LAO. It is certain that the heart, grieved and stung, causes tears to spring to the eyes, and while these light the flames in this, that other dims those with moisture. But I am surprised at such exaggeration which says that the Nereids raising their wet faces to the eastern sun, is less than these waters (of the eyes). And more than that, they are equal to the ocean, not because they do pour, but because these two springing streams can pour such, and so much, that compared with them the Nile would appear a tiny stream divided into seven streamlets.[T] [T] Is this an allusion to the seven activities or changes which water goes through to produce form; Water being the formative power which Fire, itself formless and the moving power, animates?--(Tr.) LIB. Be not surprised at that exaggeration nor at that potency without action! For you will understand all, after having heard the conclusion of their argument. Now listen how the heart responds to the proposition of the eyes. LAO. I pray you, let me hear. LIB. 57. _First response of the heart to the eyes_. Eyes, if an immortal flame within me burn, And I no other am than burning fire; If to come near me is to feel the blaze, So that the heavens are fervid with my heat; Why does my blazing flame consume you not, But only contrary effects you feel? Why saturated and not roasted ye, If not of water but of fire I be? Believe ye, oh ye blind, That from such ardent burning is derived The double passage, and those living founts Have had their elements from Vulcan? As force sometimes acquires a power When by its contrary it is opposed. You see that the heart could not persuade itself that from an opposite cause and beginning, could proceed a force of an opposite effect. So that it will not allow the possibility of it, except through antiperistasis, which means the strength which an opposite acquires from that which, flying from the other, comes to unite itself, incorporate itself, insphere itself, or concentrate itself towards the individual, through its own virtue, which, the farther it is removed from the dimensions (dimensioni) the more efficacious it becomes. LAO. Tell me, how did the eyes respond to the heart? 58. _First response of the eyes to the heart._ Thy passion does confuse thee, on my heart, The path of truth thou hast entirely lost; That which in us is seen--that which is hid-- Is seed of oceans. Neptune, if by fate His kingdom he should lose, would find it here entire. How does the burning flame from us derive Who of the sea the double parent are? So senseless thou'rt become! Dost thou believe the flame will pass And leave the doors all wet behind That thou may'st feel the ardour of the same? As splendour through a glass, dost thou Believe that it through us will penetrate?