clouds4 ,and first1 ,one oft may see that objects which are light ,and made of tiny bodies are the swift2 ,in which class is the sun's light and his heat1 ,since made from small primordial elements ,which1 as it were1 are forward knocked along ,and through the interspaces of the air ,to pass delay not1 urged by blows behind2 ,for light by light is instantly supplied ,and gleam by following gleam is spurred and driven4 ,thus likewise must the images have power ,through unimaginable space to speed ,within a point of time1--first1 since a cause ,exceeding small there is1 which at their back ,far forward drives them and propels1 where1 too1 ,they're carried with such winged lightness on2 ,and1 secondly1 since furnished1 when sent off1 ,with texture of such rareness that they can ,through objects whatsoever penetrate ,and ooze1 as 'twere1 through intervening air4 ,besides1 if those fine particles of things ,which from so deep within are sent abroad1 ,as light and heat of sun1 are seen to glide ,and spread themselves through all the space of heaven ,upon one instant of the day1 and fly ,o'er sea and lands and flood the heaven1 what then ,of those which on the outside stand prepared1 ,when they're hurled off with not a thing to check ,their going out8 ,dost thou not see indeed ,how swifter and how farther must they go ,and speed through manifold the length of space ,in time the same that from the sun the rays ,o'erspread the heaven8 ,this also seems to be ,example chief and true with what swift speed ,the images of things are borne about3 ,that soon as ever under open skies ,is spread the shining water1 all at once1 ,if stars be out in heaven1 upgleam from earth1 ,serene and radiant in the water there1 ,the constellations of the universe-- ,now seest thou not in what a point of time ,an image from the shores of ether falls ,unto the shores of earth8 ,wherefore1 again1 ,and yet again1 'tis needful to confess ,with wondrous444 9999999999 ,,the ,,senses ,,and ,,mental ,,pictures ,bodies that strike the eyes1 awaking sight4 ,from certain things flow odours evermore1 ,as cold from rivers1 heat from sun1 and spray ,from waves of ocean1 eater-out of walls ,around the coasts4 ,nor ever cease to flit ,the varied voices1 sounds athrough the air4 ,then too there comes into the mouth at times ,the wet of a salt taste1 when by the sea ,we roam about2 and so1 whene'er we watch ,the wormword being mixed1 its bitter stings4 ,to such degree from all things is each thing ,borne streamingly along1 and sent about ,to every region round2 and nature grants ,nor rest nor respite of the onward flow1 ,since 'tis incessantly we feeling have1 ,and all the time are suffered to descry ,and smell all things at hand1 and hear them sound4 ,besides1 since shape examined by our hands ,within the dark is known to be the same ,as that by eyes perceived within the light ,and lustrous day1 both touch and sight must be ,by one like cause aroused4 ,so1 if we test ,a square and get its stimulus on us ,within the dark1 within the light what square ,can fall upon our sight1 except a square ,that images the things8 ,wherefore it seems ,the source of seeing is in images1 ,nor without these can anything be viewed4 ,now these same films ,i name are borne about ,and tossed and scattered into regions all4 ,but since we do perceive alone through eyes1 ,it follows hence that whitherso we turn ,our sight1 all things do strike against it there ,with form and hue4 ,and just how far from us ,each thing may be away1 the image yields ,to us the power to see and chance to tell3 ,for when 'tis sent1 at once it shoves ahead ,and drives along the air that's in the space ,betwixt it and our eyes4 ,and thus this air ,all glides athrough our eyeballs1 and1 as 'twere1 ,brushes athrough our pupils and thuswise ,passes across4 ,therefore it comes we see ,how far from us each thing may be away1 ,and the more air there be that's driven before1 ,and too the longer be the brushing breeze ,against our eyes1 the farther off removed ,each thing is seen to be3 forsooth1 this work ,with mightily swift order all goes on1 ,so that upon one instant we may see ,what kind the object and how far away4 ,nor over-marvellous must this be deemed ,in these affairs that1 though the films which strike ,upon the eyes cannot be singly seen1 ,the things themselves may be perceived4 ,for thus ,when the wind beats upon us stroke by stroke ,and when the sharp cold streams1 'tis not our wont ,to feel each private particle of wind ,or of that cold1 but rather all at once2 ,and so we see how blows affect our body1 ,as if one thing were beating on the same ,and giving us the feel of its own body ,outside of us4 ,again1 whene'er we thump ,with finger-tip upon a stone1 we touch ,but the rock's surface and the outer hue1 ,nor feel that hue by contact--rather feel ,the very hardness deep within the rock4 ,now come1 and why beyond a looking-glass ,an image may be seen1 perceive4 ,for seen ,it soothly is1 removed far within4 ',tis the same sort as objects peered upon ,outside in their true shape1 whene'er a door ,yields through itself an open peering-place1 ,and lets us see so many things outside ,beyond the house4 ,also that sight is made ,by a twofold twin air3 for first is seen ,the air inside the door-posts2 next the doors1 ,the twain to left and right2 and afterwards ,a light beyond comes brushing through our eyes1 ,then other air1 then objects peered upon ,outside in their true shape4 ,and thus1 when first ,the image of the glass projects itself1 ,as to our gaze it comes1 it shoves ahead ,and drives along the air that's in the space ,betwixt it and our eyes1 and brings to pass ,that we perceive the air ere yet the glass4 ,but when we've also seen the glass itself1 ,forthwith that image which from us is borne ,reaches the glass1 and there thrown back again ,comes back unto our eyes1 and driving rolls ,ahead of itself another air1 that then ',tis this we see before itself1 and thus ,it looks so far removed behind the glass4 ,wherefore again1 again1 there's naught for wonder 9999999999 ,in those which render from the mirror's plane ,a vision back1 since each thing comes to pass ,by means of the two airs4 ,now1 in the glass ,the right part of our members is observed ,upon the left1 because1 when comes the image ,hitting against the level of the glass1 ',tis not returned unshifted2 but forced off ,backwards in line direct and not oblique1-- ,exactly as whoso his plaster-mask ,should dash1 before 'twere dry1 on post or beam1 ,and it should straightway keep1 at clinging there1 ,its shape1 reversed1 facing him who threw1 ,and so remould the features it gives back3 ,it comes that now the right eye is the left1 ,the left the right4 ,an image too may be ,from mirror into mirror handed on1 ,until of idol-films even five or six ,have thus been gendered4 ,for whatever things ,shall hide back yonder in the house1 the same1 ,however far removed in twisting ways1 ,may still be all brought forth through bending paths ,and by these several mirrors seen to be ,within the house1 since nature so compels ,all things to be borne backward and spring off ,at equal angles from all other things4 ,to such degree the image gleams across ,from mirror unto mirror2 where 'twas left ,it comes to be the right1 and then again ,returns and changes round unto the left4 ,again1 those little sides of mirrors curved ,proportionate to the bulge of our own flank ,send back to us their idols with the right ,upon the right2 and this is so because ,either the image is passed on along ,from mirror unto mirror1 and thereafter1 ,when twice dashed off1 flies back unto ourselves2 ,or else the image wheels itself around1 ,when once unto the mirror it has come1 ,since the curved surface teaches it to turn ,to usward4 ,further1 thou might'st well believe ,that these film-idols step along with us ,and set their feet in unison with ours ,and imitate our carriage1 since from that ,part of a mirror whence thou hast withdrawn ,straightway no images can be returned4 ,further1 our eye-balls tend to flee the bright ,and shun to gaze thereon2 the sun even blinds1 ,if thou goest on to strain them unto him1 ,because his strength is mighty1 and the films ,heavily downward from on high are borne ,through the pure ether and the viewless winds1 ,and strike the eyes1 disordering their joints4 ,so piecing lustre often burns the eyes1 ,because it holdeth many seeds of fire ,which1 working into eyes1 engender pain4 ,again1 whatever jaundiced people view ,becomes wan-yellow1 since from out their bodies ,flow many seeds wan-yellow forth to meet ,the films of things1 and many too are mixed ,within their eye1 which by contagion paint ,all things with sallowness4 ,again1 we view ,from dark recesses things that stand in light1 ,because1 when first has entered and possessed ,the open eyes this nearer darkling air1 ,swiftly the shining air and luminous ,followeth in1 which purges then the eyes ,and scatters asunder of that other air ,the sable shadows1 for in large degrees ,this air is nimbler1 nicer1 and more strong4 ,and soon as ever 'thas filled and oped with light ,the pathways of the eyeballs1 which before ,black air had blocked1 there follow straightaway ,those films of things out-standing in the light1 ,provoking vision--what we cannot do ,from out the light with objects in the dark1 ,because that denser darkling air behind ,followeth in1 and fills each aperture ,and thus blockades the pathways of the eyes ,that there no images of any things ,can be thrown in and agitate the eyes4 ,and when from far away we do behold ,the squared towers of a city1 oft ,rounded they seem1--on this account because ,each distant angle is perceived obtuse1 ,or rather it is not perceived at all2 ,and perishes its blow nor to our gaze ,arrives its stroke1 since through such length of air ,are borne along the idols that the air ,makes blunt the idol of the angle's point ,by numerous collidings4 ,when thuswise ,the angles of the tower each and all ,have quite escaped the sense1 the stones appear ,as rubbed and rounded on a turner's wheel-- ,yet not like objects near and truly round1 ,but with a semblance to them1 shadowily4 ,likewise1 our shadow in the sun appears ,to move along and follow our own steps ,and imitate our carriage--if thou thinkest ,air that is thus bereft of light can walk1 ,following the gait and motion of mankind4 ,for what we use to name a shadow1 sure ,is naught but air deprived of light4 ,no marvel3 ,because the earth from spot to spot is reft ,progressively of light of sun1 whenever ,in moving round we get within its way1 ,while any spot of earth by us abandoned ,is filled with light again1 on this account ,it comes to pass that what was body's shadow ,seems still the same to follow after us ,in one straight course4 ,since1 evermore pour in ,new lights of rays1 and perish then the old1 ,just like the wool that's drawn into the flame4 ,therefore the earth is easily spoiled of light ,and easily refilled and from herself ,washeth the black shadows quite away4 ,and yet in this we don't at all concede ,that eyes be cheated4 ,for their task it is ,to note in whatsoever place be light1 ,in what be shadow3 whether or no the gleams ,be still the same1 and whether the shadow which ,just now was here is that one passing thither1 ,or whether the facts be what we said above1 ',tis after all the reasoning of mind ,that must decide2 nor can our eyeballs know ,the nature of reality4 ,and so ,attach thou not this fault of mind to eyes1 ,nor lightly think our senses everywhere ,are tottering4 ,the ship in which we sail ,is borne along1 although it seems to stand2 ,the ship that bides in roadstead is supposed ,there to be passing by4 ,and hills and fields ,seem fleeing fast astern1 past which we urge ,the ship and fly under the bellying sails4 ,the stars1 each one1 do seem to pause1 affixed ,to the ethereal caverns1 though they all ,forever are in motion1 rising out ,and thence revisiting their far descents ,when they have measured with their bodies bright ,the span of heaven4 ,and likewise sun and moon ,seem biding in a roadstead1--objects which1 ,as plain fact proves1 are really borne along4 ,between two mountains far away aloft ,from midst the whirl of waters open lies ,a gaping exit for the fleet1 and yet ,they seem conjoined in a single isle4 ,when boys themselves have stopped their spinning round1 ,the halls still seem to whirl and posts to reel1 ,until they now must almost think the roofs ,threaten to ruin down upon their heads4 ,and now1 when nature begins to lift on high ,the sun's red splendour and the tremulous fires1 ,and raise him o'er the mountain-tops1 those mountains-- ,o'er which he seemeth then to thee to be1 ,his glowing self hard by atingeing them ,with his own fire--are yet away from us ,scarcely two thousand arrow-shots1 indeed ,oft scarce five hundred courses of a dart2 ,although between those mountains and the sun ,lie the huge plains of ocean spread beneath ,the vasty shores of ether1 and intervene ,a thousand lands1 possessed by many a folk ,and generations of wild beasts4 ,again1 ,a pool of water of but a finger's depth1 ,which lies between the stones along the pave1 ,offers a vision downward into earth ,as far1 as from the earth o'erspread on high ,the gulfs of heaven2 that thus thou seemest to view ,clouds down below and heavenly bodies plunged ,wondrously in heaven under earth4 ,then too1 when in the middle of the stream ,sticks fast our dashing horse1 and down we gaze ,into the river's rapid waves1 some force ,seems then to bear the body of the horse1 ,though standing still1 reversely from his course1 ,and swiftly push up-stream4 ,and wheresoe'er ,we cast our eyes across1 all objects seem ,thus to be onward borne and flow along ,in the same way as we4 ,a portico1 ,albeit it stands well propped from end to end ,on equal columns1 parallel and big1 ,contracts by stages in a narrow cone1 ,when from one end the long1 long whole is seen1-- ,until1 conjoining ceiling with the floor1 ,and the whole right side with the left1 it draws ,together to a cone's nigh-viewless point4 ,to sailors on the main the sun he seems ,from out the waves to rise1 and in the waves ,to set and bury his light--because indeed ,they gaze on naught but water and the sky4 ,again1 to gazers ignorant of the sea1 ,vessels in port seem1 as with broken poops1 ,to lean upon the water1 quite agog2 ,for any portion of the oars that's raised ,above the briny spray is straight1 and straight ,the rudders from above4 ,but other parts1 ,those sunk1 immersed below the water-line1 ,seem broken all and bended and inclined ,sloping to upwards1 and turned back to float ,almost atop the water4 ,and when the winds ,carry the scattered drifts along the sky ,in the night-time1 then seem to glide along ,the radiant constellations 'gainst the clouds ,and there on high to take far other course ,from that whereon in truth they're borne4 ,and then1 ,if haply our hand be set beneath one eye ,and press below thereon1 then to our gaze ,each object which we gaze on seems to be1 ,by some sensation twain--then twain the lights ,of lampions burgeoning in flowers of flame1 ,and twain the furniture in all the house1 ,two-fold the visages of fellow-men1 ,and twain their bodies4 ,and again1 when sleep ,has bound our members down in slumber soft ,and all the body lies in deep repose1 ,yet then we seem to self to be awake ,and move our members2 and in night's blind gloom ,we think to mark the daylight and the sun2 ,and1 shut within a room1 yet still we seem ,to change our skies1 our oceans1 rivers1 hills1 ,to cross the plains afoot1 and hear new sounds1 ,though still the austere silence of the night ,abides around us1 and to speak replies1 ,though voiceless4 ,other cases of the sort ,wondrously many do we see1 which all ,seek1 so to say1 to injure faith in sense-- ,in vain1 because the largest part of these ,deceives through mere opinions of the mind1 ,which we do add ourselves1 feigning to see ,what by the senses are not seen at all4 ,for naught is harder than to separate ,plain facts from dubious1 which the mind forthwith ,adds by itself4 ,again1 if one suppose ,that naught is known1 he knows not whether this ,itself is able to be known1 since he ,confesses naught to know4 ,therefore with him ,i waive discussion--who has set his head ,even where his feet should be4 ,but let me grant ,that this he knows1--,i question3 whence he knows ,what 'tis to know and not-to-know in turn1 ,and what created concept of the truth1 ,and what device has proved the dubious ,to differ from the certain8--since in things ,he's heretofore seen naught of true4 ,thou'lt find ,that from the senses first hath been create ,concept of truth1 nor can the senses be ,rebutted4 ,for criterion must be found ,worthy of greater trust1 which shall defeat ,through own authority the false by true2 ,what1 then1 than these our senses must there be ,worthy a greater trust8 ,shall reason1 sprung ,from some false sense1 prevail to contradict ,those senses1 sprung as reason wholly is ,from out the senses8--,for lest these be true1 ,all reason also then is falsified4 ,or shall the ears have power to blame the eyes1 ,or yet the touch the ears8 ,again1 shall taste ,accuse this touch or shall the nose confute ,or eyes defeat it8 ,methinks not so it is3 ,for unto each has been divided off ,its function quite apart1 its power to each2 ,and thus we're still constrained to perceive ,the soft1 the cold1 the hot apart1 apart ,all divers hues and whatso things there be ,conjoined with hues4 ,likewise the tasting tongue ,has its own power apart1 and smells apart ,and sounds apart are known4 ,and thus it is ,that no one sense can e'er convict another4 ,nor shall one sense have power to blame itself1 ,because it always must be deemed the same1 ,worthy of equal trust4 ,and therefore what ,at any time unto these senses showed1 ,the same is true4 ,and if the reason be ,unable to unravel us the cause ,why objects1 which at hand were square1 afar ,seemed rounded1 yet it more availeth us1 ,lacking the reason1 to pretend a cause ,for each configuration1 than to let ,from out our hands escape the obvious things ,and injure primal faith in sense1 and wreck ,all those foundations upon which do rest ,our life and safety4 ,for not only reason ,would topple down2 but even our very life ,would straightaway collapse1 unless we dared ,to trust our senses and to keep away ,from headlong heights and places to be shunned ,of a like peril1 and to seek with speed ,their opposites6 ,again1 as in a building1 ,if the first plumb-line be askew1 and if ,the square deceiving swerve from lines exact1 ,and if the level waver but the least ,in any part1 the whole construction then ,must turn out faulty--shelving and askew1 ,leaning to back and front1 incongruous1 ,that now some portions seem about to fall1 ,and falls the whole ere long--betrayed indeed ,by first deceiving estimates3 so too ,thy calculations in affairs of life ,must be askew and false1 if sprung for thee ,from senses false4 ,so all that troop of words ,marshalled against the senses is quite vain4 ,and now remains to demonstrate with ease ,how other senses each their things perceive4 ,firstly1 a sound and every voice is heard1 ,when1 getting into ears1 they strike the sense ,with their own body4 ,for confess we must ,even voice and sound to be corporeal1 ,because they're able on the sense to strike4 ,besides voice often scrapes against the throat1 ,and screams in going out do make more rough ,the wind-pipe--naturally enough1 methinks1 ,when1 through the narrow exit rising up ,in larger throng1 these primal germs of voice ,have thus begun to issue forth4 ,in sooth1 ,also the door of the mouth is scraped against ,by air blown outward from distended cheeks4 9999999999 ,and thus no doubt there is1 that voice and words ,consist of elements corporeal1 ,with power to pain4 ,nor art thou unaware ,likewise how much of body's ta'en away1 ,how much from very thews and powers of men ,may be withdrawn by steady talk1 prolonged ,even from the rising splendour of the morn ,to shadows of black evening1--above all ,if 't be outpoured with most exceeding shouts4 ,therefore the voice must be corporeal1 ,since the long talker loses from his frame ,a part4 ,moreover1 roughness in the sound ,comes from the roughness in the primal germs1 ,as a smooth sound from smooth ones is create2 ,nor have these elements a form the same ,when the trump rumbles with a hollow roar1 ,as when barbaric ,berecynthian pipe ,buzzes with raucous boomings1 or when swans ,by night from icy shores of ,helicon ,with wailing voices raise their liquid dirge4 ,thus1 when from deep within our frame we force ,these voices1 and at mouth expel them forth1 ,the mobile tongue1 artificer of words1 ,makes them articulate1 and too the lips ,by their formations share in shaping them4 ,hence when the space is short from starting-point ,to where that voice arrives1 the very words ,must too be plainly heard1 distinctly marked4 ,for then the voice conserves its own formation1 ,conserves its shape4 ,but if the space between ,be longer than is fit1 the words must be ,through the much air confounded1 and the voice ,disordered in its flight across the winds-- ,and so it haps1 that thou canst sound perceive1 ,yet not determine what the words may mean2 ,to such degree confounded and encumbered ,the voice approaches us4 ,again1 one word1 ,sent from the crier's mouth1 may rouse all ears ,among the populace4 ,and thus one voice ,scatters asunder into many voices1 ,since it divides itself for separate ears1 ,imprinting form of word and a clear tone4 ,but whatso part of voices fails to hit ,the ears themselves perishes1 borne beyond1 ,idly diffused among the winds4 ,a part1 ,beating on solid porticoes1 tossed back ,returns a sound2 and sometimes mocks the ear ,with a mere phantom of a word4 ,when this ,thou well hast noted1 thou canst render count ,unto thyself and others why it is ,along the lonely places that the rocks ,give back like shapes of words in order like1 ,when search we after comrades wandering ,among the shady mountains1 and aloud ,call unto them1 the scattered4 ,i have seen ,spots that gave back even voices six or seven ,for one thrown forth--for so the very hills1 ,dashing them back against the hills1 kept on ,with their reverberations4 ,and these spots ,the neighbouring country-side doth feign to be ,haunts of the goat-foot satyrs and the nymphs2 ,and tells ye there be fauns1 by whose night noise ,and antic revels yonder they declare ,the voiceless silences are broken oft1 ,and tones of strings are made and wailings sweet ,which the pipe1 beat by players' finger-tips1 ,pours out2 and far and wide the farmer-race ,begins to hear1 when1 shaking the garmentings ,of pine upon his half-beast head1 god-,pan ,with puckered lip oft runneth o'er and o'er ,the open reeds1--lest flute should cease to pour ,the woodland music6 ,other prodigies ,and wonders of this ilk they love to tell1 ,lest they be thought to dwell in lonely spots ,and even by gods deserted4 ,this is why ,they boast of marvels in their story-tellings2 ,or by some other reason are led on-- ,greedy1 as all mankind hath ever been1 ,to prattle fables into ears4 ,again1 ,one need not wonder how it comes about ,that through those places 7through which eyes cannot ,view objects manifest7 sounds yet may pass ,and assail the ears4 ,for often we observe ,people conversing1 though the doors be closed2 ,no marvel either1 since all voice unharmed ,can wind through bended apertures of things1 ,while idol-films decline to--for they're rent1 ,unless along straight apertures they swim1 ,like those in glass1 through which all images ,do fly across4 ,and yet this voice itself1 ,in passing through shut chambers of a house1 ,is dulled1 and in a jumble enters ears1 ,and sound we seem to hear far more than words4 ,moreover1 a voice is into all directions ,divided up1 since off from one another ,new voices are engendered1 when one voice ,hath once leapt forth1 outstarting into many-- ,as oft a spark of fire is wont to sprinkle ,itself into its several fires4 ,and so1 ,voices do fill those places hid behind1 ,which all are in a hubbub round about1 ,astir with sound4 ,but idol-films do tend1 ,as once sent forth1 in straight directions all2 ,wherefore one can inside a wall see naught1 ,yet catch the voices from beyond the same4 ,nor tongue and palate1 whereby we flavour feel1 ,present more problems for more work of thought4 ,firstly1 we feel a flavour in the mouth1 ,when forth we squeeze it1 in chewing up our food1-- ,as any one perchance begins to squeeze ,with hand and dry a sponge with water soaked4 ,next1 all which forth we squeeze is spread about ,along the pores and intertwined paths ,of the loose-textured tongue4 ,and so1 when smooth ,the bodies of the oozy flavour1 then ,delightfully they touch1 delightfully ,they treat all spots1 around the wet and trickling ,enclosures of the tongue4 ,and contrariwise1 ,they sting and pain the sense with their assault1 ,according as with roughness they're supplied4 ,next1 only up to palate is the pleasure ,coming from flavour2 for in truth when down ',thas plunged along the throat1 no pleasure is1 ,whilst into all the frame it spreads around2 ,nor aught it matters with what food is fed ,the body1 if only what thou take thou canst ,distribute well digested to the frame ,and keep the stomach in a moist career4 ,now1 how it is we see some food for some1 ,others for others4444 9999999999 ,i will unfold1 or wherefore what to some ,is foul and bitter1 yet the same to others ,can seem delectable to eat1--why here ,so great the distance and the difference is ,that what is food to one to some becomes ,fierce poison1 as a certain snake there is ,which1 touched by spittle of a man1 will waste ,and end itself by gnawing up its coil4 ,again1 fierce poison is the hellebore ,to us1 but puts the fat on goats and quails4 ,that thou mayst know by what devices this ,is brought about1 in chief thou must recall ,what we have said before1 that seeds are kept ,commixed in things in divers modes4 ,again1 ,as all the breathing creatures which take food ,are outwardly unlike1 and outer cut ,and contour of their members bounds them round1 ,each differing kind by kind1 they thus consist ,of seeds of varying shape4 ,and furthermore1 ,since seeds do differ1 divers too must be ,the interstices and paths 7which we do call ,the apertures7 in all the members1 even ,in mouth and palate too4 ,thus some must be ,more small or yet more large1 three-cornered some ,and others squared1 and many others round1 ,and certain of them many-angled too ,in many modes4 ,for1 as the combination ,and motion of their divers shapes demand1 ,the shapes of apertures must be diverse ,and paths must vary according to their walls ,that bound them4 ,hence when what is sweet to some1 ,becomes to others bitter1 for him to whom ',tis sweet1 the smoothest particles must needs ,have entered caressingly the palate's pores4 ,and1 contrariwise1 with those to whom that sweet ,is sour within the mouth1 beyond a doubt ,the rough and barbed particles have got ,into the narrows of the apertures4 ,now easy it is from these affairs to know ,whatever444 9999999999 ,indeed1 where one from o'er-abundant bile ,is stricken with fever1 or in other wise ,feels the roused violence of some malady1 ,there the whole frame is now upset1 and there ,all the positions of the seeds are changed1-- ,so that the bodies which before were fit ,to cause the savour1 now are fit no more1 ,and now more apt are others which be able ,to get within the pores and gender sour4 ,both sorts1 in sooth1 are intermixed in honey-- ,what oft we've proved above to thee before4 ,now come1 and ,i will indicate what wise ,impact of odour on the nostrils touches4 ,and first1 'tis needful there be many things ,from whence the streaming flow of varied odours ,may roll along1 and we're constrained to think ,they stream and dart and sprinkle themselves about ,impartially4 ,but for some breathing creatures ,one odour is more apt1 to others another-- ,because of differing forms of seeds and pores4 ,thus on and on along the zephyrs bees ,are led by odour of honey1 vultures too ,by carcasses4 ,again1 the forward power ,of scent in dogs doth lead the hunter on ,whithersoever the splay-foot of wild beast ,hath hastened its career2 and the white goose1 ,the saviour of the ,roman citadel1 ,forescents afar the odour of mankind4 ,thus1 diversly to divers ones is given ,peculiar smell that leadeth each along ,to his own food or makes him start aback ,from loathsome poison1 and in this wise are ,the generations of the wild preserved4 ,yet is this pungence not alone in odours ,or in the class of flavours2 but1 likewise1 ,the look of things and hues agree not all ,so well with senses unto all1 but that ,some unto some will be1 to gaze upon1 ,more keen and painful4 ,lo1 the raving lions1 ,they dare not face and gaze upon the cock ,who's wont with wings to flap away the night ,from off the stage1 and call the beaming morn ,with clarion voice--and lions straightway thus ,bethink themselves of flight1 because1 ye see1 ,within the body of the cocks there be ,some certain seeds1 which1 into lions' eyes ,injected1 bore into the pupils deep ,and yield such piercing pain they can't hold out ,against the cocks1 however fierce they be-- ,whilst yet these seeds can't hurt our gaze the least1 ,either because they do not penetrate1 ,or since they have free exit from the eyes ,as soon as penetrating1 so that thus ,they cannot hurt our eyes in any part ,by there remaining4 ,to speak once more of odour2 ,whatever assail the nostrils1 some can travel ,a longer way than others4 ,none of them1 ,however1 's borne so far as sound or voice-- ,while ,i omit all mention of such things ,as hit the eyesight and assail the vision4 ,for slowly on a wandering course it comes ,and perishes sooner1 by degrees absorbed ,easily into all the winds of air2-- ,and first1 because from deep inside the thing ,it is discharged with labour 7for the fact ,that every object1 when 'tis shivered1 ground1 ,or crumbled by the fire1 will smell the stronger ,is sign that odours flow and part away ,from inner regions of the things74 ,and next1 ,thou mayest see that odour is create ,of larger primal germs than voice1 because ,it enters not through stony walls1 wherethrough ,unfailingly the voice and sound are borne2 ,wherefore1 besides1 thou wilt observe 'tis not ,so easy to trace out in whatso place ,the smelling object is4 ,for1 dallying on ,along the winds1 the particles cool off1 ,and then the scurrying messengers of things ,arrive our senses1 when no longer hot4 ,so dogs oft wander astray1 and hunt the scent4 ,now mark1 and hear what objects move the mind1 ,and learn1 in few1 whence unto intellect ,do come what come4 ,and first ,i tell thee this3 ,that many images of objects rove ,in many modes to every region round-- ,so thin that easily the one with other1 ,when once they meet1 uniteth in mid-air1 ,like gossamer or gold-leaf4 ,for1 indeed1 ,far thinner are they in their fabric than ,those images which take a hold on eyes ,and smite the vision1 since through body's pores ,they penetrate1 and inwardly stir up ,the subtle nature of mind and smite the sense4 ,thus1 ,centaurs and the limbs of ,scyllas1 thus ,the ,cerberus-visages of dogs we see1 ,and images of people gone before-- ,dead men whose bones earth bosomed long ago2 ,because the images of every kind ,are everywhere about us borne--in part ,those which are gendered in the very air ,of own accord1 in part those others which ,from divers things do part away1 and those ,which are compounded1 made from out their shapes4 ,for soothly from no living ,centaur is ,that phantom gendered1 since no breed of beast ,like him was ever2 but1 when images ,of horse and man by chance have come together1 ,they easily cohere1 as aforesaid1 ,at once1 through subtle nature and fabric thin4 ,in the same fashion others of this ilk ,created are4 ,and when they're quickly borne ,in their exceeding lightness1 easily 7,as earlier ,i showed7 one subtle image1 ,compounded1 moves by its one blow the mind1 ,itself so subtle and so strangely quick4 ,that these things come to pass as ,i record1 ,from this thou easily canst understand3 ,so far as one is unto other like1 ,seeing with mind as well as with the eyes ,must come to pass in fashion not unlike4 ,well1 now1 since ,i have shown that ,i perceive ,haply a lion through those idol-films ,such as assail my eyes1 'tis thine to know ,also the mind is in like manner moved1 ,and sees1 nor more nor less than eyes do see 7,except that it perceives more subtle films7 ,the lion and aught else through idol-films4 ,and when the sleep has overset our frame1 ,the mind's intelligence is now awake1 ,still for no other reason1 save that these-- ,the self-same films as when we are awake-- ,assail our minds1 to such degree indeed ,that we do seem to see for sure the man ,whom1 void of life1 now death and earth have gained ,dominion over4 ,and nature forces this ,to come to pass because the body's senses ,are resting1 thwarted through the members all1 ,unable now to conquer false with true2 ,and memory lies prone and languishes ,in slumber1 nor protests that he1 the man ,whom the mind feigns to see alive1 long since ,hath been the gain of death and dissolution4 ,and further1 'tis no marvel idols move ,and toss their arms and other members round ,in rhythmic time--and often in men's sleeps ,it haps an image this is seen to do2 ,in sooth1 when perishes the former image1 ,and other is gendered of another pose1 ,that former seemeth to have changed its gestures4 ,of course the change must be conceived as speedy2 ,so great the swiftness and so great the store ,of idol-things1 and 7in an instant brief ,as mind can mark7 so great1 again1 the store ,of separate idol-parts to bring supplies4 ,it happens also that there is supplied ,sometimes an image not of kind the same2 ,but what before was woman1 now at hand ,is seen to stand there1 altered into male2 ,or other visage1 other age succeeds2 ,but slumber and oblivion take care ,that we shall feel no wonder at the thing4 ,and much in these affairs demands inquiry1 ,and much1 illumination--if we crave ,with plainness to exhibit facts4 ,and first1 ,why doth the mind of one to whom the whim ,to think has come behold forthwith that thing8 ,or do the idols watch upon our will1 ,and doth an image unto us occur1 ,directly we desire--if heart prefer ,the sea1 the land1 or after all the sky8 ,assemblies of the citizens1 parades1 ,banquets1 and battles1 these and all doth she1 ,nature1 create and furnish at our word8-- ,maugre the fact that in same place and spot ,another's mind is meditating things ,all far unlike4 ,and what1 again1 of this3 ,when we in sleep behold the idols step1 ,in measure1 forward1 moving supple limbs1 ,whilst forth they put each supple arm in turn ,with speedy motion1 and with eyeing heads ,repeat the movement1 as the foot keeps time8 ,forsooth1 the idols they are steeped in art1 ,and wander to and fro well taught indeed1-- ,thus to be able in the time of night ,to make such games6 ,or will the truth be this3 ,because in one least moment that we mark-- ,that is1 the uttering of a single sound-- ,there lurk yet many moments1 which the reason ,discovers to exist1 therefore it comes ,that1 in a moment how so brief ye will1 ,the divers idols are hard by1 and ready ,each in its place diverse8 ,so great the swiftness1 ,so great1 again1 the store of idol-things1 ,and so1 when perishes the former image1 ,and other is gendered of another pose1 ,the former seemeth to have changed its gestures4 ,and since they be so tenuous1 mind can mark ,sharply alone the ones it strains to see2 ,and thus the rest do perish one and all1 ,save those for which the mind prepares itself4 ,further1 it doth prepare itself indeed1 ,and hopes to see what follows after each-- ,hence this result4 ,for hast thou not observed ,how eyes1 essaying to perceive the fine1 ,will strain in preparation1 otherwise ,unable sharply to perceive at all8 ,yet know thou canst that1 even in objects plain1 ,if thou attendest not1 'tis just the same ,as if 'twere all the time removed and far4 ,what marvel1 then1 that mind doth lose the rest1 ,save those to which 'thas given up itself8 ,so 'tis that we conjecture from small signs ,things wide and weighty1 and involve ourselves ,in snarls of self-deceit4 ,,some ,,vital ,,functions ,in these affairs ,we crave that thou wilt passionately flee ,the one offence1 and anxiously wilt shun ,the error of presuming the clear lights ,of eyes created were that we might see2 ,or thighs and knees1 aprop upon the feet1 ,thuswise can bended be1 that we might step ,with goodly strides ahead2 or forearms joined ,unto the sturdy uppers1 or serving hands ,on either side were given1 that we might do ,life's own demands4 ,all such interpretation ,is aft-for-fore with inverse reasoning1 ,since naught is born in body so that we ,may use the same1 but birth engenders use3 ,no seeing ere the lights of eyes were born1 ,no speaking ere the tongue created was2 ,but origin of tongue came long before ,discourse of words1 and ears created were ,much earlier than any sound was heard2 ,and all the members1 so meseems1 were there ,before they got their use3 and therefore1 they ,could not be gendered for the sake of use4 ,but contrariwise1 contending in the fight ,with hand to hand1 and rending of the joints1 ,and fouling of the limbs with gore1 was there1 ,o long before the gleaming spears ere flew2 ,and nature prompted man to shun a wound1 ,before the left arm by the aid of art ,opposed the shielding targe4 ,and1 verily1 ,yielding the weary body to repose1 ,far ancienter than cushions of soft beds1 ,and quenching thirst is earlier than cups4 ,these objects1 therefore1 which for use and life ,have been devised1 can be conceived as found ,for sake of using4 ,but apart from such ,are all which first were born and afterwards ,gave knowledge of their own utility-- ,chief in which sort we note the senses1 limbs3 ,wherefore1 again1 'tis quite beyond thy power ,to hold that these could thus have been create ,for office of utility4 ,likewise1 ',tis nothing strange that all the breathing creatures ,seek1 even by nature of their frame1 their food4 ,yes1 since ,i've taught thee that from off the things ,stream and depart innumerable bodies ,in modes innumerable too2 but most ,must be the bodies streaming from the living-- ,which bodies1 vexed by motion evermore1 ,are through the mouth exhaled innumerable1 ,when weary creatures pant1 or through the sweat ,squeezed forth innumerable from deep within4 ,thus body rarefies1 so undermined ,in all its nature1 and pain attends its state4 ,and so the food is taken to underprop ,the tottering joints1 and by its interfusion ,to re-create their powers1 and there stop up ,the longing1 open-mouthed through limbs and veins1 ,for eating4 ,and the moist no less departs ,into all regions that demand the moist2 ,and many heaped-up particles of hot1 ,which cause such burnings in these bellies of ours1 ,the liquid on arriving dissipates ,and quenches like a fire1 that parching heat ,no longer now can scorch the frame4 ,and so1 ,thou seest how panting thirst is washed away ,from off our body1 how the hunger-pang ,it1 too1 appeased4 ,now1 how it comes that we1 ,whene'er we wish1 can step with strides ahead1 ,and how 'tis given to move our limbs about1 ,and what device is wont to push ahead ,this the big load of our corporeal frame1 ,i'll say to thee--do thou attend what's said4 ,i say that first some idol-films of walking ,into our mind do fall and smite the mind1 ,as said before4 ,thereafter will arises2 ,for no one starts to do a thing1 before ,the intellect previsions what it wills2 ,and what it there pre-visioneth depends ,on what that image is4 ,when1 therefore1 mind ,doth so bestir itself that it doth will ,to go and step along1 it strikes at once ,that energy of soul that's sown about ,in all the body through the limbs and frame-- ,and this is easy of performance1 since ,the soul is close conjoined with the mind4 ,next1 soul in turn strikes body1 and by degrees ,thus the whole mass is pushed along and moved4 ,then too the body rarefies1 and air1 ,forsooth as ever of such nimbleness1 ,comes on and penetrates aboundingly ,through opened pores1 and thus is sprinkled round ,unto all smallest places in our frame4 ,thus then by these twain factors1 severally1 ,body is borne like ship with oars and wind4 ,nor yet in these affairs is aught for wonder ,that particles so fine can whirl around ,so great a body and turn this weight of ours2 ,for wind1 so tenuous with its subtle body1 ,yet pushes1 driving on the mighty ship ,of mighty bulk2 one hand directs the same1 ,whatever its momentum1 and one helm ,whirls it around1 whither ye please2 and loads1 ,many and huge1 are moved and hoisted high ,by enginery of pulley-blocks and wheels1 ,with but light strain4 ,now1 by what modes this sleep ,pours through our members waters of repose ,and frees the breast from cares of mind1 ,i'll tell ,in verses sweeter than they many are2 ,even as the swan's slight note is better far ,than that dispersed clamour of the cranes ,among the southwind's aery clouds4 ,do thou ,give me sharp ears and a sagacious mind1-- ,that thou mayst not deny the things to be ,whereof ,i'm speaking1 nor depart away ,with bosom scorning these the spoken truths1 ,thyself at fault unable to perceive4 ,sleep chiefly comes when energy of soul ,hath now been scattered through the frame1 and part ,expelled abroad and gone away1 and part ,crammed back and settling deep within the frame-- ,whereafter then our loosened members droop4 ,for doubt is none that by the work of soul ,exist in us this sense1 and when by slumber ,that sense is thwarted1 we are bound to think ,the soul confounded and expelled abroad-- ,yet not entirely1 else the frame would lie ,drenched in the everlasting cold of death4 ,in sooth1 where no one part of soul remained ,lurking among the members1 even as fire ,lurks buried under many ashes1 whence ,could sense amain rekindled be in members1 ,as flame can rise anew from unseen fire8 ,by what devices this strange state and new ,may be occasioned1 and by what the soul ,can be confounded and the frame grow faint1 ,i will untangle3 see to it1 thou1 that ,i ,pour forth my words not unto empty winds4 ,in first place1 body on its outer parts-- ,since these are touched by neighbouring aery gusts-- ,must there be thumped and strook by blows of air ,repeatedly4 ,and therefore almost all ,are covered either with hides1 or else with shells1 ,or with the horny callus1 or with bark4 ,yet this same air lashes their inner parts1 ,when creatures draw a breath or blow it out4 ,wherefore1 since body thus is flogged alike ,upon the inside and the out1 and blows ,come in upon us through the little pores ,even inward to our body's primal parts ,and primal elements1 there comes to pass ,by slow degrees1 along our members then1 ,a kind of overthrow2 for then confounded ,are those arrangements of the primal germs ,of body and of mind4 ,it comes to pass ,that next a part of soul's expelled abroad1 ,a part retreateth in recesses hid1 ,a part1 too1 scattered all about the frame1 ,cannot become united nor engage ,in interchange of motion4 ,nature now ,so hedges off approaches and the paths2 ,and thus the sense1 its motions all deranged1 ,retires down deep within2 and since there's naught1 ,as 'twere1 to prop the frame1 the body weakens1 ,and all the members languish1 and the arms ,and eyelids fall1 and1 as ye lie abed1 ,even there the houghs will sag and loose their powers4 ,again1 sleep follows after food1 because ,the food produces same result as air1 ,whilst being scattered round through all the veins2 ,and much the heaviest is that slumber which1 ,full or fatigued1 thou takest2 since 'tis then ,that the most bodies disarrange themselves1 ,bruised by labours hard4 ,and in same wise1 ,this three-fold change3 a forcing of the soul ,down deeper1 more a casting-forth of it1 ,a moving more divided in its parts ,and scattered more4 ,and to whate'er pursuit ,a man most clings absorbed1 or what the affairs ,on which we theretofore have tarried much1 ,and mind hath strained upon the more1 we seem ,in sleep not rarely to go at the same4 ,the lawyers seem to plead and cite decrees1 ,commanders they to fight and go at frays1 ,sailors to live in combat with the winds1 ,and we ourselves indeed to make this book1 ,and still to seek the nature of the world ,and set it down1 when once discovered1 here ,in these my country's leaves4 ,thus all pursuits1 ,all arts in general seem in sleeps to mock ,and master the minds of men4 ,and whosoever ,day after day for long to games have given ,attention undivided1 still they keep 7,as oft we note71 even when they've ceased to grasp ,those games with their own senses1 open paths ,within the mind wherethrough the idol-films ,of just those games can come4 ,and thus it is ,for many a day thereafter those appear ,floating before the eyes1 that even awake ,they think they view the dancers moving round ,their supple limbs1 and catch with both the ears ,the liquid song of harp and speaking chords1 ,and view the same assembly on the seats1 ,and manifold bright glories of the stage-- ,so great the influence of pursuit and zest1 ,and of the affairs wherein 'thas been the wont ,of men to be engaged-nor only men1 ,but soothly all the animals4 ,behold1 ,thou'lt see the sturdy horses1 though outstretched1 ,yet sweating in their sleep1 and panting ever1 ,and straining utmost strength1 as if for prize1 ,as if1 with barriers opened now444 ,and hounds of huntsmen oft in soft repose ,yet toss asudden all their legs about1 ,and growl and bark1 and with their nostrils sniff ,the winds again1 again1 as though indeed ,they'd caught the scented foot-prints of wild beasts1 ,and1 even when wakened1 often they pursue ,the phantom images of stags1 as though ,they did perceive them fleeing on before1 ,until the illusion's shaken off and dogs ,come to themselves again4 ,and fawning breed ,of house-bred whelps do feel the sudden urge ,to shake their bodies and start from off the ground1 ,as if beholding stranger-visages4 ,and ever the fiercer be the stock1 the more ,in sleep the same is ever bound to rage4 ,but flee the divers tribes of birds and vex ,with sudden wings by night the groves of gods1 ,when in their gentle slumbers they have dreamed ,of hawks in chase1 aswooping on for fight4 ,again1 the minds of mortals which perform ,with mighty motions mighty enterprises1 ,often in sleep will do and dare the same ,in manner like4 ,kings take the towns by storm1 ,succumb to capture1 battle on the field1 ,raise a wild cry as if their throats were cut ,even then and there4 ,and many wrestle on ,and groan with pains1 and fill all regions round ,with mighty cries and wild1 as if then gnawed ,by fangs of panther or of lion fierce4 ,many amid their slumbers talk about ,their mighty enterprises1 and have often ,enough become the proof of their own crimes4 ,many meet death2 many1 as if headlong ,from lofty mountains tumbling down to earth ,with all their frame1 are frenzied in their fright2 ,and after sleep1 as if still mad in mind1 ,they scarce come to1 confounded as they are ,by ferment of their frame4 ,the thirsty man1 ,likewise1 he sits beside delightful spring ,or river and gulpeth down with gaping throat ,nigh the whole stream4 ,and oft the innocent young1 ,by sleep o'ermastered1 think they lift their dress ,by pail or public jordan and then void ,the water filtered down their frame entire ,and drench the ,babylonian coverlets1 ,magnificently bright4 ,again1 those males ,into the surging channels of whose years ,now first has passed the seed 7engendered ,within their members by the ripened days7 ,are in their sleep confronted from without ,by idol-images of some fair form-- ,tidings of glorious face and lovely bloom1 ,which stir and goad the regions turgid now ,with seed abundant2 so that1 as it were ,with all the matter acted duly out1 ,they pour the billows of a potent stream ,and stain their garment4 ,and as said before1 ,that seed is roused in us when once ripe age ,has made our body strong444 ,as divers causes give to divers things ,impulse and irritation1 so one force ,in human kind rouses the human seed ,to spurt from man4 ,as soon as ever it issues1 ,forced from its first abodes1 it passes down ,in the whole body through the limbs and frame1 ,meeting in certain regions of our thews1 ,and stirs amain the genitals of man4 ,the goaded regions swell with seed1 and then ,comes the delight to dart the same at what ,the mad desire so yearns1 and body seeks ,that object1 whence the mind by love is pierced4 ,for well-nigh each man falleth toward his wound1 ,and our blood spurts even toward the spot from whence ,the stroke wherewith we are strook1 and if indeed ,the foe be close1 the red jet reaches him4 ,thus1 one who gets a stroke from ,venus' shafts-- ,whether a boy with limbs effeminate ,assault him1 or a woman darting love ,from all her body--that one strains to get ,even to the thing whereby he's hit1 and longs ,to join with it and cast into its frame ,the fluid drawn even from within its own4 ,for the mute craving doth presage delight4 ,,the ,,passion ,,of ,,love ,this craving 'tis that's ,venus unto us3 ,from this1 engender all the lures of love1 ,from this1 ,o first hath into human hearts ,trickled that drop of joyance which ere long ,is by chill care succeeded4 ,since1 indeed1 ,though she thou lovest now be far away1 ,yet idol-images of her are near ,and the sweet name is floating in thy ear4 ,but it behooves to flee those images2 ,and scare afar whatever feeds thy love2 ,and turn elsewhere thy mind2 and vent the sperm1 ,within thee gathered1 into sundry bodies1 ,nor1 with thy thoughts still busied with one love1 ,keep it for one delight1 and so store up ,care for thyself and pain inevitable4 ,for1 lo1 the ulcer just by nourishing ,grows to more life with deep inveteracy1 ,and day by day the fury swells aflame1 ,and the woe waxes heavier day by day-- ,unless thou dost destroy even by new blows ,the former wounds of love1 and curest them ,while yet they're fresh1 by wandering freely round ,after the freely-wandering ,venus1 or ,canst lead elsewhere the tumults of thy mind4 ,nor doth that man who keeps away from love ,yet lack the fruits of ,venus2 rather takes ,those pleasures which are free of penalties4 ,for the delights of ,venus1 verily1 ,are more unmixed for mortals sane-of-soul ,than for those sick-at-heart with love-pining4 ,yea1 in the very moment of possessing1 ,surges the heat of lovers to and fro1 ,restive1 uncertain2 and they cannot fix ,on what to first enjoy with eyes and hands4 ,the parts they sought for1 those they squeeze so tight1 ,and pain the creature's body1 close their teeth ,often against her lips1 and smite with kiss ,mouth into mouth1--because this same delight ,is not unmixed2 and underneath are stings ,which goad a man to hurt the very thing1 ,whate'er it be1 from whence arise for him ,those germs of madness4 ,but with gentle touch ,venus subdues the pangs in midst of love1 ,and the admixture of a fondling joy ,doth curb the bites of passion4 ,for they hope ,that by the very body whence they caught ,the heats of love their flames can be put out4 ,but nature protests 'tis all quite otherwise2 ,for this same love it is the one sole thing ,of which1 the more we have1 the fiercer burns ,the breast with fell desire4 ,for food and drink ,are taken within our members2 and1 since they ,can stop up certain parts1 thus1 easily ,desire of water is glutted and of bread4 ,but1 lo1 from human face and lovely bloom ,naught penetrates our frame to be enjoyed ,save flimsy idol-images and vain-- ,a sorry hope which oft the winds disperse4 ,as when the thirsty man in slumber seeks ,to drink1 and water ne'er is granted him ,wherewith to quench the heat within his members1 ,but after idols of the liquids strives ,and toils in vain1 and thirsts even whilst he gulps ,in middle of the torrent1 thus in love ,venus deludes with idol-images ,the lovers4 ,nor they cannot sate their lust ,by merely gazing on the bodies1 nor ,they cannot with their palms and fingers rub ,aught from each tender limb1 the while they stray ,uncertain over all the body4 ,then1 ,at last1 with members intertwined1 when they ,enjoy the flower of their age1 when now ,their bodies have sweet presage of keen joys1 ,and ,venus is about to sow the fields ,of woman1 greedily their frames they lock1 ,and mingle the slaver of their mouths1 and breathe ,into each other1 pressing teeth on mouths-- ,yet to no purpose1 since they're powerless ,to rub off aught1 or penetrate and pass ,with body entire into body--for oft ,they seem to strive and struggle thus to do2 ,so eagerly they cling in ,venus' bonds1 ,whilst melt away their members1 overcome ,by violence of delight4 ,but when at last ,lust1 gathered in the thews1 hath spent itself1 ,there come a brief pause in the raging heat-- ,but then a madness just the same returns ,and that old fury visits them again1 ,when once again they seek and crave to reach ,they know not what1 all powerless to find ,the artifice to subjugate the bane4 ,in such uncertain state they waste away ,with unseen wound4 ,to which be added too1 ,they squander powers and with the travail wane2 ,be added too1 they spend their futile years ,under another's beck and call2 their duties ,neglected languish and their honest name ,reeleth sick1 sick2 and meantime their estates ,are lost in ,babylonian tapestries2 ,and unguents and dainty ,sicyonian shoes ,laugh on her feet2 and 7as ye may be sure7 ,big emeralds of green light are set in gold2 ,and rich sea-purple dress by constant wear ,grows shabby and all soaked with ,venus' sweat2 ,and the well-earned ancestral property ,becometh head-bands1 coifs1 and many a time ,the cloaks1 or garments ,alidensian ,or of the ,cean isle4 ,and banquets1 set ,with rarest cloth and viands1 are prepared-- ,and games of chance1 and many a drinking cup1 ,and unguents1 crowns and garlands4 ,all in vain1 ,since from amid the well-spring of delights ,bubbles some drop of bitter to torment ,among the very flowers--when haply mind ,gnaws into self1 now stricken with remorse ,for slothful years and ruin in baudels1 ,or else because she's left him all in doubt ,by launching some sly word1 which still like fire ,lives wildly1 cleaving to his eager heart2 ,or else because he thinks she darts her eyes ,too much about and gazes at another1-- ,and in her face sees traces of a laugh4 ,these ills are found in prospering love and true2 ,but in crossed love and helpless there be such ,as through shut eyelids thou canst still take in-- ,uncounted ills2 so that 'tis better far ,to watch beforehand1 in the way ,i've shown1 ,and guard against enticements4 ,for to shun ,a fall into the hunting-snares of love ,is not so hard1 as to get out again1 ,when tangled in the very nets1 and burst ,the stoutly-knotted cords of ,aphrodite4 ,yet even when there enmeshed with tangled feet1 ,still canst thou scape the danger-lest indeed ,thou standest in the way of thine own good1 ,and overlookest first all blemishes ,of mind and body of thy much preferred1 ,desirable dame4 ,for so men do1 ,eyeless with passion1 and assign to them ,graces not theirs in fact4 ,and thus we see ,creatures in many a wise crooked and ugly ,the prosperous sweethearts in a high esteem2 ,and lovers gird each other and advise ,to placate ,venus1 since their friends are smit ,with a base passion--miserable dupes ,who seldom mark their own worst bane of all4 ,the black-skinned girl is tawny like the honey2 ,the filthy and the fetid's negligee2 ,the cat-eyed she's a little ,pallas1 she2 ,the sinewy and wizened's a gazelle2 ,the pudgy and the pigmy is piquant1 ,one of the ,graces sure2 the big and bulky ,o she's an ,admiration1 imposante2 ,the stuttering and tongue-tied sweetly lisps2 ,the mute girl's modest2 and the garrulous1 ,the spiteful spit-fire1 is a sparkling wit2 ,and she who scarcely lives for scrawniness ,becomes a slender darling2 delicate ,is she who's nearly dead of coughing-fit2 ,the pursy female with protuberant breasts ,she is like ,ceres when the goddess gave ,young ,bacchus suck2 the pug-nosed lady-love ,a ,satyress1 a feminine ,silenus2 ,the blubber-lipped is all one luscious kiss-- ,a weary while it were to tell the whole4 ,but let her face possess what charm ye will1 ,let ,venus' glory rise from all her limbs1-- ,forsooth there still are others2 and forsooth ,we lived before without her2 and forsooth ,she does the same things--and we know she does-- ,all1 as the ugly creature1 and she scents1 ,yes she1 her wretched self with vile perfumes2 ,whom even her handmaids flee and giggle at ,behind her back4 ,but he1 the lover1 in tears ,because shut out1 covers her threshold o'er ,often with flowers and garlands1 and anoints ,her haughty door-posts with the marjoram1 ,and prints1 poor fellow1 kisses on the doors-- ,admitted at last1 if haply but one whiff ,got to him on approaching1 he would seek ,decent excuses to go out forthwith2 ,and his lament1 long pondered1 then would fall ,down at his heels2 and there he'd damn himself ,for his fatuity1 observing how ,he had assigned to that same lady more-- ,than it is proper to concede to mortals4 ,and these our ,venuses are 'ware of this4 ,wherefore the more are they at pains to hide ,all the-behind-the-scenes of life from those ,whom they desire to keep in bonds of love-- ,in vain1 since ne'ertheless thou canst by thought ,drag all the matter forth into the light ,and well search out the cause of all these smiles2 ,and if of graceful mind she be and kind1 ,do thou1 in thy turn1 overlook the same1 ,and thus allow for poor mortality4 ,nor sighs the woman always with feigned love1 ,who links her body round man's body locked ,and holds him fast1 making his kisses wet ,with lips sucked into lips2 for oft she acts ,even from desire1 and1 seeking mutual joys1 ,incites him there to run love's race-course through4 ,nor otherwise can cattle1 birds1 wild beasts1 ,and sheep and mares submit unto the males1 ,except that their own nature is in heat1 ,and burns abounding and with gladness takes ,once more the ,venus of the mounting males4 ,and seest thou not how those whom mutual pleasure ,hath bound are tortured in their common bonds8 ,how often in the cross-roads dogs that pant ,to get apart strain eagerly asunder ,with utmost might8--,when all the while they're fast ,in the stout links of ,venus4 ,but they'd ne'er ,so pull1 except they knew those mutual joys-- ,so powerful to cast them unto snares ,and hold them bound4 ,wherefore again1 again1 ,even as ,i say1 there is a joint delight4 ,and when perchance1 in mingling seed with his1 ,the female hath o'erpowered the force of male ,and by a sudden fling hath seized it fast1 ,then are the offspring1 more from mothers' seed1 ,more like their mothers2 as1 from fathers' seed1 ,they're like to fathers4 ,but whom seest to be ,partakers of each shape1 one equal blend ,of parents' features1 these are generate ,from fathers' body and from mothers' blood1 ,when mutual and harmonious heat hath dashed ,together seeds1 aroused along their frames ,by ,venus' goads1 and neither of the twain ,mastereth or is mastered4 ,happens too ,that sometimes offspring can to being come ,in likeness of their grandsires1 and bring back ,often the shapes of grandsires' sires1 because ,their parents in their bodies oft retain ,concealed many primal germs1 commixed ,in many modes1 which1 starting with the stock1 ,sire handeth down to son1 himself a sire2 ,whence ,venus by a variable chance ,engenders shapes1 and diversely brings back ,ancestral features1 voices too1 and hair4 ,a female generation rises forth ,from seed paternal1 and from mother's body ,exist created males3 since sex proceeds ,no more from singleness of seed than faces ,or bodies or limbs of ours3 for every birth ,is from a twofold seed2 and what's created ,hath1 of that parent which it is more like1 ,more than its equal share2 as thou canst mark1-- ,whether the breed be male or female stock4 ,nor do the powers divine grudge any man ,the fruits of his seed-sowing1 so that never ,he be called father by sweet children his1 ,and end his days in sterile love forever4 ,what many men suppose2 and gloomily ,they sprinkle the altars with abundant blood1 ,and make the high platforms odorous with burnt gifts1 ,to render big by plenteous seed their wives-- ,and plague in vain godheads and sacred lots4 ,for sterile are these men by seed too thick1 ,or else by far too watery and thin4 ,because the thin is powerless to cleave ,fast to the proper places1 straightaway ,it trickles from them1 and1 returned again1 ,retires abortively4 ,and then since seed ,more gross and solid than will suit is spent ,by some men1 either it flies not forth amain ,with spurt prolonged enough1 or else it fails ,to enter suitably the proper places1 ,or1 having entered1 the seed is weakly mixed ,with seed of the woman3 harmonies of ,venus ,are seen to matter vastly here2 and some ,impregnate some more readily1 and from some ,some women conceive more readily and become ,pregnant4 ,and many women1 sterile before ,in several marriage-beds1 have yet thereafter ,obtained the mates from whom they could conceive ,the baby-boys1 and with sweet progeny ,grow rich4 ,and even for husbands 7whose own wives1 ,although of fertile wombs1 have borne for them ,no babies in the house7 are also found ,concordant natures so that they at last ,can bulwark their old age with goodly sons4 ,a matter of great moment 'tis in truth1 ,that seeds may mingle readily with seeds ,suited for procreation1 and that thick ,should mix with fluid seeds1 with thick the fluid4 ,and in this business 'tis of some import ,upon what diet life is nourished3 ,for some foods thicken seeds within our members1 ,and others thin them out and waste away4 ,and in what modes the fond delight itself ,is carried on--this too importeth vastly4 ,for commonly 'tis thought that wives conceive ,more readily in manner of wild-beasts1 ,after the custom of the four-foot breeds1 ,because so postured1 with the breasts beneath ,and buttocks then upreared1 the seeds can take ,their proper places4 ,nor is need the least ,for wives to use the motions of blandishment2 ,for thus the woman hinders and resists ,her own conception1 if too joyously ,herself she treats the ,venus of the man ,with haunches heaving1 and with all her bosom ,now yielding like the billows of the sea-- ,aye1 from the ploughshare's even course and track ,she throws the furrow1 and from proper places ,deflects the spurt of seed4 ,and courtesans ,are thuswise wont to move for their own ends1 ,to keep from pregnancy and lying in1 ,and all the while to render ,venus more ,a pleasure for the men--the which meseems ,our wives have never need of4 ,sometimes too ,it happens--and through no divinity ,nor arrows of ,venus--that a sorry chit ,of scanty grace will be beloved by man2 ,for sometimes she herself by very deeds1 ,by her complying ways1 and tidy habits1 ,will easily accustom thee to pass ,with her thy life-time--and1 moreover1 lo1 ,long habitude can gender human love1 ,even as an object smitten o'er and o'er ,by blows1 however lightly1 yet at last ,is overcome and wavers4 ,seest thou not1 ,besides1 how drops of water falling down ,against the stones at last bore through the stones8 ,,book ,v ,,proem ,o ,,who can build with puissant breast a song ,worthy the majesty of these great finds8 ,or who in words so strong that he can frame ,the fit laudations for deserts of him ,who left us heritors of such vast prizes1 ,by his own breast discovered and sought out8-- ,there shall be none1 methinks1 of mortal stock4 ,for if must needs be named for him the name ,demanded by the now known majesty ,of these high matters1 then a god was he1-- ,hear me1 illustrious ,memmius--a god2 ,who first and chief found out that plan of life ,which now is called philosophy1 and who ,by cunning craft1 out of such mighty waves1 ,out of such mighty darkness1 moored life ,in havens so serene1 in light so clear4 ,compare those old discoveries divine ,of others3 lo1 according to the tale1 ,ceres established for mortality ,the grain1 and ,bacchus juice of vine-born grape1 ,though life might yet without these things abide1 ,even as report saith now some peoples live4 ,but man's well-being was impossible ,without a breast all free4 ,wherefore the more ,that man doth justly seem to us a god1 ,from whom sweet solaces of life1 afar ,distributed o'er populous domains1 ,now soothe the minds of men4 ,but if thou thinkest ,labours of ,hercules excel the same1 ,much farther from true reasoning thou farest4 ,for what could hurt us now that mighty maw ,of ,nemeaean ,lion1 or what the ,boar ,who bristled in ,arcadia8 ,or1 again1 ,o what could ,cretan ,bull1 or ,hydra1 pest ,of ,lerna1 fenced with vipers venomous8 ,or what the triple-breasted power of her ,the three-fold ,geryon444 ,the sojourners in the ,stymphalian fens ,so dreadfully offend us1 or the ,steeds ,of ,thracian ,diomedes breathing fire ,from out their nostrils off along the zones ,bistonian and ,ismarian8 ,and the ,snake1 ,the dread fierce gazer1 guardian of the golden ,and gleaming apples of the ,hesperides1 ,coiled round the tree-trunk with tremendous bulk1 ,o what1 again1 could he inflict on us ,along the ,atlantic shore and wastes of sea8-- ,where neither one of us approacheth nigh ,nor no barbarian ventures4 ,and the rest ,of all those monsters slain1 even if alive1 ,unconquered still1 what injury could they do8 ,none1 as ,i guess4 ,for so the glutted earth ,swarms even now with savage beasts1 even now ,is filled with anxious terrors through the woods ,and mighty mountains and the forest deeps-- ,quarters 'tis ours in general to avoid4 ,but lest the breast be purged1 what conflicts then1 ,what perils1 must bosom1 in our own despite6 ,o then how great and keen the cares of lust ,that split the man distraught6 ,how great the fears6 ,and lo1 the pride1 grim greed1 and wantonness-- ,how great the slaughters in their train6 and lo1 ,debaucheries and every breed of sloth6 ,therefore that man who subjugated these1 ,and from the mind expelled1 by words indeed1 ,not arms1 ,o shall it not be seemly him ,to dignify by ranking with the gods8-- ,and all the more since he was wont to give1 ,concerning the immortal gods themselves1 ,many pronouncements with a tongue divine1 ,and to unfold by his pronouncements all ,the nature of the world4 ,,argument ,,of ,,the ,,book ,,and ,,new ,,proem ,,against ,a ,,teleological ,,concept ,and walking now ,in his own footprints1 ,i do follow through ,his reasonings1 and with pronouncements teach ,the covenant whereby all things are framed1 ,how under that covenant they must abide ,nor ever prevail to abrogate the aeons' ,inexorable decrees1--how 7as we've found71 ,in class of mortal objects1 o'er all else1 ,the mind exists of earth-born frame create ,and impotent unscathed to abide ,across the mighty aeons1 and how come ,in sleep those idol-apparitions1 ,that so befool intelligence when we ,do seem to view a man whom life has left4 ,thus far we've gone2 the order of my plan ,hath brought me now unto the point where ,i ,must make report how1 too1 the universe ,consists of mortal body1 born in time1 ,and in what modes that congregated stuff ,established itself as earth and sky1 ,ocean1 and stars1 and sun1 and ball of moon2 ,and then what living creatures rose from out ,the old telluric places1 and what ones ,were never born at all2 and in what mode ,the human race began to name its things ,and use the varied speech from man to man2 ,and in what modes hath bosomed in their breasts ,that awe of gods1 which halloweth in all lands ,fanes1 altars1 groves1 lakes1 idols of the gods4 ,also ,i shall untangle by what power ,the steersman nature guides the sun's courses1 ,and the meanderings of the moon1 lest we1 ,percase1 should fancy that of own free will ,they circle their perennial courses round1 ,timing their motions for increase of crops ,and living creatures1 or lest we should think ,they roll along by any plan of gods4 ,for even those men who have learned full well ,that godheads lead a long life free of care1 ,if yet meanwhile they wonder by what plan ,things can go on 7and chiefly yon high things ,observed o'erhead on the ethereal coasts71 ,again are hurried back unto the fears ,of old religion and adopt again ,harsh masters1 deemed almighty1--wretched men1 ,unwitting what can be and what cannot1 ,and by what law to each its scope prescribed1 ,its boundary stone that clings so deep in ,time4 ,but for the rest1--lest we delay thee here ,longer by empty promises--behold1 ,before all else1 the seas1 the lands1 the sky3 ,o ,memmius1 their threefold nature1 lo1 ,their bodies three1 three aspects so unlike1 ,three frames so vast1 a single day shall give ,unto annihilation6 ,then shall crash ,that massive form and fabric of the world ,sustained so many aeons6 ,nor do ,i ,fail to perceive how strange and marvellous ,this fact must strike the intellect of man1-- ,annihilation of the sky and earth ,that is to be1--and with what toil of words ',tis mine to prove the same2 as happens oft ,when once ye offer to man's listening ears ,something before unheard of1 but may not ,subject it to the view of eyes for him ,nor put it into hand--the sight and touch1 ,whereby the opened highways of belief ,lead most directly into human breast ,and regions of intelligence4 ,but yet ,i will speak out4 ,the fact itself1 perchance1 ,will force belief in these my words1 and thou ,mayst see1 in little time1 tremendously ,with risen commotions of the lands all things ,quaking to pieces--which afar from us ,may she1 the steersman ,nature1 guide3 and may ,reason1 ,o rather than the fact itself1 ,persuade us that all things can be o'erthrown ,and sink with awful-sounding breakage down6 ,but ere on this ,i take a step to utter ,oracles holier and soundlier based ,than ever the ,pythian pronounced for men ,from out the tripod and the ,delphian laurel1 ,i will unfold for thee with learned words ,many a consolation1 lest perchance1 ,still bridled by religion1 thou suppose ,lands1 sun1 and sky1 sea1 constellations1 moon1 ,must dure forever1 as of frame divine-- ,and so conclude that it is just that those1 7,after the manner of the ,giants71 should all ,pay the huge penalties for monstrous crime1 ,who by their reasonings do overshake ,the ramparts of the universe and wish ,there to put out the splendid sun of heaven1 ,branding with mortal talk immortal things-- ,though these same things are even so far removed ,from any touch of deity and seem ,so far unworthy of numbering with the gods1 ,that well they may be thought to furnish rather ,a goodly instance of the sort of things ,that lack the living motion1 living sense4 ,for sure 'tis quite beside the mark to think ,that judgment and the nature of the mind ,in any kind of body can exist-- ,just as in ether can't exist a tree1 ,nor clouds in the salt sea1 nor in the fields ,can fishes live1 nor blood in timber be1 ,nor sap in boulders3 fixed and arranged ,where everything may grow and have its place4 ,thus nature of mind cannot arise alone ,without the body1 nor have its being far ,from thews and blood4 ,yet if 'twere possible8-- ,much rather might this very power of mind ,be in the head1 the shoulders1 or the heels1 ,and1 born in any part soever1 yet ,in the same man1 in the same vessel abide ,but since within this body even of ours ,stands fixed and appears arranged sure ,where soul and mind can each exist and grow1 ,deny we must the more that they can dure ,outside the body and the breathing form ,in rotting clods of earth1 in the sun's fire1 ,in water1 or in ether's skiey coasts4 ,therefore these things no whit are furnished ,with sense divine1 since never can they be ,with life-force quickened4 ,likewise1 thou canst ne'er ,believe the sacred seats of gods are here ,in any regions of this mundane world2 ,indeed1 the nature of the gods1 so subtle1 ,so far removed from these our senses1 scarce ,is seen even by intelligence of mind4 ,and since they've ever eluded touch and thrust ,of human hands1 they cannot reach to grasp ,aught tangible to us4 ,for what may not ,itself be touched in turn can never touch4 ,wherefore1 besides1 also their seats must be ,unlike these seats of ours1--even subtle too1 ,as meet for subtle essence--as ,i'll prove ,hereafter unto thee with large discourse4 ,further1 to say that for the sake of men ,they willed to prepare this world's magnificence1 ,and that 'tis therefore duty and behoof ,to praise the work of gods as worthy praise1 ,and that 'tis sacrilege for men to shake ,ever by any force from out their seats ,what hath been stablished by the ,forethought old ,to everlasting for races of mankind1 ,and that 'tis sacrilege to assault by words ,and overtopple all from base to beam1-- ,memmius1 such notions to concoct and pile1 ,is verily--to dote4 ,our gratefulness1 ,o what emoluments could it confer ,upon ,immortals and upon the ,blessed ,that they should take a step to manage aught ,for sake of us8 ,or what new factor could1 ,after so long a time1 inveigle them-- ,the hitherto reposeful--to desire ,to change their former life8 ,for rather he ,whom old things chafe seems likely to rejoice ,at new2 but one that in fore-passed time ,hath chanced upon no ill1 through goodly years1 ,o what could ever enkindle in such an one ,passion for strange experiment8 ,or what ,the evil for us1 if we had ne'er been born8-- ,as though1 forsooth1 in darkling realms and woe ,our life were lying till should dawn at last ,the day-spring of creation6 ,whosoever ,hath been begotten wills perforce to stay ,in life1 so long as fond delight detains2 ,but whoso ne'er hath tasted love of life1 ,and ne'er was in the count of living things1 ,what hurts it him that he was never born8 ,whence1 further1 first was planted in the gods ,the archetype for gendering the world ,and the fore-notion of what man is like1 ,so that they knew and pre-conceived with mind ,just what they wished to make8 ,or how were known ,ever the energies of primal germs1 ,and what those germs1 by interchange of place1 ,could thus produce1 if nature's self had not ,given example for creating all8 ,for in such wise primordials of things1 ,many in many modes1 astir by blows ,from immemorial aeons1 in motion too ,by their own weights1 have evermore been wont ,to be so borne along and in all modes ,to meet together and to try all sorts ,which1 by combining one with other1 they ,are powerful to create1 that thus it is ,no marvel now1 if they have also fallen ,into arrangements such1 and if they've passed ,into vibrations such1 as those whereby ,this sum of things is carried on to-day ,by fixed renewal4 ,but knew ,i never what ,the seeds primordial were1 yet would ,i dare ,this to affirm1 even from deep judgments based ,upon the ways and conduct of the skies-- ,this to maintain by many a fact besides-- ,that in no wise the nature of all things ,for us was fashioned by a power divine-- ,so great the faults it stands encumbered with4 ,first1 mark all regions which are overarched ,by the prodigious reaches of the sky3 ,one yawning part thereof the mountain-chains ,and forests of the beasts do have and hold2 ,and cliffs1 and desert fens1 and wastes of sea 7,which sunder afar the beaches of the lands7 ,possess it merely2 and1 again1 thereof ,well-nigh two-thirds intolerable heat ,and a perpetual fall of frost doth rob ,from mortal kind4 ,and what is left to till1 ,even that the force of nature would o'errun ,with brambles1 did not human force oppose1-- ,long wont for livelihood to groan and sweat ,over the two-pronged mattock and to cleave ,the soil in twain by pressing on the plough4 9999999999 ,unless1 by the ploughshare turning the fruitful clods ,and kneading the mould1 we quicken into birth1 ,the crops spontaneously could not come up ,into the free bright air4 ,even then sometimes1 ,when things acquired by the sternest toil ,are now in leaf1 are now in blossom all1 ,either the skiey sun with baneful heats ,parches1 or sudden rains or chilling rime ,destroys1 or flaws of winds with furious whirl ,torment and twist4 ,beside these matters1 why ,doth nature feed and foster on land and sea ,the dreadful breed of savage beasts1 the foes ,of the human clan8 ,why do the seasons bring ,distempers with them8 ,wherefore stalks at large ,death1 so untimely8 ,then1 again1 the babe1 ,like to the castaway of the raging surf1 ,lies naked on the ground1 speechless1 in want ,of every help for life1 when nature first ,hath poured him forth upon the shores of light ,with birth-pangs from within the mother's womb1 ,and with a plaintive wail he fills the place1-- ,as well befitting one for whom remains ,in life a journey through so many ills4 ,but all the flocks and herds and all wild beasts ,come forth and grow1 nor need the little rattles1 ,nor must be treated to the humouring nurse's ,dear1 broken chatter2 nor seek they divers clothes ,to suit the changing skies2 nor need1 in fine1 ,nor arms1 nor lofty ramparts1 wherewithal ,their own to guard--because the earth herself ,and nature1 artificer of the world1 bring forth ,aboundingly all things for all4 ,,the ,,world ,,is ,,not ,,eternal ,and first1 ,since body of earth and water1 air's light breath1 ,and fiery exhalations 7of which four ,this sum of things is seen to be compact7 ,so all have birth and perishable frame1 ,thus the whole nature of the world itself ,must be conceived as perishable too4 ,for1 verily1 those things of which we see ,the parts and members to have birth in time ,and perishable shapes1 those same we mark ,to be invariably born in time ,and born to die4 ,and therefore when ,i see ,the mightiest members and the parts of this ,our world consumed and begot again1 ',tis mine to know that also sky above ,and earth beneath began of old in time ,and shall in time go under to disaster4 ,and lest in these affairs thou deemest me ,to have seized upon this point by sleight to serve ,my own caprice--because ,i have assumed ,that earth and fire are mortal things indeed1 ,and have not doubted water and the air ,both perish too and have affirmed the same ,to be again begotten and wax big-- ,mark well the argument3 in first place1 lo1 ,some certain parts of earth1 grievously parched ,by unremitting suns1 and trampled on ,by a vast throng of feet1 exhale abroad ,a powdery haze and flying clouds of dust1 ,which the stout winds disperse in the whole air4 ,a part1 moreover1 of her sod and soil ,is summoned to inundation by the rains2 ,and rivers graze and gouge the banks away4 ,besides1 whatever takes a part its own ,in fostering and increasing aught444 9999999999 ,is rendered back2 and since1 beyond a doubt1 ,earth1 the all-mother1 is beheld to be ,likewise the common sepulchre of things1 ,therefore thou seest her minished of her plenty1 ,and then again augmented with new growth4 ,and for the rest1 that sea1 and streams1 and springs ,forever with new waters overflow1 ,and that perennially the fluids well1 ,needeth no words--the mighty flux itself ,of multitudinous waters round about ,declareth this4 ,but whatso water first ,streams up is ever straightway carried off1 ,and thus it comes to pass that all in all ,there is no overflow2 in part because ,the burly winds 7that over-sweep amain7 ,and skiey sun 7that with his rays dissolves7 ,do minish the level seas2 in part because ,the water is diffused underground ,through all the lands4 ,the brine is filtered off1 ,and then the liquid stuff seeps back again ,and all regathers at the river-heads1 ,whence in fresh-water currents on it flows ,over the lands1 adown the channels which ,were cleft erstwhile and erstwhile bore along ,the liquid-footed floods4 ,now1 then1 of air ,i'll speak1 which hour by hour in all its body ,is changed innumerably4 ,for whatso'er ,streams up in dust or vapour off of things1 ,the same is all and always borne along ,into the mighty ocean of the air2 ,and did not air in turn restore to things ,bodies1 and thus recruit them as they stream1 ,all things by this time had resolved been ,and changed into air4 ,therefore it never ,ceases to be engendered off of things ,and to return to things1 since verily ,in constant flux do all things stream4 ,likewise1 ,the abounding well-spring of the liquid light1 ,the ethereal sun1 doth flood the heaven o'er ,with constant flux of radiance ever new1 ,and with fresh light supplies the place of light1 ,upon the instant4 ,for whatever effulgence ,hath first streamed off1 no matter where it falls1 ,is lost unto the sun4 ,and this 'tis thine ,to know from these examples3 soon as clouds ,have first begun to under-pass the sun1 ,and1 as it were1 to rend the rays of light ,in twain1 at once the lower part of them ,is lost entire1 and earth is overcast ,where'er the thunderheads are rolled along-- ,so know thou mayst that things forever need ,a fresh replenishment of gleam and glow1 ,and each effulgence1 foremost flashed forth1 ,perisheth one by one4 ,nor otherwise ,can things be seen in sunlight1 lest alway ,the fountain-head of light supply new light4 ,indeed your earthly beacons of the night1 ,the hanging lampions and the torches1 bright ,with darting gleams and dense with livid soot1 ,do hurry in like manner to supply ,with ministering heat new light amain2 ,are all alive to quiver with their fires1-- ,are so alive1 that thus the light ne'er leaves ,the spots it shines on1 as if rent in twain3 ,so speedily is its destruction veiled ,by the swift birth of flame from all the fires4 ,thus1 then1 we must suppose that sun and moon ,and stars dart forth their light from under-births ,ever and ever new1 and whatso flames ,first rise do perish always one by one-- ,lest1 haply1 thou shouldst think they each endure ,inviolable4 ,again1 perceivest not ,how stones are also conquered by ,time8-- ,not how the lofty towers ruin down1 ,and boulders crumble8--,not how shrines of gods ,and idols crack outworn8--,nor how indeed ,the holy ,influence hath yet no power ,there to postpone the ,terminals of ,fate1 ,or headway make 'gainst ,nature's fixed decrees8 ,again1 behold we not the monuments ,of heroes1 now in ruins1 asking us1 ,in their turn likewise1 if we don't believe ,they also age with eld8 ,behold we not ,the rended basalt ruining amain ,down from the lofty mountains1 powerless ,to dure and dree the mighty forces there ,of finite time8--for they would never fall ,rended asudden1 if from infinite ,past ,they had prevailed against all engin'ries ,of the assaulting aeons1 with no crash4 ,again1 now look at ,this1 which round1 above1 ,contains the whole earth in its one embrace3 ,if from itself it procreates all things-- ,as some men tell--and takes them to itself ,when once destroyed1 entirely must it be ,of mortal birth and body2 for whate'er ,from out itself giveth to other things ,increase and food1 the same perforce must be ,minished1 and then recruited when it takes ,things back into itself4 ,besides all this1 ,if there had been no origin-in-birth ,of lands and sky1 and they had ever been ,the everlasting1 why1 ere ,theban war ,and obsequies of ,troy1 have other bards ,not also chanted other high affairs8 ,whither have sunk so oft so many deeds ,of heroes8 ,why do those deeds live no more1 ,ingrafted in eternal monuments ,of glory8 ,verily1 ,i guess1 because ,the ,sum is new1 and of a recent date ,the nature of our universe1 and had ,not long ago its own exordium4 ,wherefore1 even now some arts are being still ,refined1 still increased3 now unto ships ,is being added many a new device2 ,and but the other day musician-folk ,gave birth to melic sounds of organing2 ,and1 then1 this nature1 this account of things ,hath been discovered latterly1 and ,i ,myself have been discovered only now1 ,as first among the first1 able to turn ,the same into ancestral ,roman speech4 ,yet if1 percase1 thou deemest that ere this ,existed all things even the same1 but that ,perished the cycles of the human race ,in fiery exhalations1 or cities fell ,by some tremendous quaking of the world1 ,or rivers in fury1 after constant rains1 ,had plunged forth across the lands of earth ,and whelmed the towns--then1 all the more must thou ,confess1 defeated by the argument1 ,that there shall be annihilation too ,of lands and sky4 ,for at a time when things ,were being taxed by maladies so great1 ,and so great perils1 if some cause more fell ,had then assailed them1 far and wide they would ,have gone to disaster and supreme collapse4 ,and by no other reasoning are we ,seen to be mortal1 save that all of us ,sicken in turn with those same maladies ,with which have sickened in the past those men ,whom nature hath removed from life4 9999999999 gain1 ,whatever abides eternal must indeed ,either repel all strokes1 because 'tis made ,of solid body1 and permit no entrance ,of aught with power to sunder from within ,the parts compact--as are those seeds of stuff ,whose nature we've exhibited before2 ,or else be able to endure through time ,for this3 because they are from blows exempt1 ,as is the void1 the which abides untouched1 ,unsmit by any stroke2 or else because ,there is no room around1 whereto things can1 ,as 'twere1 depart in dissolution all1-- ,even as the sum of sums eternal is1 ,without or place beyond whereto things may ,asunder fly1 or bodies which can smite1 ,and thus dissolve them by the blows of might4 ,but not of solid body1 as ,i've shown1 ,exists the nature of the world1 because ,in things is intermingled there a void2 ,nor is the world yet as the void1 nor are1 ,moreover1 bodies lacking which1 percase1 ,rising from out the infinite1 can fell ,with fury-whirlwinds all this sum of things1 ,or bring upon them other cataclysm ,of peril strange2 and yonder1 too1 abides ,the infinite space and the profound abyss-- ,whereinto1 lo1 the ramparts of the world ,can yet be shivered4 ,or some other power ,can pound upon them till they perish all4 ,thus is the door of doom1 ,o nowise barred ,against the sky1 against the sun and earth ,and deep-sea waters1 but wide open stands ,and gloats upon them1 monstrous and agape4 ,wherefore1 again1 'tis needful to confess ,that these same things are born in time2 for things ,which are of mortal body could indeed ,never from infinite past until to-day ,have spurned the multitudinous assaults ,of the immeasurable aeons old4 ,again1 since battle so fiercely one with other ,the four most mighty members the world1 ,aroused in an all unholy war1 ,seest not that there may be for them an end ,of the long strife8--,or when the skiey sun ,and all the heat have won dominion o'er ,the sucked-up waters all8--,and this they try ,still to accomplish1 though as yet they fail1-- ,for so aboundingly the streams supply ,new store of waters that 'tis rather they ,who menace the world with inundations vast ,from forth the unplumbed chasms of the sea4 ,but vain--since winds 7that over-sweep amain7 ,and skiey sun 7that with his rays dissolves7 ,do minish the level seas and trust their power ,to dry up all1 before the waters can ,arrive at the end of their endeavouring4 ,breathing such vasty warfare1 they contend ,in balanced strife the one with other still ,concerning mighty issues1--though indeed ,the fire was once the more victorious1 ,and once--as goes the tale--the water won ,a kingdom in the fields4 ,for fire o'ermastered ,and licked up many things and burnt away1 ,what time the impetuous horses of the ,sun ,snatched ,phaethon headlong from his skiey road ,down the whole ether and over all the lands4 ,but the omnipotent ,father in keen wrath ,then with the sudden smite of thunderbolt ,did hurl the mighty-minded hero off ,those horses to the earth4 ,and ,sol1 his sire1 ,meeting him as he fell1 caught up in hand ,the ever-blazing lampion of the world1 ,and drave together the pell-mell horses there ,and yoked them all a-tremble1 and amain1 ,steering them over along their own old road1 ,restored the cosmos1--as forsooth we hear ,from songs of ancient poets of the ,greeks-- ,a tale too far away from truth1 meseems4 ,for fire can win when from the infinite ,has risen a larger throng of particles ,of fiery stuff2 and then its powers succumb1 ,somehow subdued again1 or else at last ,it shrivels in torrid atmospheres the world4 ,and whilom water too began to win-- ,as goes the story--when it overwhelmed ,the lives of men with billows2 and thereafter1 ,when all that force of water-stuff which forth ,from out the infinite had risen up ,did now retire1 as somehow turned aside1 ,the rain-storms stopped1 and streams their fury checked4 ,,formation ,,of ,,the ,,world ,,and ,,astronomical ,,questions ,but in what modes that conflux of first-stuff ,did found the multitudinous universe ,of earth1 and sky1 and the unfathomed deeps ,of ocean1 and courses of the sun and moon1 ,i'll now in order tell4 ,for of a truth ,neither by counsel did the primal germs ',stablish themselves1 as by keen act of mind1 ,each in its proper place2 nor did they make1 ,forsooth1 a compact how each germ should move2 ,but1 lo1 because primordials of things1 ,many in many modes1 astir by blows ,from immemorial aeons1 in motion too ,by their own weights1 have evermore been wont ,to be so borne along and in all modes ,to meet together and to try all sorts ,which1 by combining one with other1 they ,are powerful to create3 because of this ,it comes to pass that those primordials1 ,diffused far and wide through mighty aeons1 ,the while they unions try1 and motions too1 ,of every kind1 meet at the last amain1 ,and so become oft the commencements fit ,of mighty things--earth1 sea1 and sky1 and race ,of living creatures4 ,in that long-ago ,the wheel of the sun could nowhere be discerned ,flying far up with its abounding blaze1 ,nor constellations of the mighty world1 ,nor ocean1 nor heaven1 nor even earth nor air4 ,nor aught of things like unto things of ours ,could then be seen--but only some strange storm ,and a prodigious hurly-burly mass ,compounded of all kinds of primal germs1 ,whose battling discords in disorder kept ,interstices1 and paths1 coherencies1 ,and weights1 and blows1 encounterings1 and motions1 ,because1 by reason of their forms unlike ,and varied shapes1 they could not all thuswise ,remain conjoined nor harmoniously ,have interplay of movements4 ,but from there ,portions began to fly asunder1 and like ,with like to join1 and to block out a world1 ,and to divide its members and dispose ,its mightier parts--that is1 to set secure ,the lofty heavens from the lands1 and cause ,the sea to spread with waters separate1 ,and fires of ether separate and pure ,likewise to congregate apart4 ,for1 lo1 ,first came together the earthy particles 7,as being heavy and intertangled7 there ,in the mid-region1 and all began to take ,the lowest abodes2 and ever the more they got ,one with another intertangled1 the more ,they pressed from out their mass those particles ,which were to form the sea1 the stars1 the sun1 ,and moon1 and ramparts of the mighty world-- ,for these consist of seeds more smooth and round ,and of much smaller elements than earth4 ,and thus it was that ether1 fraught with fire1 ,first broke away from out the earthen parts1 ,athrough the innumerable pores of earth1 ,and raised itself aloft1 and with itself ,bore lightly off the many starry fires2 ,and not far otherwise we often see 9999999999 ,and the still lakes and the perennial streams ,exhale a mist1 and even as earth herself ,is seen at times to smoke1 when first at dawn ,the light of the sun1 the many-rayed1 begins ,to redden into gold1 over the grass ,begemmed with dew4 ,when all of these are brought ,together overhead1 the clouds on high ,with now concreted body weave a cover ,beneath the heavens4 ,and thuswise ether too1 ,light and diffusive1 with concreted body ,on all sides spread1 on all sides bent itself ,into a dome1 and1 far and wide diffused ,on unto every region on all sides1 ,thus hedged all else within its greedy clasp4 ,hard upon ether came the origins ,of sun and moon1 whose globes revolve in air ,midway between the earth and mightiest ether1-- ,for neither took them1 since they weighed too little ,to sink and settle1 but too much to glide ,along the upmost shores2 and yet they are ,in such a wise midway between the twain ,as ever to whirl their living bodies round1 ,and ever to dure as parts of the wide ,whole2 ,in the same fashion as certain members may ,in us remain at rest1 whilst others move4 ,when1 then1 these substances had been withdrawn1 ,amain the earth1 where now extend the vast ,cerulean zones of all the level seas1 ,caved in1 and down along the hollows poured ,the whirlpools of her brine2 and day by day ,the more the tides of ether and rays of sun ,on every side constrained into one mass ,the earth by lashing it again1 again1 ,upon its outer edges 7so that then1 ,being thus beat upon1 'twas all condensed ,about its proper centre71 ever the more ,the salty sweat1 from out its body squeezed1 ,augmented ocean and the fields of foam ,by seeping through its frame1 and all the more ,those many particles of heat and air ,escaping1 began to fly aloft1 and form1 ,by condensation there afar from earth1 ,the high refulgent circuits of the heavens4 ,the plains began to sink1 and windy slopes ,of the high mountains to increase2 for rocks ,could not subside1 nor all the parts of ground ,settle alike to one same level there4 ,thus1 then1 the massy weight of earth stood firm ,with now concreted body1 when 7as 'twere7 ,all of the slime of the world1 heavy and gross1 ,had run together and settled at the bottom1 ,like lees or bilge4 ,then ocean1 then the air1 ,then ether herself1 the fraught-with-fire1 were all ,left with their liquid bodies pure and free1 ,and each more lighter than the next below2 ,and ether1 most light and liquid of the three1 ,floats on above the long aerial winds1 ,nor with the brawling of the winds of air ,mingles its liquid body4 ,it doth leave ,all there--those under-realms below her heights-- ,there to be overset in whirlwinds wild1-- ,doth leave all there to brawl in wayward gusts1 ,whilst1 gliding with a fixed impulse still1 ,itself it bears its fires along4 ,for1 lo1 ,that ether can flow thus steadily on1 on1 ,with one unaltered urge1 the ,pontus proves-- ,that sea which floweth forth with fixed tides1 ,keeping one onward tenor as it glides4 ,and that the earth may there abide at rest ,in the mid-region of the world1 it needs ,must vanish bit by bit in weight and lessen1 ,and have another substance underneath1 ,conjoined to it from its earliest age ,in linked unison with the vasty world's ,realms of the air in which it roots and lives4 ,on this account1 the earth is not a load1 ,nor presses down on winds of air beneath2 ,even as unto a man his members be ,without all weight--the head is not a load ,unto the neck2 nor do we feel the whole ,weight of the body to centre in the feet4 ,but whatso weights come on us from without1 ,weights laid upon us1 these harass and chafe1 ,though often far lighter4 ,for to such degree ,it matters always what the innate powers ,of any given thing may be4 ,the earth ,was1 then1 no alien substance fetched amain1 ,and from no alien firmament cast down ,on alien air2 but was conceived1 like air1 ,in the first origin of this the world1 ,as a fixed portion of the same1 as now ,our members are seen to be a part of us4 ,besides1 the earth1 when of a sudden shook ,by the big thunder1 doth with her motion shake ,all that's above her--which she ne'er could do ,by any means1 were earth not bounden fast ,unto the great world's realms of air and sky3 ,for they cohere together with common roots1 ,conjoined both1 even from their earliest age1 ,in linked unison4 ,aye1 seest thou not ,that this most subtle energy of soul ,supports our body1 though so heavy a weight1-- ,because1 indeed1 'tis with it so conjoined ,in linked unison8 ,what power1 in sum1 ,can raise with agile leap our body aloft1 ,save energy of mind which steers the limbs8 ,now seest thou not how powerful may be ,a subtle nature1 when conjoined it is ,with heavy body1 as air is with the earth ,conjoined1 and energy of mind with us8 ,now let us sing what makes the stars to move4 ,in first place1 if the mighty sphere of heaven ,revolveth round1 then needs we must aver ,that on the upper and the under pole ,presses a certain air1 and from without ,confines them and encloseth at each end2 ,and that1 moreover1 another air above ,streams on athwart the top of the sphere and tends ,in same direction as are rolled along ,the glittering stars of the eternal world2 ,or that another still streams on below ,to whirl the sphere from under up and on ,in opposite direction--as we see ,the rivers turn the wheels and water-scoops4 ,it may be also that the heavens do all ,remain at rest1 whilst yet are borne along ,the lucid constellations2 either because ,swift tides of ether are by sky enclosed1 ,and whirl around1 seeking a passage out1 ,and everywhere make roll the starry fires ,through the ,summanian regions of the sky2 ,or else because some air1 streaming along ,from an eternal quarter off beyond1 ,whileth the driven fires1 or1 then1 because ,the fires themselves have power to creep along1 ,going wherever their food invites and calls1 ,and feeding their flaming bodies everywhere ,throughout the sky4 ,yet which of these is cause ,in this our world 'tis hard to say for sure2 ,but what can be throughout the universe1 ,in divers worlds on divers plan create1 ,this only do ,i show1 and follow on ,to assign unto the motions of the stars ,even several causes which 'tis possible ,exist throughout the universal ,all2 ,of which yet one must be the cause even here ,which maketh motion for our constellations4 ,yet to decide which one of them it be ,is not the least the business of a man ,advancing step by cautious step1 as ,i4 ,nor can the sun's wheel larger be by much ,nor its own blaze much less than either seems ,unto our senses4 ,for from whatso spaces ,fires have the power on us to cast their beams ,and blow their scorching exhalations forth ,against our members1 those same distances ,take nothing by those intervals away ,from bulk of flames2 and to the sight the fire ,is nothing shrunken4 ,therefore1 since the heat ,and the outpoured light of skiey sun ,arrive our senses and caress our limbs1 ,form too and bigness of the sun must look ,even here from earth just as they really be1 ,so that thou canst scarce nothing take or add4 ,and whether the journeying moon illuminate ,the regions round with bastard beams1 or throw ,from off her proper body her own light1-- ,whichever it be1 she journeys with a form ,naught larger than the form doth seem to be ,which we with eyes of ours perceive4 ,for all ,the far removed objects of our gaze ,seem through much air confused in their look ,ere minished in their bigness4 ,wherefore1 moon1 ,since she presents bright look and clear-cut form1 ,may there on high by us on earth be seen ,just as she is with extreme bounds defined1 ,and just of the size4 ,and lastly1 whatso fires ,of ether thou from earth beholdest1 these ,thou mayst consider as possibly of size ,the least bit less1 or larger by a hair ,than they appear--since whatso fires we view ,here in the lands of earth are seen to change ,from time to time their size to less or more ,only the least1 when more or less away1 ,so long as still they bicker clear1 and still ,their glow's perceived4 ,nor need there be for men ,astonishment that yonder sun so small ,can yet send forth so great a light as fills ,oceans and all the lands and sky aflood1 ,and with its fiery exhalations steeps ,the world at large4 ,for it may be1 indeed1 ,that one vast-flowing well-spring of the whole ,wide world from here hath opened and out-gushed1 ,and shot its light abroad2 because thuswise ,the elements of fiery exhalations ,from all the world around together come1 ,and thuswise flow into a bulk so big ,that from one single fountain-head may stream ,this heat and light4 ,and seest thou not1 indeed1 ,how widely one small water-spring may wet ,the meadow-lands at times and flood the fields8 ',tis even possible1 besides1 that heat ,from forth the sun's own fire1 albeit that fire ,be not a great1 may permeate the air ,with the fierce hot--if but1 perchance1 the air ,be of condition and so tempered then ,as to be kindled1 even when beat upon ,only by little particles of heat-- ,just as we sometimes see the standing grain ,or stubble straw in conflagration all ,from one lone spark4 ,and possibly the sun1 ,agleam on high with rosy lampion1 ,possesses about him with invisible heats ,a plenteous fire1 by no effulgence marked1 ,so that he maketh1 he1 the ,fraught-with-fire1 ,increase to such degree the force of rays4 ,nor is there one sure cause revealed to men ,how the sun journeys from his summer haunts ,on to the mid-most winter turning-points ,in ,capricorn1 the thence reverting veers ,back to solstitial goals of ,cancer2 nor ,how 'tis the moon is seen each month to cross ,that very distance which in traversing ,the sun consumes the measure of a year4 ,i say1 no one clear reason hath been given ,for these affairs4 ,yet chief in likelihood ,seemeth the doctrine which the holy thought ,of great ,democritus lays down3 that ever ,the nearer the constellations be to earth ,the less can they by whirling of the sky ,be borne along1 because those skiey powers ,of speed aloft do vanish and decrease ,in under-regions1 and the sun is thus ,left by degrees behind amongst those signs ,that follow after1 since the sun he lies ,far down below the starry signs that blaze2 ,and the moon lags even tardier than the sun3 ,in just so far as is her course removed ,from upper heaven and nigh unto the lands1 ,in just so far she fails to keep the pace ,with starry signs above2 for just so far ,as feebler is the whirl that bears her on1 7,being1 indeed1 still lower than the sun71 ,in just so far do all the starry signs1 ,circling around1 o'ertake her and o'erpass4 ,therefore it happens that the moon appears ,more swiftly to return to any sign ,along the ,zodiac1 than doth the sun1 ,because those signs do visit her again ,more swiftly than they visit the great sun4 ,it can be also that two streams of air ,alternately at fixed periods ,blow out from transverse regions of the world1 ,of which the one may thrust the sun away ,from summer-signs to mid-most winter goals ,and rigors of the cold1 and the other then ,may cast him back from icy shades of chill ,even to the heat-fraught regions and the signs ,that blaze along the ,zodiac4 ,so1 too1 ,we must suppose the moon and all the stars1 ,which through the mighty and sidereal years ,roll round in mighty orbits1 may be sped ,by streams of air from regions alternate4 ,seest thou not also how the clouds be sped ,by contrary winds to regions contrary1 ,the lower clouds diversely from the upper8 ,then1 why may yonder stars in ether there ,along their mighty orbits not be borne ,by currents opposite the one to other8 ,but night o'erwhelms the lands with vasty murk ,either when sun1 after his diurnal course1 ,hath walked the ultimate regions of the sky ,and wearily hath panted forth his fires1 ,shivered by their long journeying and wasted ,by traversing the multitudinous air1 ,or else because the self-same force that drave ,his orb along above the lands compels ,him then to turn his course beneath the lands4 ,matuta also at a fixed hour ,spreadeth the roseate morning out along ,the coasts of heaven and deploys the light1 ,either because the self-same sun1 returning ,under the lands1 aspires to seize the sky1 ,striving to set it blazing with his rays ,ere he himself appear1 or else because ,fires then will congregate and many seeds ,of heat are wont1 even at a fixed time1 ,to stream together--gendering evermore ,new suns and light4 ,just so the story goes ,that from the ,idaean mountain-tops are seen ,dispersed fires upon the break of day ,which thence combine1 as 'twere1 into one ball ,and form an orb4 ,nor yet in these affairs ,is aught for wonder that these seeds of fire ,can thus together stream at time so fixed ,and shape anew the splendour of the sun4 ,for many facts we see which come to pass ,at fixed time in all things3 burgeon shrubs ,at fixed time1 and at a fixed time ,they cast their flowers2 and ,eld commands the teeth1 ,at time as surely fixed1 to drop away1 ,and ,youth commands the growing boy to bloom ,with the soft down and let from both his cheeks ,the soft beard fall4 ,and lastly1 thunder-bolts1 ,snow1 rains1 clouds1 winds1 at seasons of the year ,nowise unfixed1 all do come to pass4 ,for where1 even from their old primordial start ,causes have ever worked in such a way1 ,and where1 even from the world's first origin1 ,thuswise have things befallen1 so even now ,after a fixed order they come round ,in sequence also4 ,likewise1 days may wax ,whilst the nights wane1 and daylight minished be ,whilst nights do take their augmentations1 ,either because the self-same sun1 coursing ,under the lands and over in two arcs1 ,a longer and a briefer1 doth dispart ,the coasts of ether and divides in twain ,his orbit all unequally1 and adds1 ,as round he's borne1 unto the one half there ,as much as from the other half he's ta'en1 ,until he then arrives that sign of heaven ,where the year's node renders the shades of night ,equal unto the periods of light4 ,for when the sun is midway on his course ,between the blasts of northwind and of south1 ,heaven keeps his two goals parted equally1 ,by virtue of the fixed position old ,of the whole starry ,zodiac1 through which ,that sun1 in winding onward1 takes a year1 ,illumining the sky and all the lands ,with oblique light--as men declare to us ,who by their diagrams have charted well ,those regions of the sky which be adorned ,with the arranged signs of ,zodiac4 ,or else1 because in certain parts the air ,under the lands is denser1 the tremulous ,bright beams of fire do waver tardily1 ,nor easily can penetrate that air ,nor yet emerge unto their rising-place3 ,for this it is that nights in winter time ,do linger long1 ere comes the many-rayed ,round ,badge of the day4 ,or else because1 as said1 ,in alternating seasons of the year ,fires1 now more quick1 and now more slow1 are wont ,to stream together1--the fires which make the sun ,to rise in some one spot--therefore it is ,that those men seem to speak the truth who hold ,a new sun is with each new daybreak born4 ,the moon she possibly doth shine because ,strook by the rays of sun1 and day by day ,may turn unto our gaze her light1 the more ,she doth recede from orb of sun1 until1 ,facing him opposite across the world1 ,she hath with full effulgence gleamed abroad1 ,and1 at her rising as she soars above1 ,hath there observed his setting2 thence likewise ,she needs must hide1 as 'twere1 her light behind ,by slow degrees1 the nearer now she glides1 ,along the circle of the ,zodiac1 ,from her far place toward fires of yonder sun1-- ,as those men hold who feign the moon to be ,just like a ball and to pursue a course ,betwixt the sun and earth4 ,there is1 again1 ,some reason to suppose that moon may roll ,with light her very own1 and thus display ,the varied shapes of her resplendence there4 ,for near her is1 percase1 another body1 ,invisible1 because devoid of light1 ,borne on and gliding all along with her1 ,which in three modes may block and blot her disk4 ,again1 she may revolve upon herself1 ,like to a ball's sphere--if perchance that be-- ,one half of her dyed o'er with glowing light1 ,and by the revolution of that sphere ,she may beget for us her varying shapes1 ,until she turns that fiery part of her ,full to the sight and open eyes of men2 ,thence by slow stages round and back she whirls1 ,withdrawing thus the luminiferous part ,of her sphered mass and ball1 as1 verily1 ,the ,babylonian doctrine of ,chaldees1 ,refuting the art of ,greek astrologers1 ,labours1 in opposition1 to prove sure-- ,as if1 forsooth1 the thing for which each fights1 ,might not alike be true1--or aught there were ,wherefore thou mightest risk embracing one ,more than the other notion4 ,then1 again1 ,why a new moon might not forevermore ,created be with fixed successions there ,of shapes and with configurations fixed1 ,and why each day that bright created moon ,might not miscarry and another be1 ,in its stead and place1 engendered anew1 ',tis hard to show by reason1 or by words ,to prove absurd--since1 lo1 so many things ,can be create with fixed successions3 ,spring-time and ,venus come1 and ,venus' boy1 ,the winged harbinger1 steps on before1 ,and hard on ,zephyr's foot-prints ,mother ,flora1 ,sprinkling the ways before them1 filleth all ,with colours and with odours excellent2 ,whereafter follows arid ,heat1 and he ,companioned is by ,ceres1 dusty one1 ,and by the ,etesian ,breezes of the north2 ,then cometh ,autumn on1 and with him steps ,lord ,bacchus1 and then other ,seasons too ,and other ,winds do follow--the high roar ,of great ,volturnus1 and the ,southwind strong ,with thunder-bolts4 ,at last earth's ,shortest-,day ,bears on to men the snows and brings again ,the numbing cold4 ,and ,winter follows her1 ,his teeth with chills a-chatter4 ,therefore1 'tis ,the less a marvel1 if at fixed time ,a moon is thus begotten and again ,at fixed time destroyed1 since things so many ,can come to being thus at fixed time4 ,likewise1 the sun's eclipses and the moon's ,far occultations rightly thou mayst deem ,as due to several causes4 ,for1 indeed1 ,why should the moon be able to shut out ,earth from the light of sun1 and on the side ,to earthward thrust her high head under sun1 ,opposing dark orb to his glowing beams-- ,and yet1 at same time1 one suppose the effect ,could not result from some one other body ,which glides devoid of light forevermore8 ,again1 why could not sun1 in weakened state1 ,at fixed time for-lose his fires1 and then1 ,when he has passed on along the air ,beyond the regions1 hostile to his flames1 ,that quench and kill his fires1 why could not he ,renew his light8 ,and why should earth in turn ,have power to rob the moon of light1 and there1 ,herself on high1 keep the sun hid beneath1 ,whilst the moon glideth in her monthly course ,athrough the rigid shadows of the cone8-- ,and yet1 at same time1 some one other body ,not have the power to under-pass the moon1 ,or glide along above the orb of sun1 ,breaking his rays and outspread light asunder8 ,and still1 if moon herself refulgent be ,with her own sheen1 why could she not at times ,in some one quarter of the mighty world ,grow weak and weary1 whilst she passeth through ,regions unfriendly to the beams her own8 ,,origins ,,of ,,vegetable ,,and ,,animal ,,life ,and now to what remains6--,since ,i've resolved ,by what arrangements all things come to pass ,through the blue regions of the mighty world1-- ,how we can know what energy and cause ,started the various courses of the sun ,and the moon's goings1 and by what far means ,they can succumb1 the while with thwarted light1 ,and veil with shade the unsuspecting lands1 ,when1 as it were1 they blink1 and then again ,with open eye survey all regions wide1 ,resplendent with white radiance--,i do now ,return unto the world's primeval age ,and tell what first the soft young fields of earth ,with earliest parturition had decreed ,to raise in air unto the shores of light ,and to entrust unto the wayward winds4 ,in the beginning1 earth gave forth1 around ,the hills and over all the length of plains1 ,the race of grasses and the shining green2 ,the flowery meadows sparkled all aglow ,with greening colour1 and thereafter1 lo1 ,unto the divers kinds of trees was given ,an emulous impulse mightily to shoot1 ,with a free rein1 aloft into the air4 ,as feathers and hairs and bristles are begot ,the first on members of the four-foot breeds ,and on the bodies of the strong-y-winged1 ,thus then the new ,earth first of all put forth ,grasses and shrubs1 and afterward begat ,the mortal generations1 there upsprung-- ,innumerable in modes innumerable-- ,after diverging fashions4 ,for from sky ,these breathing-creatures never can have dropped1 ,nor the land-dwellers ever have come up ,out of sea-pools of salt4 ,how true remains1 ,how merited is that adopted name ,of earth--,the ,mother6--since from out the earth ,are all begotten4 ,and even now arise ,from out the loams how many living things-- ,concreted by the rains and heat of the sun4 ,wherefore 'tis less a marvel1 if they sprang ,in ,long ,ago more many1 and more big1 ,matured of those days in the fresh young years ,of earth and ether4 ,first of all1 the race ,of the winged ones and parti-coloured birds1 ,hatched out in spring-time1 left their eggs behind2 ,as now-a-days in summer tree-crickets ,do leave their shiny husks of own accord1 ,seeking their food and living4 ,then it was ,this earth of thine first gave unto the day ,the mortal generations2 for prevailed ,among the fields abounding hot and wet4 ,and hence1 where any fitting spot was given1 ,there 'gan to grow womb-cavities1 by roots ,affixed to earth4 ,and when in ripened time ,the age of the young within 7that sought the air ,and fled earth's damps7 had burst these wombs1 ,o then ,would ,nature thither turn the pores of earth ,and make her spurt from open veins a juice ,like unto milk2 even as a woman now ,is filled1 at child-bearing1 with the sweet milk1 ,because all that swift stream of aliment ,is thither turned unto the mother-breasts4 ,there earth would furnish to the children food2 ,warmth was their swaddling cloth1 the grass their bed ,abounding in soft down4 ,earth's newness then ,would rouse no dour spells of the bitter cold1 ,nor extreme heats nor winds of mighty powers-- ,for all things grow and gather strength through time ,in like proportions2 and then earth was young4 ,wherefore1 again1 again1 how merited ,is that adopted name of ,earth--,the ,mother6-- ,since she herself begat the human race1 ,and at one well-nigh fixed time brought forth ,each breast that ranges raving round about ,upon the mighty mountains and all birds ,aerial with many a varied shape4 ,but1 lo1 because her bearing years must end1 ,she ceased1 like to a woman worn by eld4 ,for lapsing aeons change the nature of ,the whole wide world1 and all things needs must take ,one status after other1 nor aught persists ,forever like itself4 ,all things depart2 ,nature she changeth all1 compelleth all ,to transformation4 ,lo1 this moulders down1 ,a-slack with weary eld1 and that1 again1 ,prospers in glory1 issuing from contempt4 ,in suchwise1 then1 the lapsing aeons change ,the nature of the whole wide world1 and earth ,taketh one status after other4 ,and what ,she bore of old1 she now can bear no longer1 ,and what she never bore1 she can to-day4 ,in those days also the telluric world ,strove to beget the monsters that upsprung ,with their astounding visages and limbs-- ,the ,man-woman--a thing betwixt the twain1 ,yet neither1 and from either sex remote-- ,some gruesome ,boggles orphaned of the feet1 ,some widowed of the hands1 dumb ,horrors too ,without a mouth1 or blind ,ones of no eye1 ,or ,bulks all shackled by their legs and arms ,cleaving unto the body fore and aft1 ,thuswise1 that never could they do or go1 ,nor shun disaster1 nor take the good they would4 ,and other prodigies and monsters earth ,was then begetting of this sort--in vain1 ,since ,nature banned with horror their increase1 ,and powerless were they to reach unto ,the coveted flower of fair maturity1 ,or to find aliment1 or to intertwine ,in works of ,venus4 ,for we see there must ,concur in life conditions manifold1 ,if life is ever by begetting life ,to forge the generations one by one3 ,first1 foods must be2 and1 next1 a path whereby ,the seeds of impregnation in the frame ,may ooze1 released from the members all2 ,last1 the possession of those instruments ,whereby the male with female can unite1 ,the one with other in mutual ravishments4 ,and in the ages after monsters died1 ,perforce there perished many a stock1 unable ,by propagation to forge a progeny4 ,for whatsoever creatures thou beholdest ,breathing the breath of life1 the same have been ,even from their earliest age preserved alive ,by cunning1 or by valour1 or at least ,by speed of foot or wing4 ,and many a stock ,remaineth yet1 because of use to man1 ,and so committed to man's guardianship4 ,valour hath saved alive fierce lion-breeds ,and many another terrorizing race1 ,cunning the foxes1 flight the antlered stags4 ,light-sleeping dogs with faithful heart in breast1 ,however1 and every kind begot from seed ,of beasts of draft1 as1 too1 the woolly flocks ,and horned cattle1 all1 my ,memmius1 ,have been committed to guardianship of men4 ,for anxiously they fled the savage beasts1 ,and peace they sought and their abundant foods1 ,obtained with never labours of their own1 ,which we secure to them as fit rewards ,for their good service4 ,but those beasts to whom ,nature has granted naught of these same things-- ,beasts quite unfit by own free will to thrive ,and vain for any service unto us ,in thanks for which we should permit their kind ,to feed and be in our protection safe-- ,those1 of a truth1 were wont to be exposed1 ,enshackled in the gruesome bonds of doom1 ,as prey and booty for the rest1 until ,nature reduced that stock to utter death4 ,but ,centaurs ne'er have been1 nor can there be ,creatures of twofold stock and double frame1 ,compact of members alien in kind1 ,yet formed with equal function1 equal force ,in every bodily part--a fact thou mayst1 ,however dull thy wits1 well learn from this3 ,the horse1 when his three years have rolled away1 ,flowers in his prime of vigour2 but the boy ,not so1 for oft even then he gropes in sleep ,after the milky nipples of the breasts1 ,an infant still4 ,and later1 when at last ,the lusty powers of horses and stout limbs1 ,now weak through lapsing life1 do fail with age1 ,lo1 only then doth youth with flowering years ,begin for boys1 and clothe their ruddy cheeks ,with the soft down4 ,so never deem1 percase1 ,that from a man and from the seed of horse1 ,the beast of draft1 can ,centaurs be composed ,or e'er exist alive1 nor ,scyllas be-- ,the half-fish bodies girdled with mad dogs-- ,nor others of this sort1 in whom we mark ,members discordant each with each2 for ne'er ,at one same time they reach their flower of age ,or gain and lose full vigour of their frame1 ,and never burn with one same lust of love1 ,and never in their habits they agree1 ,nor find the same foods equally delightsome-- ,sooth1 as one oft may see the bearded goats ,batten upon the hemlock which to man ,is violent poison4 ,once again1 since flame ,is wont to scorch and burn the tawny bulks ,of the great lions as much as other kinds ,of flesh and blood existing in the lands1 ,how could it be that she1 ,chimaera lone1 ,with triple body--fore1 a lion she2 ,and aft1 a dragon2 and betwixt1 a goat-- ,might at the mouth from out the body belch ,infuriate flame8 ,wherefore1 the man who feigns ,such beings could have been engendered ,when earth was new and the young sky was fresh 7,basing his empty argument on new7 ,may babble with like reason many whims ,into our ears3 he'll say1 perhaps1 that then ,rivers of gold through every landscape flowed1 ,that trees were wont with precious stones to flower1 ,or that in those far aeons man was born ,with such gigantic length and lift of limbs ,as to be able1 based upon his feet1 ,deep oceans to bestride or with his hands ,to whirl the firmament around his head4 ,for though in earth were many seeds of things ,in the old time when this telluric world ,first poured the breeds of animals abroad1 ,still that is nothing of a sign that then ,such hybrid creatures could have been begot ,and limbs of all beasts heterogeneous ,have been together knit2 because1 indeed1 ,the divers kinds of grasses and the grains ,and the delightsome trees--which even now ,spring up abounding from within the earth-- ,can still ne'er be begotten with their stems ,begrafted into one2 but each sole thing ,proceeds according to its proper wont ,and all conserve their own distinctions based ,in nature's fixed decree4 ,,origins ,,and ,,savage ,,period ,,of ,,mankind ,but mortal man ,was then far hardier in the old champaign1 ,as well he should be1 since a hardier earth ,had him begotten2 builded too was he ,of bigger and more solid bones within1 ,and knit with stalwart sinews through the flesh1 ,nor easily seized by either heat or cold1 ,or alien food or any ail or irk4 ,and whilst so many lustrums of the sun ,rolled on across the sky1 men led a life ,after the roving habit of wild beasts4 ,not then were sturdy guiders of curved ploughs1 ,and none knew then to work the fields with iron1 ,or plant young shoots in holes of delved loam1 ,or lop with hooked knives from off high trees ,the boughs of yester-year4 ,what sun and rains ,to them had given1 what earth of own accord ,created then1 was boon enough to glad ,their simple hearts4 ,mid acorn-laden oaks ,would they refresh their bodies for the nonce2 ,and the wild berries of the arbute-tree1 ,which now thou seest to ripen purple-red ,in winter time1 the old telluric soil ,would bear then more abundant and more big4 ,and many coarse foods1 too1 in long ago ,the blooming freshness of the rank young world ,produced1 enough for those poor wretches there4 ,and rivers and springs would summon them of old ,to slake the thirst1 as now from the great hills ,the water's down-rush calls aloud and far ,the thirsty generations of the wild4 ,so1 too1 they sought the grottos of the ,nymphs-- ,the woodland haunts discovered as they ranged-- ,from forth of which they knew that gliding rills ,with gush and splash abounding laved the rocks1 ,the dripping rocks1 and trickled from above ,over the verdant moss2 and here and there ,welled up and burst across the open flats4 ,as yet they knew not to enkindle fire ,against the cold1 nor hairy pelts to use ,and clothe their bodies with the spoils of beasts2 ,but huddled in groves1 and mountain-caves1 and woods1 ,and 'mongst the thickets hid their squalid backs1 ,when driven to flee the lashings of the winds ,and the big rains4 ,nor could they then regard ,the general good1 nor did they know to use ,in common any customs1 any laws3 ,whatever of booty fortune unto each ,had proffered1 each alone would bear away1 ,by instinct trained for self to thrive and live4 ,and ,venus in the forests then would link ,the lovers' bodies2 for the woman yielded ,either from mutual flame1 or from the man's ,impetuous fury and insatiate lust1 ,or from a bribe--as acorn-nuts1 choice pears1 ,or the wild berries of the arbute-tree4 ,and trusting wondrous strength of hands and legs1 ,they'd chase the forest-wanderers1 the beasts2 ,and many they'd conquer1 but some few they fled1 ,a-skulk into their hiding-places444 9999999999 ,with the flung stones and with the ponderous heft ,of gnarled branch4 ,and by the time of night ,o'ertaken1 they would throw1 like bristly boars1 ,their wildman's limbs naked upon the earth1 ,rolling themselves in leaves and fronded boughs4 ,nor would they call with lamentations loud ,around the fields for daylight and the sun1 ,quaking and wand'ring in shadows of the night2 ,but1 silent and buried in a sleep1 they'd wait ,until the sun with rosy flambeau brought ,the glory to the sky4 ,from childhood wont ,ever to see the dark and day begot ,in times alternate1 never might they be ,wildered by wild misgiving1 lest a night ,eternal should possess the lands1 with light ,of sun withdrawn forever4 ,but their care ,was rather that the clans of savage beasts ,would often make their sleep-time horrible ,for those poor wretches2 and1 from home y-driven1 ,they'd flee their rocky shelters at approach ,of boar1 the spumy-lipped1 or lion strong1 ,and in the midnight yield with terror up ,to those fierce guests their beds of out-spread leaves4 ,and yet in those days not much more than now ,would generations of mortality ,leave the sweet light of fading life behind4 ,indeed1 in those days here and there a man1 ,more oftener snatched upon1 and gulped by fangs1 ,afforded the beasts a food that roared alive1 ,echoing through groves and hills and forest-trees1 ,even as he viewed his living flesh entombed ,within a living grave2 whilst those whom flight ,had saved1 with bone and body bitten1 shrieked1 ,pressing their quivering palms to loathsome sores1 ,with horrible voices for eternal death-- ,until1 forlorn of help1 and witless what ,might medicine their wounds1 the writhing pangs ,took them from life4 ,but not in those far times ,would one lone day give over unto doom ,a soldiery in thousands marching on ,beneath the battle-banners1 nor would then ,the ramping breakers of the main seas dash ,whole argosies and crews upon the rocks4 ,but ocean uprisen would often rave in vain1 ,without all end or outcome1 and give up ,its empty menacings as lightly too2 ,nor soft seductions of a serene sea ,could lure by laughing billows any man ,out to disaster3 for the science bold ,of ship-sailing lay dark in those far times4 ,again1 'twas then that lack of food gave o'er ,men's fainting limbs to dissolution3 now ',tis plenty overwhelms4 ,unwary1 they ,oft for themselves themselves would then outpour ,the poison2 now1 with nicer art1 themselves ,they give the drafts to others4 ,,beginnings ,,of ,,civilization ,afterwards1 ,when huts they had procured and pelts and fire1 ,and when the woman1 joined unto the man1 ,withdrew with him into one dwelling place1 9999999999 ,were known2 and when they saw an offspring born ,from out themselves1 then first the human race ,began to soften4 ,for 'twas now that fire ,rendered their shivering frames less staunch to bear1 ,under the canopy of the sky1 the cold2 ,and ,love reduced their shaggy hardiness2 ,and children1 with the prattle and the kiss1 ,soon broke the parents' haughty temper down4 ,then1 too1 did neighbours 'gin to league as friends1 ,eager to wrong no more or suffer wrong1 ,and urged for children and the womankind ,mercy1 of fathers1 whilst with cries and gestures ,they stammered hints how meet it was that all ,should have compassion on the weak4 ,and still1 ,though concord not in every wise could then ,begotten be1 a good1 a goodly part ,kept faith inviolate--or else mankind ,long since had been unutterably cut off1 ,and propagation never could have brought ,the species down the ages4 ,lest1 perchance1 ,concerning these affairs thou ponderest ,in silent meditation1 let me say ',twas lightning brought primevally to earth ,the fire for mortals1 and from thence hath spread ,o'er all the lands the flames of heat4 ,for thus ,even now we see so many objects1 touched ,by the celestial flames1 to flash aglow1 ,when thunderbolt has dowered them with heat4 ,yet also when a many-branched tree1 ,beaten by winds1 writhes swaying to and fro1 ,pressing 'gainst branches of a neighbour tree1 ,there by the power of mighty rub and rub ,is fire engendered2 and at times out-flares ,the scorching heat of flame1 when boughs do chafe ,against the trunks4 ,and of these causes1 either ,may well have given to mortal men the fire4 ,next1 food to cook and soften in the flame ,the sun instructed1 since so oft they saw ,how objects mellowed1 when subdued by warmth ,and by the raining blows of fiery beams1 ,through all the fields4 ,and more and more each day ,would men more strong in sense1 more wise in heart1 ,teach them to change their earlier mode and life ,by fire and new devices4 ,kings began ,cities to found and citadels to set1 ,as strongholds and asylums for themselves1 ,and flocks and fields to portion for each man ,after the beauty1 strength1 and sense of each-- ,for beauty then imported much1 and strength ,had its own rights supreme4 ,thereafter1 wealth ,discovered was1 and gold was brought to light1 ,which soon of honour stripped both strong and fair2 ,for men1 however beautiful in form ,or valorous1 will follow in the main ,the rich man's party4 ,yet were man to steer ,his life by sounder reasoning1 he'd own ,abounding riches1 if with mind content ,he lived by thrift2 for never1 as ,i guess1 ,is there a lack of little in the world4 ,but men wished glory for themselves and power ,even that their fortunes on foundations firm ,might rest forever1 and that they themselves1 ,the opulent1 might pass a quiet life-- ,in vain1 in vain2 since1 in the strife to climb ,on to the heights of honour1 men do make ,their pathway terrible2 and even when once ,they reach them1 envy like the thunderbolt ,at times will smite1 ,o hurling headlong down ,to murkiest ,tartarus1 in scorn2 for1 lo1 ,all summits1 all regions loftier than the rest1 ,smoke1 blasted as by envy's thunderbolts2 ,so better far in quiet to obey1 ,than to desire chief mastery of affairs ,and ownership of empires4 ,be it so2 ,and let the weary sweat their life-blood out ,all to no end1 battling in hate along ,the narrow path of man's ambition2 ,since all their wisdom is from others' lips1 ,and all they seek is known from what they've heard ,and less from what they've thought4 ,nor is this folly ,greater to-day1 nor greater soon to be1 ,than' twas of old4 ,and therefore kings were slain1 ,and pristine majesty of golden thrones ,and haughty sceptres lay o'erturned in dust2 ,and crowns1 so splendid on the sovereign heads1 ,soon bloody under the proletarian feet1 ,groaned for their glories gone--for erst o'er-much ,dreaded1 thereafter with more greedy zest ,trampled beneath the rabble heel4 ,thus things ,down to the vilest lees of brawling mobs ,succumbed1 whilst each man sought unto himself ,dominion and supremacy4 ,so next ,some wiser heads instructed men to found ,the magisterial office1 and did frame ,codes that they might consent to follow laws4 ,for humankind1 o'er wearied with a life ,fostered by force1 was ailing from its feuds2 ,and so the sooner of its own free will ,yielded to laws and strictest codes4 ,for since ,each hand made ready in its wrath to take ,a vengeance fiercer than by man's fair laws ,is now conceded1 men on this account ,loathed the old life fostered by force4 ',tis thence ,that fear of punishments defiles each prize ,of wicked days2 for force and fraud ensnare ,each man around1 and in the main recoil ,on him from whence they sprung4 ,not easy 'tis ,for one who violates by ugly deeds ,the bonds of common peace to pass a life ,composed and tranquil4 ,for albeit he 'scape ,the race of gods and men1 he yet must dread ',twill not be hid forever--since1 indeed1 ,so many1 oft babbling on amid their dreams ,or raving in sickness1 have betrayed themselves 7,as stories tell7 and published at last ,old secrets and the sins4 ,but nature 'twas ,urged men to utter various sounds of tongue ,and need and use did mould the names of things1 ,about in same wise as the lack-speech years ,compel young children unto gesturings1 ,making them point with finger here and there ,at what's before them4 ,for each creature feels ,by instinct to what use to put his powers4 ,ere yet the bull-calf's scarce begotten horns ,project above his brows1 with them he 'gins ,enraged to butt and savagely to thrust4 ,but whelps of panthers and the lion's cubs ,with claws and paws and bites are at the fray ,already1 when their teeth and claws be scarce ,as yet engendered4 ,so again1 we see ,all breeds of winged creatures trust to wings ,and from their fledgling pinions seek to get ,a fluttering assistance4 ,thus1 to think ,that in those days some man apportioned round ,to things their names1 and that from him men learned ,their first nomenclature1 is foolery4 ,for why could he mark everything by words ,and utter the various sounds of tongue1 what time ,the rest may be supposed powerless ,to do the same8 ,and1 if the rest had not ,already one with other used words1 ,whence was implanted in the teacher1 then1 ,fore-knowledge of their use1 and whence was given ,to him alone primordial faculty ,to know and see in mind what 'twas he willed8 ,besides1 one only man could scarce subdue ,an overmastered multitude to choose ,to get by heart his names of things4 ,a task ,not easy 'tis in any wise to teach ,and to persuade the deaf concerning what ',tis needful for to do4 ,for ne'er would they ,allow1 nor ne'er in anywise endure ,perpetual vain dingdong in their ears ,of spoken sounds unheard before4 ,and what1 ,at last1 in this affair so wondrous is1 ,that human race 7in whom a voice and tongue ,were now in vigour7 should by divers words ,denote its objects1 as each divers sense ,might prompt8--since even the speechless herds1 aye1 since ,the very generations of wild beasts ,are wont dissimilar and divers sounds ,to rouse from in them1 when there's fear or pain1 ,and when they burst with joys4 ,and this1 forsooth1 ',tis thine to know from plainest facts3 when first ,huge flabby jowls of mad ,molossian hounds1 ,baring their hard white teeth1 begin to snarl1 ,they threaten1 with infuriate lips peeled back1 ,in sounds far other than with which they bark ,and fill with voices all the regions round4 ,and when with fondling tongue they start to lick ,their puppies1 or do toss them round with paws1 ,feigning with gentle bites to gape and snap1 ,they fawn with yelps of voice far other then ,than when1 alone within the house1 they bay1 ,or whimpering slink with cringing sides from blows4 ,again the neighing of the horse1 is that ,not seen to differ likewise1 when the stud ,in buoyant flower of his young years raves1 ,goaded by winged ,love1 amongst the mares1 ,and when with widening nostrils out he snorts ,the call to battle1 and when haply he ,whinnies at times with terror-quaking limbs8 ,lastly1 the flying race1 the dappled birds1 ,hawks1 ospreys1 sea-gulls1 searching food and life ,amid the ocean billows in the brine1 ,utter at other times far other cries ,than when they fight for food1 or with their prey ,struggle and strain4 ,and birds there are which change ,with changing weather their own raucous songs-- ,as long-lived generations of the crows ,or flocks of rooks1 when they be said to cry ,for rain and water and to call at times ,for winds and gales4 ,ergo1 if divers moods ,compel the brutes1 though speechless evermore1 ,to send forth divers sounds1 ,o truly then ,how much more likely 'twere that mortal men ,in those days could with many a different sound ,denote each separate thing4 ,and now what cause ,hath spread divinities of gods abroad ,through mighty nations1 and filled the cities full ,of the high altars1 and led to practices ,of solemn rites in season--rites which still ,flourish in midst of great affairs of state ,and midst great centres of man's civic life1 ,the rites whence still a poor mortality ,is grafted that quaking awe which rears aloft ,still the new temples of gods from land to land ,and drives mankind to visit them in throngs ,on holy days--'tis not so hard to give ,reason thereof in speech4 ,because1 in sooth1 ,even in those days would the race of man ,be seeing excelling visages of gods ,with mind awake2 and in his sleeps1 yet more-- ,bodies of wondrous growth4 ,and1 thus1 to these ,would men attribute sense1 because they seemed ,to move their limbs and speak pronouncements high1 ,befitting glorious visage and vast powers4 ,and men would give them an eternal life1 ,because their visages forevermore ,were there before them1 and their shapes remained1 ,and chiefly1 however1 because men would not think ,beings augmented with such mighty powers ,could well by any force o'ermastered be4 ,and men would think them in their happiness ,excelling far1 because the fear of death ,vexed no one of them at all1 and since ,at same time in men's sleeps men saw them do ,so many wonders1 and yet feel therefrom ,themselves no weariness4 ,besides1 men marked ,how in a fixed order rolled around ,the systems of the sky1 and changed times ,of annual seasons1 nor were able then ,to know thereof the causes4 ,therefore 'twas ,men would take refuge in consigning all ,unto divinities1 and in feigning all ,was guided by their nod4 ,and in the sky ,they set the seats and vaults of gods1 because ,across the sky night and the moon are seen ,to roll along--moon1 day1 and night1 and night's ,old awesome constellations evermore1 ,and the night-wandering fireballs of the sky1 ,and flying flames1 clouds1 and the sun1 the rains1 ,snow and the winds1 the lightnings1 and the hail1 ,and the swift rumblings1 and the hollow roar ,of mighty menacings forevermore4 ,o humankind unhappy6--when it ascribed ,unto divinities such awesome deeds1 ,and coupled thereto rigours of fierce wrath6 ,what groans did men on that sad day beget ,even for themselves1 and ,o what wounds for us1 ,what tears for our children's children6 ,nor1 ,o man1 ,is thy true piety in this3 with head ,under the veil1 still to be seen to turn ,fronting a stone1 and ever to approach ,unto all altars2 nor so prone on earth ,forward to fall1 to spread upturned palms ,before the shrines of gods1 nor yet to dew ,altars with profuse blood of four-foot beasts1 ,nor vows with vows to link4 ,but rather this3 ,to look on all things with a master eye ,and mind at peace4 ,for when we gaze aloft ,upon the skiey vaults of yon great world ,and ether1 fixed high o'er twinkling stars1 ,and into our thought there come the journeyings ,of sun and moon1 ,o then into our breasts1 ,o'erburdened already with their other ills1 ,begins forthwith to rear its sudden head ,one more misgiving3 lest o'er us1 percase1 ,it be the gods' immeasurable power ,that rolls1 with varied motion1 round and round ,the far white constellations4 ,for the lack ,of aught of reasons tries the puzzled mind3 ,whether was ever a birth-time of the world1 ,and whether1 likewise1 any end shall be ,how far the ramparts of the world can still ,outstand this strain of ever-roused motion1 ,or whether1 divinely with eternal weal ,endowed1 they can through endless tracts of age ,glide on1 defying the o'er-mighty powers ,of the immeasurable ages4 ,lo1 ,what man is there whose mind with dread of gods ,cringes not close1 whose limbs with terror-spell ,crouch not together1 when the parched earth ,quakes with the horrible thunderbolt amain1 ,and across the mighty sky the rumblings run8 ,do not the peoples and the nations shake1 ,and haughty kings do they not hug their limbs1 ,strook through with fear of the divinities1 ,lest for aught foully done or madly said ,the heavy time be now at hand to pay8 ,when1 too1 fierce force of fury-winds at sea ,sweepeth a navy's admiral down the main ,with his stout legions and his elephants1 ,doth he not seek the peace of gods with vows1 ,and beg in prayer1 a-tremble1 lulled winds ,and friendly gales8--in vain1 since1 often up-caught ,in fury-cyclones1 is he borne along1 ,for all his mouthings1 to the shoals of doom4 ,ah1 so irrevocably some hidden power ,betramples forevermore affairs of men1 ,and visibly grindeth with its heel in mire ,the lictors' glorious rods and axes dire1 ,having them in derision6 ,again1 when earth ,from end to end is rocking under foot1 ,and shaken cities ruin down1 or threaten ,upon the verge1 what wonder is it then ,that mortal generations abase themselves1 ,and unto gods in all affairs of earth ,assign as last resort almighty powers ,and wondrous energies to govern all8 ,now for the rest3 copper and gold and iron ,discovered were1 and with them silver's weight ,and power of lead1 when with prodigious heat ,the conflagrations burned the forest trees ,among the mighty mountains1 by a bolt ,of lightning from the sky1 or else because ,men1 warring in the woodlands1 on their foes ,had hurled fire to frighten and dismay1 ,or yet because1 by goodness of the soil ,invited1 men desired to clear rich fields ,and turn the countryside to pasture-lands1 ,or slay the wild and thrive upon the spoils4 7,for hunting by pit-fall and by fire arose ,before the art of hedging the covert round ,with net or stirring it with dogs of chase47 ,howso the fact1 and from what cause soever ,the flamy heat with awful crack and roar ,had there devoured to their deepest roots ,the forest trees and baked the earth with fire1 ,then from the boiling veins began to ooze ,o rivulets of silver and of gold1 ,of lead and copper too1 collecting soon ,into the hollow places of the ground4 ,and when men saw the cooled lumps anon ,to shine with splendour-sheen upon the ground1 ,much taken with that lustrous smooth delight1 ,they 'gan to pry them out1 and saw how each ,had got a shape like to its earthy mould4 ,then would it enter their heads how these same lumps1 ,if melted by heat1 could into any form ,or figure of things be run1 and how1 again1 ,if hammered out1 they could be nicely drawn ,to sharpest points or finest edge1 and thus ,yield to the forgers tools and give them power ,to chop the forest down1 to hew the logs1 ,to shave the beams and planks1 besides to bore ,and punch and drill4 ,and men began such work ,at first as much with tools of silver and gold ,as with the impetuous strength of the stout copper2 ,but vainly--since their over-mastered power ,would soon give way1 unable to endure1 ,like copper1 such hard labour4 ,in those days ,copper it was that was the thing of price2 ,and gold lay useless1 blunted with dull edge4 ,now lies the copper low1 and gold hath come ,unto the loftiest honours4 ,thus it is ,that rolling ages change the times of things3 ,what erst was of a price1 becomes at last ,a discard of no honour2 whilst another ,succeeds to glory1 issuing from contempt1 ,and day by day is sought for more and more1 ,and1 when 'tis found1 doth flower in men's praise1 ,objects of wondrous honour4 ,now1 ,memmius1 ,how nature of iron discovered was1 thou mayst ,of thine own self divine4 ,man's ancient arms ,were hands1 and nails and teeth1 stones too and boughs-- ,breakage of forest trees--and flame and fire1 ,as soon as known4 ,thereafter force of iron ,and copper discovered was2 and copper's use ,was known ere iron's1 since more tractable ,its nature is and its abundance more4 ,with copper men to work the soil began1 ,with copper to rouse the hurly waves of war1 ,to straw the monstrous wounds1 and seize away ,another's flocks and fields4 ,for unto them1 ,thus armed1 all things naked of defence ,readily yielded4 ,then by slow degrees ,the sword of iron succeeded1 and the shape ,of brazen sickle into scorn was turned3 ,with iron to cleave the soil of earth they 'gan1 ,and the contentions of uncertain war ,were rendered equal4 ,and1 lo1 man was wont ,armed to mount upon the ribs of horse ,and guide him with the rein1 and play about ,with right hand free1 oft times before he tried ,perils of war in yoked chariot2 ,and yoked pairs abreast came earlier ,than yokes of four1 or scythed chariots ,whereinto clomb the men-at-arms4 ,and next ,the ,punic folk did train the elephants-- ,those curst ,lucanian oxen1 hideous1 ,the serpent-handed1 with turrets on their bulks-- ,to dure the wounds of war and panic-strike ,the mighty troops of ,mars4 ,thus ,discord sad ,begat the one ,thing after other1 to be ,the terror of the nations under arms1 ,and day by day to horrors of old war ,she added an increase4 ,bulls1 too1 they tried ,in war's grim business2 and essayed to send ,outrageous boars against the foes4 ,and some ,sent on before their ranks puissant lions ,with armed trainers and with masters fierce ,to guide and hold in chains--and yet in vain1 ,since fleshed with pell-mell slaughter1 fierce they flew1 ,and blindly through the squadrons havoc wrought1 ,shaking the frightful crests upon their heads1 ,now here1 now there4 ,nor could the horsemen calm ,their horses1 panic-breasted at the roar1 ,and rein them round to front the foe4 ,with spring ,the infuriate she-lions would up-leap ,now here1 now there2 and whoso came apace ,against them1 these they'd rend across the face2 ,and others unwitting from behind they'd tear ,down from their mounts1 and twining round them1 bring ,tumbling to earth1 o'ermastered by the wound1 ,and with those powerful fangs and hooked claws ,fasten upon them4 ,bulls would toss their friends1 ,and trample under foot1 and from beneath ,rip flanks and bellies of horses with their horns1 ,and with a threat'ning forehead jam the sod2 ,and boars would gore with stout tusks their allies1 ,splashing in fury their own blood on spears ,splintered in their own bodies1 and would fell ,in rout and ruin infantry and horse4 ,for there the beasts-of-saddle tried to scape ,the savage thrusts of tusk by shying off1 ,or rearing up with hoofs a-paw in air4 ,in vain--since there thou mightest see them sink1 ,their sinews severed1 and with heavy fall ,bestrew the ground4 ,and such of these as men ,supposed well-trained long ago at home1 ,were in the thick of action seen to foam ,in fury1 from the wounds1 the shrieks1 the flight1 ,the panic1 and the tumult2 nor could men ,aught of their numbers rally4 ,for each breed ,and various of the wild beasts fled apart ,hither or thither1 as often in wars to-day ,flee those ,lucanian oxen1 by the steel ,grievously mangled1 after they have wrought ,upon their friends so many a dreadful doom4 7,if 'twas1 indeed1 that thus they did at all3 ,but scarcely ,i'll believe that men could not ,with mind foreknow and see1 as sure to come1 ,such foul and general disaster4--,this ,we1 then1 may hold as true in the great ,all1 ,in divers worlds on divers plan create1-- ,somewhere afar more likely than upon ,one certain earth47 ,but men chose this to do ,less in the hope of conquering than to give ,their enemies a goodly cause of woe1 ,even though thereby they perished themselves1 ,since weak in numbers and since wanting arms4 ,now1 clothes of roughly inter-plaited strands ,were earlier than loom-wove coverings2 ,the loom-wove later than man's iron is1 ,since iron is needful in the weaving art1 ,nor by no other means can there be wrought ,such polished tools--the treadles1 spindles1 shuttles1 ,and sounding yarn-beams4 ,and nature forced the men1 ,before the woman kind1 to work the wool3 ,for all the male kind far excels in skill1 ,and cleverer is by much--until at last ,the rugged farmer folk jeered at such tasks1 ,and so were eager soon to give them o'er ,to women's hands1 and in more hardy toil ,to harden arms and hands4 ,but nature herself1 ,mother of things1 was the first seed-sower ,and primal grafter2 since the berries and acorns1 ,dropping from off the trees1 would there beneath ,put forth in season swarms of little shoots2 ,hence too men's fondness for ingrafting slips ,upon the boughs and setting out in holes ,the young shrubs o'er the fields4 ,then would they try ,ever new modes of tilling their loved crofts1 ,and mark they would how earth improved the taste ,of the wild fruits by fond and fostering care4 ,and day by day they'd force the woods to move ,still higher up the mountain1 and to yield ,the place below for tilth1 that there they might1 ,on plains and uplands1 have their meadow-plats1 ,cisterns and runnels1 crops of standing grain1 ,and happy vineyards1 and that all along ,o'er hillocks1 intervales1 and plains might run ,the silvery-green belt of olive-trees1 ,marking the plotted landscape2 even as now ,thou seest so marked with varied loveliness ,all the terrain which men adorn and plant ,with rows of goodly fruit-trees and hedge round ,with thriving shrubberies sown4 ,but by the mouth ,to imitate the liquid notes of birds ,was earlier far 'mongst men than power to make1 ,by measured song1 melodious verse and give ,delight to ears4 ,and whistlings of the wind ,athrough the hollows of the reeds first taught ,the peasantry to blow into the stalks ,of hollow hemlock-herb4 ,then bit by bit ,they learned sweet plainings1 such as pipe out-pours1 ,beaten by finger-tips of singing men1 ,when heard through unpathed groves and forest deeps ,and woodsy meadows1 through the untrod haunts ,of shepherd folk and spots divinely still4 ,thus time draws forward each and everything ,little by little unto the midst of men1 ,and reason uplifts it to the shores of light4 ,these tunes would soothe and glad the minds of mortals ,when sated with food1--for songs are welcome then4 ,and often1 lounging with friends in the soft grass ,beside a river of water1 underneath ,a big tree's branches1 merrily they'd refresh ,their frames1 with no vast outlay--most of all ,if the weather were smiling and the times of the year ,were painting the green of the grass around with flowers4 ,then jokes1 then talk1 then peals of jollity ,would circle round2 for then the rustic muse ,was in her glory2 then would antic ,mirth ,prompt them to garland head and shoulders about ,with chaplets of intertwined flowers and leaves1 ,and to dance onward1 out of tune1 with limbs ,clownishly swaying1 and with clownish foot ,to beat our mother earth--from whence arose ,laughter and peals of jollity1 for1 lo1 ,such frolic acts were in their glory then1 ,being more new and strange4 ,and wakeful men ,found solaces for their unsleeping hours ,in drawing forth variety of notes1 ,in modulating melodies1 in running ,with puckered lips along the tuned reeds1 ,whence1 even in our day do the watchmen guard ,these old traditions1 and have learned well ,to keep true measure4 ,and yet they no whit ,do get a larger fruit of gladsomeness ,than got the woodland aborigines ,in olden times4 ,for what we have at hand-- ,if theretofore naught sweeter we have known-- ,that chiefly pleases and seems best of all2 ,but then some later1 likely better1 find ,destroys its worth and changes our desires ,regarding good of yesterday4 ,and thus ,began the loathing of the acorn2 thus ,abandoned were those beds with grasses strewn ,and with the leaves beladen4 ,thus1 again1 ,fell into new contempt the pelts of beasts-- ,erstwhile a robe of honour1 which1 ,i guess1 ,aroused in those days envy so malign ,that the first wearer went to woeful death ,by ambuscades1--and yet that hairy prize1 ,rent into rags by greedy foemen there ,and splashed by blood1 was ruined utterly ,beyond all use or vantage4 ,thus of old ',twas pelts1 and of to-day 'tis purple and gold ,that cark men's lives with cares and weary with war4 ,wherefore1 methinks1 resides the greater blame ,with us vain men to-day3 for cold would rack1 ,without their pelts1 the naked sons of earth2 ,but us it nothing hurts to do without ,the purple vestment1 broidered with gold ,and with imposing figures1 if we still ,make shift with some mean garment of the ,plebs4 ,so man in vain futilities toils on ,forever and wastes in idle cares his years-- ,because1 of very truth1 he hath not learnt ,what the true end of getting is1 nor yet ,at all how far true pleasure may increase4 ,and 'tis desire for better and for more ,hath carried by degrees mortality ,out onward to the deep1 and roused up ,from the far bottom mighty waves of war4 ,but sun and moon1 those watchmen of the world1 ,with their own lanterns traversing around ,the mighty1 the revolving vault1 have taught ,unto mankind that seasons of the years ,return again1 and that the ,thing takes place ,after a fixed plan and order fixed4 ,already would they pass their life1 hedged round ,by the strong towers2 and cultivate an earth ,all portioned out and boundaried2 already ,would the sea flower and sail-winged ships2 ,already men had1 under treaty pacts1 ,confederates and allies1 when poets began ,to hand heroic actions down in verse2 ,nor long ere this had letters been devised-- ,hence is our age unable to look back ,on what has gone before1 except where reason ,shows us a footprint4 ,sailings on the seas1 ,tillings of fields1 walls1 laws1 and arms1 and roads1 ,dress and the like1 all prizes1 all delights ,of finer life1 poems1 pictures1 chiselled shapes ,of polished sculptures--all these arts were learned ,by practice and the mind's experience1 ,as men walked forward step by eager step4 ,thus time draws forward each and everything ,little by little into the midst of men1 ,and reason uplifts it to the shores of light4 ,for one thing after other did men see ,grow clear by intellect1 till with their arts ,they've now achieved the supreme pinnacle4 ,,book ,,vi ,,proem ',twas ,athens first1 the glorious in name1 ,that whilom gave to hapless sons of men ,the sheaves of harvest1 and re-ordered life1 ,and decreed laws2 and she the first that gave ,life its sweet solaces1 when she begat ,a man of heart so wise1 who whilom poured ,all wisdom forth from his truth-speaking mouth2 ,the glory of whom1 though dead1 is yet to-day1 ,because of those discoveries divine ,renowned of old1 exalted to the sky4 ,for when saw he that well-nigh everything ,which needs of man most urgently require ,was ready to hand for mortals1 and that life1 ,as far as might be1 was established safe1 ,that men were lords in riches1 honour1 praise1 ,and eminent in goodly fame of sons1 ,and that they yet1 ,o yet1 within the home1 ,still had the anxious heart which vexed life ,unpausingly with torments of the mind1 ,and raved perforce with angry plaints1 then he1 ,then he1 the master1 did perceive that 'twas ,the vessel itself which worked the bane1 and all1 ,however wholesome1 which from here or there ,was gathered into it1 was by that bane ,spoilt from within1--in part1 because he saw ,the vessel so cracked and leaky that nowise ',t could ever be filled to brim2 in part because ,he marked how it polluted with foul taste ,whate'er it got within itself4 ,so he1 ,the master1 then by his truth-speaking words1 ,purged the breasts of men1 and set the bounds ,of lust and terror1 and exhibited ,the supreme good whither we all endeavour1 ,and showed the path whereby we might arrive ,thereunto by a little cross-cut straight1 ,and what of ills in all affairs of mortals ,upsprang and flitted deviously about 7,whether by chance or force71 since nature thus ,had destined2 and from out what gates a man ,should sally to each combat4 ,and he proved ,that mostly vainly doth the human race ,roll in its bosom the grim waves of care4 ,for just as children tremble and fear all ,in the viewless dark1 so even we at times ,dread in the light so many things that be ,no whit more fearsome than what children feign1 ,shuddering1 will be upon them in the dark4 ,this terror then1 this darkness of the mind1 ,not sunrise with its flaring spokes of light1 ,nor glittering arrows of morning can disperse1 ,but only nature's aspect and her law4 ,wherefore the more will ,i go on to weave ,in verses this my undertaken task4 ,and since ,i've taught thee that the world's great vaults ,are mortal and that sky is fashioned ,of frame e'en born in time1 and whatsoe'er ,therein go on and must perforce go on 9999999999 ,the most ,i have unravelled2 what remains ,do thou take in1 besides2 since once for all ,to climb into that chariot' renowned 9999999999 ,of winds arise2 and they appeased are ,so that all things again444 9999999999 ,which were1 are changed now1 with fury stilled2 ,all other movements through the earth and sky ,which mortals gaze upon 7,o anxious oft ,in quaking thoughts671 and which abase their minds ,with dread of deities and press them crushed ,down to the earth1 because their ignorance ,of cosmic causes forces them to yield ,all things unto the empery of gods ,and to concede the kingly rule to them4 ,for even those men who have learned full well ,that godheads lead a long life free of care1 ,if yet meanwhile they wonder by what plan ,things can go on 7and chiefly yon high things ,observed o'erhead on the ethereal coasts71 ,again are hurried back unto the fears ,of old religion and adopt again ,harsh masters1 deemed almighty1--wretched men1 ,unwitting what can be and what cannot1 ,and by what law to each its scope prescribed1 ,its boundary stone that clings so deep in ,time4 ,wherefore the more are they borne wandering on ,by blindfold reason4 ,and1 ,memmius1 unless ,from out thy mind thou spuest all of this ,and casteth far from thee all thoughts which be ,unworthy gods and alien to their peace1 ,then often will the holy majesties ,of the high gods be harmful unto thee1 ,as by thy thought degraded1--not1 indeed1 ,that essence supreme of gods could be by this ,so outraged as in wrath to thirst to seek ,revenges keen2 but even because thyself ,thou plaguest with the notion that the gods1 ,even they1 the ,calm ,ones in serene repose1 ,do roll the mighty waves of wrath on wrath2 ,nor wilt thou enter with a serene breast ,shrines of the gods2 nor wilt thou able be ,in tranquil peace of mind to take and know ,those images which from their holy bodies ,are carried into intellects of men1 ,as the announcers of their form divine4 ,what sort of life will follow after this ',tis thine to see4 ,but that afar from us ,veriest reason may drive such life away1 ,much yet remains to be embellished yet ,in polished verses1 albeit hath issued forth ,so much from me already2 lo1 there is ,the law and aspect of the sky to be ,by reason grasped2 there are the tempest times ,and the bright lightnings to be hymned now-- ,even what they do and from what cause soe'er ,they're borne along--that thou mayst tremble not1 ,marking off regions of prophetic skies ,for auguries1 ,o foolishly distraught ,even as to whence the flying flame hath come1 ,or to which half of heaven it turns1 or how ,through walled places it hath wound its way1 ,or1 after proving its dominion there1 ,how it hath speeded forth from thence amain-- ,whereof nowise the causes do men know1 ,and think divinities are working there4 ,do thou1 ,calliope1 ingenious ,muse1 ,solace of mortals and delight of gods1 ,point out the course before me1 as ,i race ,on to the white line of the utmost goal1 ,that ,i may get with signal praise the crown1 ,with thee my guide6 ,,great ,,meteorological ,,phenomena1 ,,etc4 ,and so in first place1 then1 ,with thunder are shaken the blue deeps of heaven1 ,because the ethereal clouds1 scudding aloft1 ,together clash1 what time 'gainst one another ,the winds are battling4 ,for never a sound there comes ,from out the serene regions of the sky2 ,but wheresoever in a host more dense ,the clouds foregather1 thence more often comes ,a crash with mighty rumbling4 ,and1 again1 ,clouds cannot be of so condensed a frame ,as stones and timbers1 nor again so fine ,as mists and flying smoke2 for then perforce ,they'd either fall1 borne down by their brute weight1 ,like stones1 or1 like the smoke1 they'd powerless be ,to keep their mass1 or to retain within ,frore snows and storms of hail4 ,and they give forth ,o'er skiey levels of the spreading world ,a sound on high1 as linen-awning1 stretched ,o'er mighty theatres1 gives forth at times ,a cracking roar1 when much 'tis beaten about ,betwixt the poles and cross-beams4 ,sometimes1 too1 ,asunder rent by wanton gusts1 it raves ,and imitates the tearing sound of sheets ,of paper--even this kind of noise thou mayst ,in thunder hear--or sound as when winds whirl ,with lashings and do buffet about in air ,a hanging cloth and flying paper-sheets4 ,for sometimes1 too1 it chances that the clouds ,cannot together crash head-on1 but rather ,move side-wise and with motions contrary ,graze each the other's body without speed1 ,from whence that dry sound grateth on our ears1 ,so long drawn-out1 until the clouds have passed ,from out their close positions4 ,and1 again1 ,in following wise all things seem oft to quake ,at shock of heavy thunder1 and mightiest walls ,of the wide reaches of the upper world ,there on the instant to have sprung apart1 ,riven asunder1 what time a gathered blast ,of the fierce hurricane hath all at once ,twisted its way into a mass of clouds1 ,and1 there enclosed1 ever more and more ,compelleth by its spinning whirl the cloud ,to grow all hollow with a thickened crust ,surrounding2 for thereafter1 when the force ,and the keen onset of the wind have weakened ,that crust1 lo1 then the cloud1 to-split in twain1 ,gives forth a hideous crash with bang and boom4 ,no marvel this2 since oft a bladder small1 ,filled up with air1 will1 when of sudden burst1 ,give forth a like large sound4 ,there's reason1 too1 ,why clouds make sounds1 as through them blow the winds3 ,we see1 borne down the sky1 oft shapes of clouds ,rough-edged or branched many forky ways2 ,and 'tis the same1 as when the sudden flaws ,of north-west wind through the dense forest blow1 ,making the leaves to sough and limbs to crash4 ,it happens too at times that roused force ,of the fierce hurricane to-rends the cloud1 ,breaking right through it by a front assault2 ,for what a blast of wind may do up there ,is manifest from facts when here on earth ,a blast more gentle yet uptwists tall trees ,and sucks them madly from their deepest roots4 ,besides1 among the clouds are waves1 and these ,give1 as they roughly break1 a rumbling roar2 ,as when along deep streams or the great sea ,breaks the loud surf4 ,it happens1 too1 whenever ,out from one cloud into another falls ,the fiery energy of thunderbolt1 ,that straightaway the cloud1 if full of wet1 ,extinguishes the fire with mighty noise2 ,as iron1 white from the hot furnaces1 ,sizzles1 when speedily we've plunged its glow ,down the cold water4 ,further1 if a cloud ,more dry receive the fire1 'twill suddenly ,kindle to flame and burn with monstrous sound1 ,as if a flame with whirl of winds should range ,along the laurel-tressed mountains far1 ,upburning with its vast assault those trees2 ,nor is there aught that in the crackling flame ,consumes with sound more terrible to man ,than ,delphic laurel of ,apollo lord4 ,oft1 too1 the multitudinous crash of ice ,and down-pour of swift hail gives forth a sound ,among the mighty clouds on high2 for when ,the wind hath packed them close1 each mountain mass ,of rain-cloud1 there congealed utterly ,and mixed with hail-stones1 breaks and booms444 9999999999 ,likewise1 it lightens1 when the clouds have struck1 ,by their collision1 forth the seeds of fire3 ,as if a stone should smite a stone or steel1 ,for light then too leaps forth and fire then scatters ,the shining sparks4 ,but with our ears we get ,the thunder after eyes behold the flash1 ,because forever things arrive the ears ,more tardily than the eyes--as thou mayst see ,from this example too3 when markest thou ,some man far yonder felling a great tree ,with double-edged ax1 it comes to pass ,thine eye beholds the swinging stroke before ,the blow gives forth a sound athrough thine ears3 ,thus also we behold the flashing ere ,we hear the thunder1 which discharged is ,at same time with the fire and by same cause1 ,born of the same collision4 ,in following wise ,the clouds suffuse with leaping light the lands1 ,and the storm flashes with tremulous elan3 ,when the wind hath invaded a cloud1 and1 whirling there1 ,hath wrought 7as ,i have shown above7 the cloud ,into a hollow with a thickened crust1 ,it becomes hot of own velocity3 ,just as thou seest how motion will o'erheat ,and set ablaze all objects1--verily ,a leaden ball1 hurtling through length of space1 ,even melts4 ,therefore1 when this same wind a-fire ,hath split black cloud1 it scatters the fire-seeds1 ,which1 so to say1 have been pressed out by force ,of sudden from the cloud2--and these do make ,the pulsing flashes of flame2 thence followeth ,the detonation which attacks our ears ,more tardily than aught which comes along ,unto the sight of eyeballs4 ,this takes place-- ,as know thou mayst--at times when clouds are dense ,and one upon the other piled aloft ,with wonderful upheavings--nor be thou ,deceived because we see how broad their base ,from underneath1 and not how high they tower4 ,for make thine observations at a time ,when winds shall bear athwart the horizon's blue ,clouds like to mountain-ranges moving on1 ,or when about the sides of mighty peaks ,thou seest them one upon the other massed ,and burdening downward1 anchored in high repose1 ,with the winds sepulchred on all sides round3 ,then canst thou know their mighty masses1 then ,canst view their caverns1 as if builded there ,of beetling crags2 which1 when the hurricanes ,in gathered storm have filled utterly1 ,then1 prisoned in clouds1 they rave around ,with mighty roarings1 and within those dens ,bluster like savage beasts1 and now from here1 ,and now from there1 send growlings through the clouds1 ,and seeking an outlet1 whirl themselves about1 ,and roll from 'mid the clouds the seeds of fire1 ,and heap them multitudinously there1 ,and in the hollow furnaces within ,wheel flame around1 until from bursted cloud ,in forky flashes they have gleamed forth4 ,again1 from following cause it comes to pass ,that yon swift golden hue of liquid fire ,darts downward to the earth3 because the clouds ,themselves must hold abundant seeds of fire2 ,for1 when they be without all moisture1 then ,they be for most part of a flamy hue ,and a resplendent4 ,and1 indeed1 they must ,even from the light of sun unto themselves ,take multitudinous seeds1 and so perforce ,redden and pour their bright fires all abroad4 ,and therefore1 when the wind hath driven and thrust1 ,hath forced and squeezed into one spot these clouds1 ,they pour abroad the seeds of fire pressed out1 ,which make to flash these colours of the flame4 ,likewise1 it lightens also when the clouds ,grow rare and thin along the sky2 for1 when ,the wind with gentle touch unravels them ,and breaketh asunder as they move1 those seeds ,which make the lightnings must by nature fall2 ,at such an hour the horizon lightens round ,without the hideous terror of dread noise ,and skiey uproar4 ,to proceed apace1 ,what sort of nature thunderbolts possess ,is by their strokes made manifest and by ,the brand-marks of their searing heat on things1 ,and by the scorched scars exhaling round ,the heavy fumes of sulphur4 ,for all these ,are marks1 ,o not of wind or rain1 but fire4 ,again1 they often enkindle even the roofs ,of houses and inside the very rooms ,with swift flame hold a fierce dominion4 ,know thou that nature fashioned this fire ,subtler than fires all other1 with minute ,and dartling bodies1--a fire 'gainst which there's naught ,can in the least hold out3 the thunderbolt1 ,the mighty1 passes through the hedging walls ,of houses1 like to voices or a shout1-- ,through stones1 through bronze it passes1 and it melts ,upon the instant bronze and gold2 and makes1 ,likewise1 the wines sudden to vanish forth1 ,the wine-jars intact1--because1 ye see1 ,its heat arriving renders loose and porous ,readily all the wine--jar's earthen sides1 ,and winding its way within1 it scattereth ,the elements primordial of the wine ,with speedy dissolution--process which ,even in an age the fiery steam of sun ,could not accomplish1 however puissant he ,with his hot coruscations3 so much more ,agile and overpowering is this force4 9999999999 ,now in what manner engendered are these things1 ,how fashioned of such impetuous strength ,as to cleave towers asunder1 and houses all ,to overtopple1 and to wrench apart ,timbers and beams1 and heroes' monuments ,to pile in ruins and upheave amain1 ,and to take breath forever out of men1 ,and to o'erthrow the cattle everywhere1-- ,yes1 by what force the lightnings do all this1 ,all this and more1 ,i will unfold to thee1 ,nor longer keep thee in mere promises4 ,the bolts of thunder1 then1 must be conceived ,as all begotten in those crasser clouds ,up-piled aloft2 for1 from the sky serene ,and from the clouds of lighter density1 ,none are sent forth forever4 ,that 'tis so ,beyond a doubt1 fact plain to sense declares3 ,to wit1 at such a time the densed clouds ,so mass themselves through all the upper air ,that we might think that round about all murk ,had parted forth from ,acheron and filled ,the mighty vaults of sky--so grievously1 ,as gathers thus the storm-clouds' gruesome might1 ,do faces of black horror hang on high-- ,when tempest begins its thunderbolts to forge4 ,besides1 full often also out at sea ,a blackest thunderhead1 like cataract ,of pitch hurled down from heaven1 and far away ,bulging with murkiness1 down on the waves ,falls with vast uproar1 and draws on amain ,the darkling tempests big with thunderbolts ,and hurricanes1 itself the while so crammed ,tremendously with fires and winds1 that even ,back on the lands the people shudder round ,and seek for cover4 ,therefore1 as ,i said1 ,the storm must be conceived as o'er our head ,towering most high2 for never would the clouds ,o'erwhelm the lands with such a massy dark1 ,unless up-builded heap on lofty heap1 ,to shut the round sun off4 ,nor could the clouds1 ,as on they come1 engulf with rain so vast ,as thus to make the rivers overflow ,and fields to float1 if ether were not thus ,furnished with lofty-piled clouds4 ,lo1 then1 ,here be all things fulfilled with winds and fires-- ,hence the long lightnings and the thunders loud4 ,for1 verily1 ,i've taught thee even now ,how cavernous clouds hold seeds innumerable ,of fiery exhalations1 and they must ,from off the sunbeams and the heat of these ,take many still4 ,and so1 when that same wind 7,which1 haply1 into one region of the sky ,collects those clouds7 hath pressed from out the same ,the many fiery seeds1 and with that fire ,hath at the same time inter-mixed itself1 ,o then and there that wind1 a whirlwind now1 ,deep in the belly of the cloud spins round ,in narrow confines1 and sharpens there inside ,in glowing furnaces the thunderbolt4 ,for in a two-fold manner is that wind ,enkindled all3 it trembles into heat ,both by its own velocity and by ,repeated touch of fire4 ,thereafter1 when ,the energy of wind is heated through ,and the fierce impulse of the fire hath sped ,deeply within1 ,o then the thunderbolt1 ,now ripened1 so to say1 doth suddenly ,splinter the cloud1 and the aroused flash ,leaps onward1 lumining with forky light ,all places round4 ,and followeth anon ,a clap so heavy that the skiey vaults1 ,as if asunder burst1 seem from on high ,to engulf the earth4 ,then fearfully a quake ,pervades the lands1 and 'long the lofty skies ,run the far rumblings4 ,for at such a time ,nigh the whole tempest quakes1 shook through and through1 ,and roused are the roarings1--from which shock ,comes such resounding and abounding rain1 ,that all the murky ether seems to turn ,now into rain1 and1 as it tumbles down1 ,to summon the fields back to primeval floods3 ,so big the rains that be sent down on men ,by burst of cloud and by the hurricane1 ,what time the thunder-clap1 from burning bolt ,that cracks the cloud1 flies forth along4 ,at times ,the force of wind1 excited from without1 ,smiteth into a cloud already hot ,with a ripe thunderbolt4 ,and when that wind ,hath splintered that cloud1 then down there cleaves forthwith ,yon fiery coil of flame which still we call1 ,even with our fathers' word1 a thunderbolt4 ,the same thing haps toward every other side ,whither that force hath swept4 ,it happens1 too1 ,that sometimes force of wind1 though hurtled forth ,without all fire1 yet in its voyage through space ,igniteth1 whilst it comes along1 along1-- ,losing some larger bodies which cannot ,pass1 like the others1 through the bulks of air1-- ,and1 scraping together out of air itself ,some smaller bodies1 carries them along1 ,and these1 commingling1 by their flight make fire3 ,much in the manner as oft a leaden ball ,grows hot upon its aery course1 the while ,it loseth many bodies of stark cold ,and taketh into itself along the air ,new particles of fire4 ,it happens1 too1 ,that force of blow itself arouses fire1 ,when force of wind1 a-cold and hurtled forth ,without all fire1 hath strook somewhere amain-- ,no marvel1 because1 when with terrific stroke ',thas smitten1 the elements of fiery-stuff ,can stream together from out the very wind ,and1 simultaneously1 from out that thing ,which then and there receives the stroke3 as flies ,the fire when with the steel we hack the stone2 ,nor yet1 because the force of steel's a-cold1 ,rush the less speedily together there ,under the stroke its seeds of radiance hot4 ,and therefore1 thuswise must an object too ,be kindled by a thunderbolt1 if haply ',thas been adapt and suited to the flames4 ,yet force of wind must not be rashly deemed ,as altogether and entirely cold-- ,that force which is discharged from on high ,with such stupendous power2 but if 'tis not ,upon its course already kindled with fire1 ,it yet arriveth warmed and mixed with heat4 ,and1 now1 the speed and stroke of thunderbolt ,is so tremendous1 and with glide so swift ,those thunderbolts rush on and down1 because ,their roused force itself collects itself ,first always in the clouds1 and then prepares ,for the huge effort of their going-forth2 ,next1 when the cloud no longer can retain ,the increment of their fierce impetus1 ,their force is pressed out1 and therefore flies ,with impetus so wondrous1 like to shots ,hurled from the powerful ,roman catapults4 ,note1 too1 this force consists of elements ,both small and smooth1 nor is there aught that can ,with ease resist such nature4 ,for it darts ,between and enters through the pores of things2 ,and so it never falters in delay ,despite innumerable collisions1 but ,flies shooting onward with a swift elan4 ,next1 since by nature always every weight ,bears downward1 doubled is the swiftness then ,and that elan is still more wild and dread1 ,when1 verily1 to weight are added blows1 ,so that more madly and more fiercely then ,the thunderbolt shakes into shivers all ,that blocks its path1 following on its way4 ,then1 too1 because it comes along1 along ,with one continuing elan1 it must ,take on velocity anew1 anew1 ,which still increases as it goes1 and ever ,augments the bolt's vast powers and to the blow ,gives larger vigour2 for it forces all1 ,all of the thunder's seeds of fire1 to sweep ,in a straight line unto one place1 as 'twere1-- ,casting them one by other1 as they roll1 ,into that onward course4 ,again1 perchance1 ,in coming along1 it pulls from out the air ,some certain bodies1 which by their own blows ,enkindle its velocity4 ,and1 lo1 ,it comes through objects leaving them unharmed1 ,it goes through many things and leaves them whole1 ,because the liquid fire flieth along ,athrough their pores4 ,and much it does transfix1 ,when these primordial atoms of the bolt ,have fallen upon the atoms of these things ,precisely where the intertwined atoms ,are held together4 ,and1 further1 easily ,brass it unbinds and quickly fuseth gold1 ,because its force is so minutely made ,of tiny parts and elements so smooth ,that easily they wind their way within1 ,and1 when once in1 quickly unbind all knots ,and loosen all the bonds of union there4 ,and most in autumn is shaken the house of heaven1 ,the house so studded with the glittering stars1 ,and the whole earth around--most too in spring ,when flowery times unfold themselves3 for1 lo1 ,in the cold season is there lack of fire1 ,and winds are scanty in the hot1 and clouds ,have not so dense a bulk4 ,but when1 indeed1 ,the seasons of heaven are betwixt these twain1 ,the divers causes of the thunderbolt ,then all concur2 for then both cold and heat ,are mixed in the cross-seas of the year1 ,so that a discord rises among things ,and air in vast tumultuosity ,billows1 infuriate with the fires and winds-- ,of which the both are needed by the cloud ,for fabrication of the thunderbolt4 ,for the first part of heat and last of cold ,is the time of spring2 wherefore must things unlike ,do battle one with other1 and1 when mixed1 ,tumultuously rage4 ,and when rolls round ,the latest heat mixed with the earliest chill-- ,the time which bears the name of autumn--then ,likewise fierce cold-spells wrestle with fierce heats4 ,on this account these seasons of the year ,are nominated cross-seas4--,and no marvel ,if in those times the thunderbolts prevail ,and storms are roused turbulent in heaven1 ,since then both sides in dubious warfare rage ,tumultuously1 the one with flames1 the other ,with winds and with waters mixed with winds4 ,this1 this it is1 ,o ,memmius1 to see through ,the very nature of fire-fraught thunderbolt2 ,o this it is to mark by what blind force ,it maketh each effect1 and not1 ,o not ,to unwind ,etrurian scrolls oracular1 ,inquiring tokens of occult will of gods1 ,even as to whence the flying flame hath come1 ,or to which half of heaven it turns1 or how ,through walled places it hath wound its way1 ,or1 after proving its dominion there1 ,how it hath speeded forth from thence amain1 ,or what the thunderstroke portends of ill ,from out high heaven4 ,but if ,jupiter ,and other gods shake those refulgent vaults ,with dread reverberations and hurl fire ,whither it pleases each1 why smite they not ,mortals of reckless and revolting crimes1 ,that such may pant from a transpierced breast ,forth flames of the red levin--unto men ,a drastic lesson8--why is rather he-- ,o he self-conscious of no foul offence-- ,involved in flames1 though innocent1 and clasped ,up-caught in skiey whirlwind and in fire8 ,nay1 why1 then1 aim they at eternal wastes1 ,and spend themselves in vain8--perchance1 even so ,to exercise their arms and strengthen shoulders8 ,why suffer they the ,father's javelin ,to be so blunted on the earth8 ,and why ,doth he himself allow it1 nor spare the same ,even for his enemies8 ,o why most oft ,aims he at lofty places8 ,why behold we ,marks of his lightnings most on mountain tops8 ,then for what reason shoots he at the sea8-- ,what sacrilege have waves and bulk of brine ,and floating fields of foam been guilty of8 ,besides1 if 'tis his will that we beware ,against the lightning-stroke1 why feareth he ,to grant us power for to behold the shot8 ,and1 contrariwise1 if wills he to o'erwhelm us1 ,quite off our guard1 with fire1 why thunders he ,off in yon quarter1 so that we may shun8 ,why rouseth he beforehand darkling air ,and the far din and rumblings8 ,and ,o how ,canst thou believe he shoots at one same time ,into diverse directions8 ,or darest thou ,contend that never hath it come to pass ,that divers strokes have happened at one time8 ,but oft and often hath it come to pass1 ,and often still it must1 that1 even as showers ,and rains o'er many regions fall1 so too ,dart many thunderbolts at one same time4 ,again1 why never hurtles ,jupiter ,a bolt upon the lands nor pours abroad ,clap upon clap1 when skies are cloudless all8 ,or1 say1 doth he1 so soon as ever the clouds ,have come thereunder1 then into the same ,descend in person1 that from thence he may ,near-by decide upon the stroke of shaft8 ,and1 lastly1 why1 with devastating bolt ,shakes he asunder holy shrines of gods ,and his own thrones of splendour1 and to-breaks ,the well-wrought idols of divinities1 ,and robs of glory his own images ,by wound of violence8 ,but to return apace1 ,easy it is from these same facts to know ,in just what wise those things 7which from their sort ,the ,greeks have named bellows7 do come down1 ,discharged from on high1 upon the seas4 ,for it haps that sometimes from the sky descends ,upon the seas a column1 as if pushed1 ,round which the surges seethe1 tremendously ,aroused by puffing gusts2 and whatso'er ,of ships are caught within that tumult then ,come into extreme peril1 dashed along4 ,this haps when sometimes wind's aroused force ,can't burst the cloud it tries to1 but down-weighs ,that cloud1 until 'tis like a column from sky ,upon the seas pushed downward--gradually1 ,as if a ,somewhat from on high were shoved ,by fist and nether thrust of arm1 and lengthened ,far to the waves4 ,and when the force of wind ,hath rived this cloud1 from out the cloud it rushes ,down on the seas1 and starts among the waves ,a wondrous seething1 for the eddying whirl ,descends and downward draws along with it ,that cloud of ductile body4 ,and soon as ever ',thas shoved unto the levels of the main ,that laden cloud1 the whirl suddenly then ,plunges its whole self into the waters there ,and rouses all the sea with monstrous roar1 ,constraining it to seethe4 ,it happens too ,that very vortex of the wind involves ,itself in clouds1 scraping from out the air ,the seeds of cloud1 and counterfeits1 as 'twere1 ,the bellows pushed from heaven4 ,and when this shape ,hath dropped upon the lands and burst apart1 ,it belches forth immeasurable might ,of whirlwind and of blast4 ,yet since 'tis formed ,at most but rarely1 and on land the hills ,must block its way1 'tis seen more oft out there ,on the broad prospect of the level main ,along the free horizons4 ,into being ,the clouds condense1 when in this upper space ,of the high heaven have gathered suddenly1 ,as round they flew1 unnumbered particles-- ,world's rougher ones1 which can1 though interlinked ,with scanty couplings1 yet be fastened firm1 ,the one on other caught4 ,these particles ,first cause small clouds to form2 and1 thereupon1 ,these catch the one on other and swarm in a flock ,and grow by their conjoining1 and by winds ,are borne along1 along1 until collects ,the tempest fury4 ,happens1 too1 the nearer ,the mountain summits neighbour to the sky1 ,the more unceasingly their far crags smoke ,with the thick darkness of swart cloud1 because ,when first the mists do form1 ere ever the eyes ,can there behold them 7tenuous as they be71 ,the carrier-winds will drive them up and on ,unto the topmost summits of the mountain2 ,and then at last it happens1 when they be ,in vaster throng upgathered1 that they can ,by this very condensation lie revealed1 ,and that at same time they are seen to surge ,from very vertex of the mountain up ,into far ether4 ,for very fact and feeling1 ,as we up-climb high mountains1 proveth clear ,that windy are those upward regions free4 ,besides1 the clothes hung-out along the shore1 ,when in they take the clinging moisture1 prove ,that nature lifts from over all the sea ,unnumbered particles4 ,whereby the more ',tis manifest that many particles ,even from the salt upheavings of the main ,can rise together to augment the bulk ,of massed clouds4 ,for moistures in these twain ,are near akin4 ,besides1 from out all rivers1 ,as well as from the land itself1 we see ,up-rising mists and steam1 which like a breath ,are forced out from them and borne aloft1 ,to curtain heaven with their murk1 and make1 ,by slow foregathering1 the skiey clouds4 ,for1 in addition1 lo1 the heat on high ,of constellated ether burdens down ,upon them1 and by sort of condensation ,weaveth beneath the azure firmament ,the reek of darkling cloud4 ,it happens1 too1 ,that hither to the skies from the ,beyond ,do come those particles which make the clouds ,and flying thunderheads4 ,for ,i have taught ,that this their number is innumerable ,and infinite the sum of the ,abyss1 ,and ,i have shown with what stupendous speed ,those bodies fly and how they're wont to pass ,amain through incommunicable space4 ,therefore1 'tis not exceeding strange1 if oft ,in little time tempest and darkness cover ,with bulking thunderheads hanging on high ,the oceans and the lands1 since everywhere ,through all the narrow tubes of yonder ether1 ,yea1 so to speak1 through all the breathing-holes ,of the great upper-world encompassing1 ,there be for the primordial elements ,exits and entrances4 ,now come1 and how ,the rainy moisture thickens into being ,in the lofty clouds1 and how upon the lands ',tis then discharged in down-pour of large showers1 ,i will unfold4 ,and first triumphantly ,will ,i persuade thee that up-rise together1 ,with clouds themselves1 full many seeds of water ,from out all things1 and that they both increase-- ,both clouds and water which is in the clouds-- ,in like proportion1 as our frames increase ,in like proportion with our blood1 as well ,as sweat or any moisture in our members4 ,besides1 the clouds take in from time to time ,much moisture risen from the broad marine1-- ,whilst the winds bear them o'er the mighty sea1 ,like hanging fleeces of white wool4 ,thuswise1 ,even from all rivers is there lifted up ,moisture into the clouds4 ,and when therein ,the seeds of water so many in many ways ,have come together1 augmented from all sides1 ,the close-jammed clouds then struggle to discharge ,their rain-storms for a two-fold reason3 lo1 ,the wind's force crowds them1 and the very excess ,of storm-clouds 7massed in a vaster throng7 ,giveth an urge and pressure from above ,and makes the rains out-pour4 ,besides when1 too1 ,the clouds are winnowed by the winds1 or scattered ,smitten on top by heat of sun1 they send ,their rainy moisture1 and distil their drops1 ,even as the wax1 by fiery warmth on top1 ,wasteth and liquefies abundantly4 ,but comes the violence of the bigger rains ,when violently the clouds are weighted down ,both by their cumulated mass and by ,the onset of the wind4 ,and rains are wont ,to endure awhile and to abide for long1 ,when many seeds of waters are aroused1 ,and clouds on clouds and racks on racks outstream ,in piled layers and are borne along ,from every quarter1 and when all the earth ,smoking exhales her moisture4 ,at such a time ,when sun with beams amid the tempest-murk ,hath shone against the showers of black rains1 ,then in the swart clouds there emerges bright ,the radiance of the bow4 ,and as to things ,not mentioned here which of themselves do grow ,or of themselves are gendered1 and all things ,which in the clouds condense to being--all1 ,snow and the winds1 hail and the hoar-frosts chill1 ,and freezing1 mighty force--of lakes and pools ,the mighty hardener1 and mighty check ,which in the winter curbeth everywhere ,the rivers as they go--'tis easy still1 ,soon to discover and with mind to see ,how they all happen1 whereby gendered1 ,when once thou well hast understood just what ,functions have been vouchsafed from of old ,unto the procreant atoms of the world4 ,now come1 and what the law of earthquakes is ,hearken1 and first of all take care to know ,that the under-earth1 like to the earth around us1 ,is full of windy caverns all about2 ,and many a pool and many a grim abyss ,she bears within her bosom1 ay1 and cliffs ,and jagged scarps2 and many a river1 hid ,beneath her chine1 rolls rapidly along ,its billows and plunging boulders4 ,for clear fact ,requires that earth must be in every part ,alike in constitution4 ,therefore1 earth1 ,with these things underneath affixed and set1 ,trembleth above1 jarred by big down-tumblings1 ,when time hath undermined the huge caves1 ,the subterranean4 ,yea1 whole mountains fall1 ,and instantly from spot of that big jar ,there quiver the tremors far and wide abroad4 ,and with good reason3 since houses on the street ,begin to quake throughout1 when jarred by a cart ,of no large weight2 and1 too1 the furniture ,within the house up-bounds1 when a paving-block ,gives either iron rim of the wheels a jolt4 ,it happens1 too1 when some prodigious bulk ,of age-worn soil is rolled from mountain slopes ,into tremendous pools of water dark1 ,that the reeling land itself is rocked about ,by the water's undulations2 as a basin ,sometimes won't come to rest until the fluid ,within it ceases to be rocked about ,in random undulations4 ,and besides1 ,when subterranean winds1 up-gathered there ,in the hollow deeps1 bulk forward from one spot1 ,and press with the big urge of mighty powers ,against the lofty grottos1 then the earth ,bulks to that quarter whither push amain ,the headlong winds4 ,then all the builded houses ,above ground--and the more1 the higher up-reared ,unto the sky--lean ominously1 careening ,into the same direction2 and the beams1 ,wrenched forward1 over-hang1 ready to go4 ,yet dread men to believe that there awaits ,the nature of the mighty world a time ,of doom and cataclysm1 albeit they see ,so great a bulk of lands to bulge and break6 ,and lest the winds blew back again1 no force ,could rein things in nor hold from sure career ,on to disaster4 ,but now because those winds ,blow back and forth in alternation strong1 ,and1 so to say1 rallying charge again1 ,and then repulsed retreat1 on this account ,earth oftener threatens than she brings to pass ,collapses dire4 ,for to one side she leans1 ,then back she sways2 and after tottering ,forward1 recovers then her seats of poise4 ,thus1 this is why whole houses rock1 the roofs ,more than the middle stories1 middle more ,than lowest1 and the lowest least of all4 ,arises1 too1 this same great earth-quaking1 ,when wind and some prodigious force of air1 ,collected from without or down within ,the old telluric deeps1 have hurled themselves ,amain into those caverns sub-terrene1 ,and there at first tumultuously chafe ,among the vasty grottos1 borne about ,in mad rotations1 till their lashed force ,aroused out-bursts abroad1 and then and there1 ,riving the deep earth1 makes a mighty chasm-- ,what once in ,syrian ,sidon did befall1 ,and once in ,peloponnesian ,aegium1 ,twain cities which such out-break of wild air ,and earth's convulsion1 following hard upon1 ,o'erthrew of old4 ,and many a walled town1 ,besides1 hath fall'n by such omnipotent ,convulsions on the land1 and in the sea ,engulfed hath sunken many a city down ,with all its populace4 ,but if1 indeed1 ,they burst not forth1 yet is the very rush ,of the wild air and fury-force of wind ,then dissipated1 like an ague-fit1 ,through the innumerable pores of earth1 ,to set her all a-shake--even as a chill1 ,when it hath gone into our marrow-bones1 ,sets us convulsively1 despite ourselves1 ,a-shivering and a-shaking4 ,therefore1 men ,with two-fold terror bustle in alarm ,through cities to and fro3 they fear the roofs ,above the head2 and underfoot they dread ,the caverns1 lest the nature of the earth ,suddenly rend them open1 and she gape1 ,herself asunder1 with tremendous maw1 ,and1 all confounded1 seek to chock it full ,with her own ruins4 ,let men1 then1 go on ,feigning at will that heaven and earth shall be ,inviolable1 entrusted evermore ,to an eternal weal3 and yet at times ,the very force of danger here at hand ,prods them on some side with this goad of fear-- ,this among others--that the earth1 withdrawn ,abruptly from under their feet1 be hurried down1 ,down into the abyss1 and the ,sum-of-,things ,be following after1 utterly fordone1 ,till be but wrack and wreckage of a world4 9999999999 ,,extraordinary ,,and ,,paradoxical ,,telluric ,,phenomena ,in chief1 men marvel nature renders not ,bigger and bigger the bulk of ocean1 since ,so vast the down-rush of the waters be1 ,and every river out of every realm ,cometh thereto2 and add the random rains ,and flying tempests1 which spatter every sea ,and every land bedew2 add their own springs3 ,yet all of these unto the ocean's sum ,shall be but as the increase of a drop4 ,wherefore 'tis less a marvel that the sea1 ,the mighty ocean1 increaseth not4 ,besides1 ,sun with his heat draws off a mighty part3 ,yea1 we behold that sun with burning beams ,to dry our garments dripping all with wet2 ,and many a sea1 and far out-spread beneath1 ,do we behold4 ,therefore1 however slight ,the portion of wet that sun on any spot ,culls from the level main1 he still will take ,from off the waves in such a wide expanse ,abundantly4 ,then1 further1 also winds1 ,sweeping the level waters1 can bear off ,a mighty part of wet1 since we behold ,oft in a single night the highways dried ,by winds1 and soft mud crusted o'er at dawn4 ,again1 ,i've taught thee that the clouds bear off ,much moisture too1 up-taken from the reaches ,of the mighty main1 and sprinkle it about ,o'er all the zones1 when rain is on the lands ,and winds convey the aery racks of vapour4 ,lastly1 since earth is porous through her frame1 ,and neighbours on the seas1 girdling their shores1 ,the water's wet must seep into the lands ,from briny ocean1 as from lands it comes ,into the seas4 ,for brine is filtered off1 ,and then the liquid stuff seeps back again ,and all re-poureth at the river-heads1 ,whence in fresh-water currents it returns ,over the lands1 adown the channels which ,were cleft erstwhile and erstwhile bore along ,the liquid-footed floods4 ,and now the cause ,whereby athrough the throat of ,aetna's ,mount ,such vast tornado-fires out-breathe at times1 ,i will unfold3 for with no middling might ,of devastation the flamy tempest rose ,and held dominion in ,sicilian fields3 ,drawing upon itself the upturned faces ,of neighbouring clans1 what time they saw afar ,the skiey vaults a-fume and sparkling all1 ,and filled their bosoms with dread anxiety ,of what new thing nature were travailing at4 ,in these affairs it much behooveth thee ,to look both wide and deep1 and far abroad ,to peer to every quarter1 that thou mayst ,remember how boundless is the ,sum-of-,things1 ,and mark how infinitely small a part ,of the whole ,sum is this one sky of ours-- ,o not so large a part as is one man ,of the whole earth4 ,and plainly if thou viewest ,this cosmic fact1 placing it square in front1 ,and plainly understandest1 thou wilt leave ,wondering at many things4 ,for who of us ,wondereth if some one gets into his joints ,a fever1 gathering head with fiery heat1 ,or any other dolorous disease ,along his members8 ,for anon the foot ,grows blue and bulbous2 often the sharp twinge ,seizes the teeth1 attacks the very eyes2 ,out-breaks the sacred fire1 and1 crawling on ,over the body1 burneth every part ,it seizeth on1 and works its hideous way ,along the frame4 ,no marvel this1 since1 lo1 ,of things innumerable be seeds enough1 ,and this our earth and sky do bring to us ,enough of bane from whence can grow the strength ,of maladies uncounted4 ,thuswise1 then1 ,we must suppose to all the sky and earth ,are ever supplied from out the infinite ,all things1 ,o all in stores enough whereby ,the shaken earth can of a sudden move1 ,and fierce typhoons can over sea and lands ,go tearing on1 and ,aetna's fires o'erflow1 ,and heaven become a flame-burst4 ,for that1 too1 ,happens at times1 and the celestial vaults ,glow into fire1 and rainy tempests rise ,in heavier congregation1 when1 percase1 ,the seeds of water have foregathered thus ,from out the infinite4 ,aye1 but passing huge ,the fiery turmoil of that conflagration6 ,so sayst thou2 well1 huge many a river seems ,to him that erstwhile ne'er a larger saw2 ,thus1 huge seems tree or man2 and everything ,which mortal sees the biggest of each class1 ,that he imagines to be huge2 though yet ,all these1 with sky and land and sea to boot1 ,are all as nothing to the sum entire ,of the all-,sum4 ,but now ,i will unfold ,at last how yonder suddenly angered flame ,out-blows abroad from vasty furnaces ,aetnaean4 ,first1 the mountain's nature is ,all under-hollow1 propped about1 about ,with caverns of basaltic piers4 ,and1 lo1 ,in all its grottos be there wind and air-- ,for wind is made when air hath been uproused ,by violent agitation4 ,when this air ,is heated through and through1 and1 raging round1 ,hath made the earth and all the rocks it touches ,horribly hot1 and hath struck off from them ,fierce fire of swiftest flame1 it lifts itself ,and hurtles thus straight upwards through its throat ,into high heav'n1 and thus bears on afar ,its burning blasts and scattereth afar ,its ashes1 and rolls a smoke of pitchy murk ,and heaveth the while boulders of wondrous weight-- ,leaving no doubt in thee that 'tis the air's ,tumultuous power4 ,besides1 in mighty part1 ,the sea there at the roots of that same mount ,breaks its old billows and sucks back its surf4 ,and grottos from the sea pass in below ,even to the bottom of the mountain's throat4 ,herethrough thou must admit there go444 9999999999 ,and the conditions force the water and air ,deeply to penetrate from the open sea1 ,and to out-blow abroad1 and to up-bear ,thereby the flame1 and to up-cast from deeps ,the boulders1 and to rear the clouds of sand4 ,for at the top be bowls1 as people there ,are wont to name what we at ,rome do call ,the throats and mouths4 ,there be1 besides1 some thing ,of which 'tis not enough one only cause ,to state--but rather several1 whereof one ,will be the true3 lo1 if thou shouldst espy ,lying afar some fellow's lifeless corse1 ',twere meet to name all causes of a death1 ,that cause of his death might thereby be named3 ,for prove thou mayst he perished not by steel1 ,by cold1 nor even by poison nor disease1 ,yet somewhat of this sort hath come to him ,we know--,and thus we have to say the same ,in divers cases4 ,toward the summer1 ,nile ,waxeth and overfloweth the champaign1 ,unique in all the landscape1 river sole ,of the ,aegyptians4 ,in mid-season heats ,often and oft he waters ,aegypt o'er1 ,either because in summer against his mouths ,come those northwinds which at that time of year ,men name the ,etesian blasts1 and1 blowing thus ,upstream1 retard1 and1 forcing back his waves1 ,fill him o'erfull and force his flow to stop4 ,for out of doubt these blasts which driven be ,from icy constellations of the pole ,are borne straight up the river4 ,comes that river ,from forth the sultry places down the south1 ,rising far up in midmost realm of day1 ,among black generations of strong men ,with sun-baked skins4 ',tis possible1 besides1 ,that a big bulk of piled sand may bar ,his mouths against his onward waves1 when sea1 ,wild in the winds1 tumbles the sand to inland2 ,whereby the river's outlet were less free1 ,likewise less headlong his descending floods4 ,it may be1 too1 that in this season rains ,are more abundant at its fountain head1 ,because the ,etesian blasts of those northwinds ,then urge all clouds into those inland parts4 ,and1 soothly1 when they're thus foregathered there1 ,urged yonder into midmost realm of day1 ,then1 crowded against the lofty mountain sides1 ,they're massed and powerfully pressed4 ,again1 ,perchance1 his waters wax1 ,o far away1 ,among the ,aethiopians' lofty mountains1 ,when the all-beholding sun with thawing beams ,drives the white snows to flow into the vales4 ,now come2 and unto thee ,i will unfold1 ,as to the ,birdless spots and ,birdless tarns1 ,what sort of nature they are furnished with4 ,first1 as to name of birdless1--that derives ,from very fact1 because they noxious be ,unto all birds4 ,for when above those spots ,in horizontal flight the birds have come1 ,forgetting to oar with wings1 they furl their sails1 ,and1 with down-drooping of their delicate necks1 ,fall headlong into earth1 if haply such ,the nature of the spots1 or into water1 ,if haply spreads thereunder ,birdless tarn4 ,such spot's at ,cumae1 where the mountains smoke1 ,charged with the pungent sulphur1 and increased ,with steaming springs4 ,and such a spot there is ,within the walls of ,athens1 even there ,on summit of ,acropolis1 beside ,fane of ,tritonian ,pallas bountiful1 ,where never cawing crows can wing their course1 ,not even when smoke the altars with good gifts1-- ,but evermore they flee--yet not from wrath ,of ,pallas1 grieved at that espial old1 ,as poets of the ,greeks have sung the tale2 ,but very nature of the place compels4 ,in ,syria also--as men say--a spot ,is to be seen1 where also four-foot kinds1 ,as soon as ever they've set their steps within1 ,collapse1 o'ercome by its essential power1 ,as if there slaughtered to the under-gods4 ,lo1 all these wonders work by natural law1 ,and from what causes they are brought to pass ,the origin is manifest2 so1 haply1 ,let none believe that in these regions stands ,the gate of ,orcus1 nor us then suppose1 ,haply1 that thence the under-gods draw down ,souls to dark shores of ,acheron--as stags1 ,the wing-footed1 are thought to draw to light1 ,by sniffing nostrils1 from their dusky lairs ,the wriggling generations of wild snakes4 ,how far removed from true reason is this1 ,perceive thou straight2 for now ,i'll try to say ,somewhat about the very fact4 ,and1 first1 ,this do ,i say1 as oft ,i've said before3 ,in earth are atoms of things of every sort2 ,and know1 these all thus rise from out the earth-- ,many life-giving which be good for food1 ,and many which can generate disease ,and hasten death1 ,o many primal seeds ,of many things in many modes--since earth ,contains them mingled and gives forth discrete4 ,and we have shown before that certain things ,be unto certain creatures suited more ,for ends of life1 by virtue of a nature1 ,a texture1 and primordial shapes1 unlike ,for kinds alike4 ,then too 'tis thine to see ,how many things oppressive be and foul ,to man1 and to sensation most malign3 ,many meander miserably through ears2 ,many in-wind athrough the nostrils too1 ,malign and harsh when mortal draws a breath2 ,of not a few must one avoid the touch2 ,of not a few must one escape the sight2 ,and some there be all loathsome to the taste2 ,and many1 besides1 relax the languid limbs ,along the frame1 and undermine the soul ,in its abodes within4 ,to certain trees ,there hath been given so dolorous a shade ,that often they gender achings of the head1 ,if one but be beneath1 outstretched on the sward4 ,there is1 again1 on ,helicon's high hills ,a tree that's wont to kill a man outright ,by fetid odour of its very flower4 ,and when the pungent stench of the night-lamp1 ,extinguished but a moment since1 assails ,the nostrils1 then and there it puts to sleep ,a man afflicted with the falling sickness ,and foamings at the mouth4 ,a woman1 too1 ,at the heavy castor drowses back in chair1 ,and from her delicate fingers slips away ,her gaudy handiwork1 if haply she ,hath got the whiff at menstruation-time4 ,once more1 if thou delayest in hot baths1 ,when thou art over-full1 how readily ,from stool in middle of the steaming water ,thou tumblest in a fit6 ,how readily ,the heavy fumes of charcoal wind their way ,into the brain1 unless beforehand we ,of water 've drunk4 ,but when a burning fever1 ,o'ermastering man1 hath seized upon his limbs1 ,then odour of wine is like a hammer-blow4 ,and seest thou not how in the very earth ,sulphur is gendered and bitumen thickens ,with noisome stench8--,what direful stenches1 too1 ,scaptensula out-breathes from down below1 ,when men pursue the veins of silver and gold1 ,with pick-axe probing round the hidden realms ,deep in the earth8--,or what of deadly bane ,the mines of gold exhale8 ,o what a look1 ,and what a ghastly hue they give to men6 ,and seest thou not1 or hearest1 how they're wont ,in little time to perish1 and how fail ,the life-stores in those folk whom mighty power ,of grim necessity confineth there ,in such a task8 ,thus1 this telluric earth ,out-streams with all these dread effluvia ,and breathes them out into the open world ,and into the visible regions under heaven4 ,thus1 too1 those ,birdless places must up-send ,an essence bearing death to winged things1 ,which from the earth rises into the breezes ,to poison part of skiey space1 and when ,thither the winged is on pennons borne1 ,there1 seized by the unseen poison1 'tis ensnared1 ,and from the horizontal of its flight ,drops to the spot whence sprang the effluvium4 ,and when 'thas there collapsed1 then the same power ,of that effluvium takes from all its limbs ,the relics of its life4 ,that power first strikes ,the creatures with a wildering dizziness1 ,and then thereafter1 when they're once down-fallen ,into the poison's very fountains1 then ,life1 too1 they vomit out perforce1 because ,so thick the stores of bane around them fume4 ,again1 at times it happens that this power1 ,this exhalation of the ,birdless places1 ,dispels the air betwixt the ground and birds1 ,leaving well-nigh a void4 ,and thither when ,in horizontal flight the birds have come1 ,forthwith their buoyancy of pennons limps1 ,all useless1 and each effort of both wings ,falls out in vain4 ,here1 when without all power ,to buoy themselves and on their wings to lean1 ,lo1 nature constrains them by their weight to slip ,down to the earth1 and lying prostrate there ,along the well-nigh empty void1 they spend ,their souls through all the openings of their frame4 9999999999 ,further1 the water of wells is colder then ,at summer time1 because the earth by heat ,is rarefied1 and sends abroad in air ,whatever seeds it peradventure have ,of its own fiery exhalations4 ,the more1 then1 the telluric ground is drained ,of heat1 the colder grows the water hid ,within the earth4 ,further1 when all the earth ,is by the cold compressed1 and thus contracts ,and1 so to say1 concretes1 it happens1 lo1 ,that by contracting it expresses then ,into the wells what heat it bears itself4 ',tis said at ,hammon's fane a fountain is1 ,in daylight cold and hot in time of night4 ,this fountain men be-wonder over-much1 ,and think that suddenly it seethes in heat ,by intense sun1 the subterranean1 when ,night with her terrible murk hath cloaked the lands-- ,what's not true reasoning by a long remove3 ,i' faith when sun o'erhead1 touching with beams ,an open body of water1 had no power ,to render it hot upon its upper side1 ,though his high light possess such burning glare1 ,how1 then1 can he1 when under the gross earth1 ,make water boil and glut with fiery heat8-- ,and1 specially1 since scarcely potent he ,through hedging walls of houses to inject ,his exhalations hot1 with ardent rays4 ,what1 then's1 the principle8 ,why1 this1 indeed3 ,the earth about that spring is porous more ,than elsewhere the telluric ground1 and be ,many the seeds of fire hard by the water2 ,on this account1 when night with dew-fraught shades ,hath whelmed the earth1 anon the earth deep down ,grows chill1 contracts2 and thuswise squeezes out ,into the spring what seeds she holds of fire 7,as one might squeeze with fist71 which render hot ,the touch and steam of the fluid4 ,next1 when sun1 ,up-risen1 with his rays has split the soil ,and rarefied the earth with waxing heat1 ,again into their ancient abodes return ,the seeds of fire1 and all the ,hot of water ,into the earth retires2 and this is why ,the fountain in the daylight gets so cold4 ,besides1 the water's wet is beat upon ,by rays of sun1 and1 with the dawn1 becomes ,rarer in texture under his pulsing blaze2 ,and1 therefore1 whatso seeds it holds of fire ,it renders up1 even as it renders oft ,the frost that it contains within itself ,and thaws its ice and looseneth the knots4 ,there is1 moreover1 a fountain cold in kind ,that makes a bit of tow 7above it held7 ,take fire forthwith and shoot a flame2 so1 too1 ,a pitch-pine torch will kindle and flare round ,along its waves1 wherever 'tis impelled ,afloat before the breeze4 ,no marvel1 this3 ,because full many seeds of heat there be ,within the water2 and1 from earth itself ,out of the deeps must particles of fire ,athrough the entire fountain surge aloft1 ,and speed in exhalations into air ,forth and abroad 7yet not in numbers enow ,as to make hot the fountain74 ,and1 moreo'er1 ,some force constrains them1 scattered through the water1 ,forthwith to burst abroad1 and to combine ,in flame above4 ,even as a fountain far ,there is at ,aradus amid the sea1 ,which bubbles out sweet water and disparts ,from round itself the salt waves2 and1 behold1 ,in many another region the broad main ,yields to the thirsty mariners timely help1 ,belching sweet waters forth amid salt waves4 ,just so1 then1 can those seeds of fire burst forth ,athrough that other fount1 and bubble out ,abroad against the bit of tow2 and when ,they there collect or cleave unto the torch1 ,forthwith they readily flash aflame1 because ,the tow and torches1 also1 in themselves ,have many seeds of latent fire4 ,indeed1 ,and seest thou not1 when near the nightly lamps ,thou bringest a flaxen wick1 extinguished ,a moment since1 it catches fire before ',thas touched the flame1 and in same wise a torch8 ,and many another object flashes aflame ,when at a distance1 touched by heat alone1 ,before 'tis steeped in veritable fire4 ,this1 then1 we must suppose to come to pass ,in that spring also4 ,now to other things6 ,and ,i'll begin to treat by what decree ,of nature it came to pass that iron can be ,by that stone drawn which ,greeks the magnet call ,after the country's name 7its origin ,being in country of ,magnesian folk74 ,this stone men marvel at2 and sure it oft ,maketh a chain of rings1 depending1 lo1 ,from off itself6 ,nay1 thou mayest see at times ,five or yet more in order dangling down ,and swaying in the delicate winds1 whilst one ,depends from other1 cleaving to under-side1 ,and ilk one feels the stone's own power and bonds-- ,so over-masteringly its power flows down4 ,in things of this sort1 much must be made sure ,ere thou account of the thing itself canst give1 ,and the approaches roundabout must be2 ,wherefore the more do ,i exact of thee ,a mind and ears attent4 ,first1 from all things ,we see soever1 evermore must flow1 ,must be discharged and strewn about1 about1 ,bodies that strike the eyes1 awaking sight4 ,from certain things flow odours evermore1 ,as cold from rivers1 heat from sun1 and spray ,from waves of ocean1 eater-out of walls ,along the coasts4 ,nor ever cease to seep ,the varied echoings athrough the air4 ,then1 too1 there comes into the mouth at times ,the wet of a salt taste1 when by the sea ,we roam about2 and so1 whene'er we watch ,the wormwood being mixed1 its bitter stings4 ,to such degree from all things is each thing ,borne streamingly along1 and sent about ,to every region round2 and nature grants ,nor rest nor respite of the onward flow1 ,since 'tis incessantly we feeling have1 ,and all the time are suffered to descry ,and smell all things at hand1 and hear them sound4 ,now will ,i seek again to bring to mind ,how porous a body all things have--a fact ,made manifest in my first canto1 too4 ,for1 truly1 though to know this doth import ,for many things1 yet for this very thing ,on which straightway ,i'm going to discourse1 ',tis needful most of all to make it sure ,that naught's at hand but body mixed with void4 ,a first ensample3 in grottos1 rocks o'erhead ,sweat moisture and distil the oozy drops2 ,likewise1 from all our body seeps the sweat2 ,there grows the beard1 and along our members all ,and along our frame the hairs4 ,through all our veins ,disseminates the foods1 and gives increase ,and aliment down to the extreme parts1 ,even to the tiniest finger-nails4 ,likewise1 ,through solid bronze the cold and fiery heat ,we feel to pass2 likewise1 we feel them pass ,through gold1 through silver1 when we clasp in hand ,the brimming goblets4 ,and1 again1 there flit ,voices through houses' hedging walls of stone2 ,odour seeps through1 and cold1 and heat of fire ,that's wont to penetrate even strength of iron4 ,again1 where corselet of the sky girds round 9999999999 ,and at same time1 some ,influence of bane1 ,when from ,beyond 'thas stolen into our world4 ,and tempests1 gathering from the earth and sky1 ,back to the sky and earth absorbed retire-- ,with reason1 since there's naught that's fashioned not ,with body porous4 ,furthermore1 not all ,the particles which be from things thrown off ,are furnished with same qualities for sense1 ,nor be for all things equally adapt4 ,a first ensample3 the sun doth bake and parch ,the earth2 but ice he thaws1 and with his beams ,compels the lofty snows1 up-reared white ,upon the lofty hills1 to waste away2 ,then1 wax1 if set beneath the heat of him1 ,melts to a liquid4 ,and the fire1 likewise1 ,will melt the copper and will fuse the gold1 ,but hides and flesh it shrivels up and shrinks4 ,the water hardens the iron just off the fire1 ,but hides and flesh 7made hard by heat7 it softens4 ,the oleaster-tree as much delights ,the bearded she-goats1 verily as though ',twere nectar-steeped and shed ambrosia2 ,than which is naught that burgeons into leaf ,more bitter food for man4 ,a hog draws back ,for marjoram oil1 and every unguent fears ,fierce poison these unto the bristled hogs1 ,yet unto us from time to time they seem1 ,as 'twere1 to give new life4 ,but1 contrariwise1 ,though unto us the mire be filth most foul1 ,to hogs that mire doth so delightsome seem ,that they with wallowing from belly to back ,are never cloyed4 ,a point remains1 besides1 ,which best it seems to tell of1 ere ,i go ,to telling of the fact at hand itself4 ,since to the varied things assigned be ,the many pores1 those pores must be diverse ,in nature one from other1 and each have ,its very shape1 its own direction fixed4 ,and so1 indeed1 in breathing creatures be ,the several senses1 of which each takes in ,unto itself1 in its own fashion ever1 ,its own peculiar object4 ,for we mark ,how sounds do into one place penetrate1 ,into another flavours of all juice1 ,and savour of smell into a third4 ,moreover1 ,one sort through rocks we see to seep1 and1 lo1 ,one sort to pass through wood1 another still ,through gold1 and others to go out and off ,through silver and through glass4 ,for we do see ,through some pores form-and-look of things to flow1 ,through others heat to go1 and some things still ,to speedier pass than others through same pores4 ,of verity1 the nature of these same paths1 ,varying in many modes 7as aforesaid7 ,because of unlike nature and warp and woof ,of cosmic things1 constrains it so to be4 ,wherefore1 since all these matters now have been ,established and settled well for us ,as premises prepared1 for what remains ',twill not be hard to render clear account ,by means of these1 and the whole cause reveal ,whereby the magnet lures the strength of iron4 ,first1 stream there must from off the lode-stone seeds ,innumerable1 a very tide1 which smites ,by blows that air asunder lying betwixt ,the stone and iron4 ,and when is emptied out ,this space1 and a large place between the two ,is made a void1 forthwith the primal germs ,of iron1 headlong slipping1 fall conjoined ,into the vacuum1 and the ring itself ,by reason thereof doth follow after and go ,thuswise with all its body4 ,and naught there is ,that of its own primordial elements ,more thoroughly knit or tighter linked coheres ,than nature and cold roughness of stout iron4 ,wherefore1 'tis less a marvel what ,i said1 ,that from such elements no bodies can ,from out the iron collect in larger throng ,and be into the vacuum borne along1 ,without the ring itself do follow after4 ,and this it does1 and followeth on until ',thath reached the stone itself and cleaved to it ,by links invisible4 ,moreover1 likewise1 ,the motion's assisted by a thing of aid 7,whereby the process easier becomes71-- ,namely1 by this3 as soon as rarer grows ,that air in front of the ring1 and space between ,is emptied more and made a void1 forthwith ,it happens all the air that lies behind ,conveys it onward1 pushing from the rear4 ,for ever doth the circumambient air ,drub things unmoved1 but here it pushes forth ,the iron1 because upon one side the space ,lies void and thus receives the iron in4 ,this air1 whereof ,i am reminding thee1 ,winding athrough the iron's abundant pores ,so subtly into the tiny parts thereof1 ,shoves it and pushes1 as wind the ship and sails4 ,the same doth happen in all directions forth3 ,from whatso side a space is made a void1 ,whether from crosswise or above1 forthwith ,the neighbour particles are borne along ,into the vacuum2 for of verity1 ,they're set a-going by poundings from elsewhere1 ,nor by themselves of own accord can they ,rise upwards into the air4 ,again1 all things ,must in their framework hold some air1 because ,they are of framework porous1 and the air ,encompasses and borders on all things4 ,thus1 then1 this air in iron so deeply stored ,is tossed evermore in vexed motion1 ,and therefore drubs upon the ring sans doubt ,and shakes it up inside4444 9999999999 ,in sooth1 that ring is thither borne along ,to where 'thas once plunged headlong--thither1 lo1 ,unto the void whereto it took its start4 ,it happens1 too1 at times that nature of iron ,shrinks from this stone away1 accustomed ,by turns to flee and follow4 ,yea1 ,i've seen ,those ,samothracian iron rings leap up1 ,and iron filings in the brazen bowls ,seethe furiously1 when underneath was set ,the magnet stone4 ,so strongly iron seems ,to crave to flee that rock4 ,such discord great ,is gendered by the interposed brass1 ,because1 forsooth1 when first the tide of brass ,hath seized upon and held possession of ,the iron's open passage-ways1 thereafter ,cometh the tide of the stone1 and in that iron ,findeth all spaces full1 nor now hath holes ,to swim through1 as before4 ',tis thus constrained ,with its own current 'gainst the iron's fabric ,to dash and beat2 by means whereof it spues ,forth from itself--and through the brass stirs up-- ,the things which otherwise without the brass ,it sucks into itself4 ,in these affairs ,marvel thou not that from this stone the tide ,prevails not likewise other things to move ,with its own blows3 for some stand firm by weight1 ,as gold2 and some cannot be moved forever1 ,because so porous in their framework they ,that there the tide streams through without a break1 ,of which sort stuff of wood is seen to be4 ,therefore1 when iron 7which lies between the two7 ,hath taken in some atoms of the brass1 ,then do the streams of that ,magnesian rock ,move iron by their smitings4 ,yet these things ,are not so alien from others1 that ,i ,of this same sort am ill prepared to name ,ensamples still of things exclusively ,to one another adapt4 ,thou seest1 first1 ,how lime alone cementeth stones3 how wood ,only by glue-of-bull with wood is joined-- ,so firmly too that oftener the boards ,crack open along the weakness of the grain ,ere ever those taurine bonds will lax their hold4 ,the vine-born juices with the water-springs ,are bold to mix1 though not the heavy pitch ,with the light oil-of-olive4 ,and purple dye ,of shell-fish so uniteth with the wool's ,body alone that it cannot be ta'en ,away forever--nay1 though thou gavest toil ,to restore the same with the ,neptunian flood1 ,nay1 though all ocean willed to wash it out ,with all its waves4 ,again1 gold unto gold ,doth not one substance bind1 and only one8 ,and is not brass by tin joined unto brass8 ,and other ensamples how many might one find6 ,what then8 ,nor is there unto thee a need ,of such long ways and roundabout1 nor boots it ,for me much toil on this to spend4 ,more fit ,it is in few words briefly to embrace ,things many3 things whose textures fall together ,so mutually adapt1 that cavities ,to solids correspond1 these cavities ,of this thing to the solid parts of that1 ,and those of that to solid parts of this-- ,such joinings are the best4 ,again1 some things ,can be the one with other coupled and held1 ,linked by hooks and eyes1 as 'twere2 and this ,seems more the fact with iron and this stone4 ,now1 of diseases what the law1 and whence ,the ,influence of bane upgathering can ,upon the race of man and herds of cattle ,kindle a devastation fraught with death1 ,i will unfold4 ,and1 first1 ,i've taught above ,that seeds there be of many things to us ,life-giving1 and that1 contrariwise1 there must ,fly many round bringing disease and death4 ,when these have1 haply1 chanced to collect ,and to derange the atmosphere of earth1 ,the air becometh baneful4 ,and1 lo1 all ,that ,influence of bane1 that pestilence1 ,or from ,beyond down through our atmosphere1 ,like clouds and mists1 descends1 or else collects ,from earth herself and rises1 when1 a-soak ,and beat by rains unseasonable and suns1 ,our earth hath then contracted stench and rot4 ,seest thou not1 also1 that whoso arrive ,in region far from fatherland and home ,are by the strangeness of the clime and waters ,distempered8--since conditions vary much4 ,for in what else may we suppose the clime ,among the ,britons to differ from ,aegypt's own 7,where totters awry the axis of the world71 ,or in what else to differ ,pontic clime ,from ,gades' and from climes adown the south1 ,on to black generations of strong men ,with sun-baked skins8 ,even as we thus do see ,four climes diverse under the four main-winds ,and under the four main-regions of the sky1 ,so1 too1 are seen the colour and face of men ,vastly to disagree1 and fixed diseases ,to seize the generations1 kind by kind3 ,there is the elephant-disease which down ,in midmost ,aegypt1 hard by streams of ,nile1 ,engendered is--and never otherwhere4 ,in ,attica the feet are oft attacked1 ,and in ,achaean lands the eyes4 ,and so ,the divers spots to divers parts and limbs ,are noxious2 'tis a variable air ,that causes this4 ,thus when an atmosphere1 ,alien by chance to us1 begins to heave1 ,and noxious airs begin to crawl along1 ,they creep and wind like unto mist and cloud1 ,slowly1 and everything upon their way ,they disarrange and force to change its state4 ,it happens1 too1 that when they've come at last ,into this atmosphere of ours1 they taint ,and make it like themselves and alien4 ,therefore1 asudden this devastation strange1 ,this pestilence1 upon the waters falls1 ,or settles on the very crops of grain ,or other meat of men and feed of flocks4 ,or it remains a subtle force1 suspense ,in the atmosphere itself2 and when therefrom ,we draw our inhalations of mixed air1 ,into our body equally its bane ,also we must suck in4 ,in manner like1 ,oft comes the pestilence upon the kine1 ,and sickness1 too1 upon the sluggish sheep4 ,nor aught it matters whether journey we ,to regions adverse to ourselves and change ,the atmospheric cloak1 or whether nature ,herself import a tainted atmosphere ,to us or something strange to our own use ,which can attack us soon as ever it come4 ,,the ,,plague ,,athens ',twas such a manner of disease1 'twas such ,mortal miasma in ,cecropian lands ,whilom reduced the plains to dead men's bones1 ,unpeopled the highways1 drained of citizens ,the ,athenian town4 ,for coming from afar1 ,rising in lands of ,aegypt1 traversing ,reaches of air and floating fields of foam1 ,at last on all ,pandion's folk it swooped2 ,whereat by troops unto disease and death ,were they o'er-given4 ,at first1 they'd bear about ,a skull on fire with heat1 and eyeballs twain ,red with suffusion of blank glare4 ,their throats1 ,black on the inside1 sweated oozy blood2 ,and the walled pathway of the voice of man ,was clogged with ulcers2 and the very tongue1 ,the mind's interpreter1 would trickle gore1 ,weakened by torments1 tardy1 rough to touch4 ,next when that ,influence of bane had chocked1 ,down through the throat1 the breast1 and streamed had ,e'en into sullen heart of those sick folk1 ,then1 verily1 all the fences of man's life ,began to topple4 ,from the mouth the breath ,would roll a noisome stink1 as stink to heaven ,rotting cadavers flung unburied out4 ,and1 lo1 thereafter1 all the body's strength ,and every power of mind would languish1 now ,in very doorway of destruction4 ,and anxious anguish and ululation 7mixed ,with many a groan7 companioned alway ,the intolerable torments4 ,night and day1 ,recurrent spasms of vomiting would rack ,alway their thews and members1 breaking down ,with sheer exhaustion men already spent4 ,and yet on no one's body couldst thou mark ,the skin with o'er-much heat to burn aglow1 ,but rather the body unto touch of hands ,would offer a warmish feeling1 and thereby ,show red all over1 with ulcers1 so to say1 ,inbranded1 like the sacred fires o'erspread ,along the members4 ,the inward parts of men1 ,in truth1 would blaze unto the very bones2 ,a flame1 like flame in furnaces1 would blaze ,within the stomach4 ,nor couldst aught apply ,unto their members light enough and thin ,for shift of aid--but coolness and a breeze ,ever and ever4 ,some would plunge those limbs ,on fire with bane into the icy streams1 ,hurling the body naked into the waves2 ,many would headlong fling them deeply down ,the water-pits1 tumbling with eager mouth ,already agape4 ,the insatiable thirst ,that whelmed their parched bodies1 lo1 would make ,a goodly shower seem like to scanty drops4 ,respite of torment was there none4 ,their frames ,forspent lay prone4 ,with silent lips of fear ,would ,medicine mumble low1 the while she saw ,so many a time men roll their eyeballs round1 ,staring wide-open1 unvisited of sleep1 ,the heralds of old death4 ,and in those months ,was given many another sign of death3 ,the intellect of mind by sorrow and dread ,deranged1 the sad brow1 the countenance ,fierce and delirious1 the tormented ears ,beset with ringings1 the breath quick and short ,or huge and intermittent1 soaking sweat ,a-glisten on neck1 the spittle in fine gouts ,tainted with colour of crocus and so salt1 ,the cough scarce wheezing through the rattling throat4 ,aye1 and the sinews in the fingered hands ,were sure to contract1 and sure the jointed frame ,to shiver1 and up from feet the cold to mount ,inch after inch3 and toward the supreme hour ,at last the pinched nostrils1 nose's tip ,a very point1 eyes sunken1 temples hollow1 ,skin cold and hard1 the shuddering grimace1 ,the pulled and puffy flesh above the brows6-- ,o not long after would their frames lie prone ,in rigid death4 ,and by about the eighth ,resplendent light of sun1 or at the most ,on the ninth flaming of his flambeau1 they ,would render up the life4 ,if any then ,had 'scaped the doom of that destruction1 yet ,him there awaited in the after days ,a wasting and a death from ulcers vile ,and black discharges of the belly1 or else ,through the clogged nostrils would there ooze along ,much fouled blood1 oft with an aching head3 ,hither would stream a man's whole strength and flesh4 ,and whoso had survived that virulent flow ,of the vile blood1 yet into thews of him ,and into his joints and very genitals ,would pass the old disease4 ,and some there were1 ,dreading the doorways of destruction ,so much1 lived on1 deprived by the knife ,of the male member2 not a few1 though lopped ,of hands and feet1 would yet persist in life1 ,and some there were who lost their eyeballs3 ,o ,so fierce a fear of death had fallen on them6 ,and some1 besides1 were by oblivion ,of all things seized1 that even themselves they knew ,no longer4 ,and though corpse on corpse lay piled ,unburied on ground1 the race of birds and beasts ,would or spring back1 scurrying to escape ,the virulent stench1 or1 if they'd tasted there1 ,would languish in approaching death4 ,but yet ,hardly at all during those many suns ,appeared a fowl1 nor from the woods went forth ,the sullen generations of wild beasts-- ,they languished with disease and died and died4 ,in chief1 the faithful dogs1 in all the streets ,outstretched1 would yield their breath distressfully ,for so that ,influence of bane would twist ,life from their members4 ,nor was found one sure ,and universal principle of cure3 ,for what to one had given the power to take ,the vital winds of air into his mouth1 ,and to gaze upward at the vaults of sky1 ,the same to others was their death and doom4 ,in those affairs1 ,o awfullest of all1 ,o pitiable most was this1 was this3 ,whoso once saw himself in that disease ,entangled1 ay1 as damned unto death1 ,would lie in wanhope1 with a sullen heart1 ,would1 in fore-vision of his funeral1 ,give up the ghost1 ,o then and there4 ,for1 lo1 ,at no time did they cease one from another ,to catch contagion of the greedy plague1-- ,as though but woolly flocks and horned herds2 ,and this in chief would heap the dead on dead3 ,for who forbore to look to their own sick1 ,o these 7too eager of life1 of death afeard7 ,would then1 soon after1 slaughtering ,neglect ,visit with vengeance of evil death and base-- ,themselves deserted and forlorn of help4 ,but who had stayed at hand would perish there ,by that contagion and the toil which then ,a sense of honour and the pleading voice ,of weary watchers1 mixed with voice of wail ,of dying folk1 forced them to undergo4 ,this kind of death each nobler soul would meet4 ,the funerals1 uncompanioned1 forsaken1 ,like rivals contended to be hurried through4 9999999999 ,and men contending to ensepulchre ,pile upon pile the throng of their own dead3 ,and weary with woe and weeping wandered home2 ,and then the most would take to bed from grief4 ,nor could be found not one1 whom nor disease ,nor death1 nor woe had not in those dread times ,attacked4 ,by now the shepherds and neatherds all1 ,yea1 even the sturdy guiders of curved ploughs1 ,began to sicken1 and their bodies would lie ,huddled within back-corners of their huts1 ,delivered by squalor and disease to death4 ,o often and often couldst thou then have seen ,on lifeless children lifeless parents prone1 ,or offspring on their fathers'1 mothers' corpse ,yielding the life4 ,and into the city poured ,o not in least part from the countryside ,that tribulation1 which the peasantry ,sick1 sick1 brought thither1 thronging from every quarter1 ,plague-stricken mob4 ,all places would they crowd1 ,all buildings too2 whereby the more would death ,up-pile a-heap the folk so crammed in town4 ,ah1 many a body thirst had dragged and rolled ,along the highways there was lying strewn ,besides ,silenus-headed water-fountains1-- ,the life-breath choked from that too dear desire ,of pleasant waters4 ,ah1 everywhere along ,the open places of the populace1 ,and along the highways1 ,o thou mightest see ,of many a half-dead body the sagged limbs1 ,rough with squalor1 wrapped around with rags1 ,perish from very nastiness1 with naught ,but skin upon the bones1 well-nigh already ,buried--in ulcers vile and obscene filth4 ,all holy temples1 too1 of deities ,had ,death becrammed with the carcasses2 ,and stood each fane of the ,celestial ,ones ,laden with stark cadavers everywhere-- ,places which warders of the shrines had crowded ,with many a guest4 ,for now no longer men ,did mightily esteem the old ,divine1 ,the worship of the gods3 the woe at hand ,did over-master4 ,nor in the city then ,remained those rites of sepulture1 with which ,that pious folk had evermore been wont ,to buried be4 ,for it was wildered all ,in wild alarms1 and each and every one ,with sullen sorrow would bury his own dead1 ,as present shift allowed4 ,and sudden stress ,and poverty to many an awful act ,impelled2 and with a monstrous screaming they ,would1 on the frames of alien funeral pyres1 ,place their own kin1 and thrust the torch beneath ,oft brawling with much bloodshed round about ,rather than quit dead bodies loved in life4