...
--2--
But ev'n as many (or more) quarrels cumber
--2--
Th' old heathen schools about the heavens' number.
--2--
One holds but one; making the world's eyes shine
--2--
Through the thin-thickness of that chrystal line,
--2--
(As through the ocean's clear and liquid flood
--2--
The slippery fishes up and down do scud).
--2--
Another, judging certain by his eye,
--2--
And, seeing sev'n bright lamps mov'd diversely,
--2--
Turn this and that way: and, on th' other side,
--2--
That all the rest of the heav'ns' twinkling pride
--2--
Keep all one course; ingeniously, he varies
--2--
The heav'ns' rich building into eight round stories.
--2--
Others, amid the starriest orb, perceiving
--2--
A triple cadence, and withal conceiving
--2--
That but one natural course one body goes,
--2--
Count nine, some ten; not numb'ring yet (with those)
--2--
Th' empyreal palace, where th' eternal treasures
--2--
Of nectar flow, where everlasting pleasures
--2--
Are heaped-up, where an immortal May
--2--
In blissful beauties flourisheth for ay,
--2--
Where life still lives, where God his sises holds
--2--
Environ'd round with seraphins and souls
--2--
Bought with his precious blood, whose glorious flight
--2--
Erst mounted earth above the heavens bright.
--2--
Nor shall my faint and humble Muse presume
--2--
So high a song and subject to assume.
...
THE THIRD DAY OF THE FIRST WEEK (excerpts)
Rep. Poetry: 2RP.1.253.