inclined, to stimulate other people to exertions; but possibly in so extreme a case, they may be induced to act contrary to custom. The Earth has, however, one alternative; it has the option of declining to undertake all this hard labour. Its destruction will then ensue, and I am far from sure that this would not be the best thing for it. But enough of this: we shall see what will take place. Now, either you or one of your companions had better go at once to the Earth. If there you discover any one of these philosophers in the open air, regarding the heavens, and wondering about the cause of this protracted night, as well he may, take charge of him, and bring him hither on your back. Do you clearly understand? _First Hour_. Yes, Excellency. You shall be obeyed. _Scene II.--Copernicus pacing the terrace of his house, with his eyes anxiously directed towards the eastern horizon. A roll of paper in his hand, which ever and anon he uses as a telescope._ This is a marvellous thing. Either the clocks are all wrong, or else the sun should have risen more than an hour ago. Yet not a gleam of light is to be seen in the east, though the sky is as bright and clear as a mirror. All the stars shine as if it were midnight. I must go and consult the Almagest and Sacrobosco, and see what they say about this event. I have often heard talk of the night Jove passed with the wife of Amphitryon, and I also remember reading a little while ago, in a modern Spanish book, that the Peruvians record a very long night, at the end of which the sun proceeded forth from a certain lake called Titicaca. Hitherto I have regarded these as mere tales, and have never wavered in my belief. Now, however, that I perceive reason and science to be absolutely useless, I am determined to believe the truth of these, and similar things. I will also visit the lakes and puddles in the neighbourhood, and see if I can fish out the sun. Ha! what is this that I hear? It is like the flapping of the wings of some huge bird. _Scene_ III.--_The Last Hour and Copernicus._ _Last Hour_. Copernicus, I am the Last Hour. _Copernicus_. The Last Hour! Well, I suppose I must be resigned. But I beg of you, if possible, to give me enough time to make my will, and put my things in order, before I die. _Last Hour_. Die! What do you mean? I am not the last hour of your life. _Copernicus_. Oh, then, what are you? The last hour of the office of the breviary? _Last Hour_. I can quite imagine you prefer that one to the others, when you are in your stall. _Copernicus_. But how do you know I am a Canon? And how is it you know my name? _Last Hour_. I procured my information about you, from certain people in the street. I am, in fact, the Last Hour of day. _Copernicus_. Ah! now I understand. The First Hour is unwell; and that is why day is not yet visible. _Last Hour_. I have news for you. There will never be any more daylight unless you provide it yourself.