This Power, in parts made fit, fit objects takes, Yet not the Things, but Forms of Things receives: As when a seal in wax impression makes, The print therein, but not itself, it leaves: And though things sensible be numberless, But only five the Sense's organs be; And in those five, All Things their Forms express, Which we can Touch, Taste, Feel, or Hear, or See. These are the Windows, through the which She views The Light of Knowledge, which is Life's Load-star; And yet whiles She, these spectacles doth use, Oft, worldly things seem greater than they are. [Sidenote: Sight.] First, the two Eyes, which have the Seeing Power, Stand as one Watchman, Spy, or Sentinel, Being placed aloft within the head's high Tower And though both see, yet both but one thing tell. These Mirrors take into their little space, The Forms of moon, and sun, and every star; Of every body, and of every place, Which, with the world's wide arms, embracèd are. Yet their best object, and their noblest use, Hereafter in another world will be; When GOD in them, shall heavenly light infuse, That face to face, they may their Maker see. Here are they guides, which do the Body lead, Which else would stumble in eternal night: Here in this world, they do much knowledge _read_, And are the Casements, which admit most light. They are her farthest-reaching instrument; Yet they no beams unto their objects send: But all the rays are from their objects sent; And in the Eyes, with pointed angles end. If th'objects be far off, the rays do meet In a sharp point, and so things seem but small; If they be near, their rays do spread and fleet, And make broad points, that things seem great withal. Lastly. Nine things to Sight requirèd are. The Power to see! the Light! the Visible thing! Being not too small! too thin! too nigh! too far! Clear space! and Time, the Form distinct to bring. Thus see we, how the Soul doth use the Eyes, As instruments of her quick power of sight; Hence do th'Arts Optic, and fair Painting rise. Painting, which doth all gentle minds delight! [Sidenote: Hearing.] Now let us hear, how She the Ears employs: Their office is the troubled air to take, Which in their mazes, forms a sound or noise; Whereof herself doth true distinction make. These Wickets of the Soul are placed on high, Because all sounds do lightly mount aloft; And that they may not pierce too violently; They are delayed with turns and windings oft.