If to the foaming sea the rivers run, And pour their streams into the sea's dark gulf, How does the kingdom of the water-gods, Fed by the double torrent of these eyes, Increase not; since the earth Must lose the glorious overflow? How is it that we do not see the day, When from the mount Deukalion returns? Where are the lengthening shores, Where is the torrent to put out my flame, Or, failing this, to give it greater power? Does drop of water ever fall to earth In such a way as leads me to suppose It is not as the senses show it? It asks, what power is this, which is not put into action? If the waters are so many, why does Neptune not come to tyrannize over the kingdoms of the other elements? Where are the inundated banks? Where is he who will give coolness to the ardent fire? Where is the drop of water by which I may affirm through the eyes that which the senses deny? But the eyes in the same way ask another question. 60. _Second proposition of the eyes to the heart_. If matter changed and turned to fire acquires The movement of a lighter element, Rising aloft unto the highest heaven; Wherefore, ignited by the fire of love, Swifter than wind, dost thou not rise and flash. Into the sun and be incorporate there? Why rather stay a pilgrim here below Than open through the air and us a way? No spark of fire from that heart Goes out through the wide atmosphere. Body of dust and ashes is not seen, Nor water-laden smoke ascends on high. All is contained entire within itself, And not of flame, is reason, sense, or thought. LAO. This proposition is neither more nor less conclusive than the other. But let us come at once to the answers if there be any. LIC. There are some certainly and full of sap. Listen. 61. _Second response of the heart to the eyes_. He is a fool, who that alone believes, Which to the sense appears, who reason scorns. My flame could never wing its way above. The conflagration infinite remains unseen. Between the eyes their waters are contained, One infinite encroaches not upon another. Nature wills not that all should perish. If so much fire's enough for so much sphere, Say, say, oh eyes, What shall we do? how act In order to make known, or I, or you, For its deliverance, the sad plight of the soul? If one and other of us both be hid, How can we move the beauteous god to pity?