Page:Mathematical collections and translations, in two tomes - Salusbury (1661).djvu/97

 such why should we throw away our time and breath in vain?

I must confess I have not made the observations, for that I never had so much curiosity, or the Instruments proper for the business; but I will not fail to do it. In the mean time, we may leave this question in suspense, and pass to that point which follows, producing the motives inducing you to think that the Earth may reflect the light of the Sun no less forceably than the Moon, for it seems to me so obscure and opacous, that I judg such an effect altogether impossible.

The cause for which you repute the Earth unapt for illumination, may rather evince the contrary: And would it not be strange, Simplicius, if I should apprehend your discourses better than you your self?

Whether I argue well or ill, it may be, that you may better understand the same than I; but be it ill or well that I discourse, I shall never believe that you can penetrate what I mean better than I my self.

Well, I will make you believe the same presently. Tell me a little, when the Moon is near the Full, so that it may be seen by day, and also at midnight, at what do you think it more splendid, by day or by night?

By night, without all comparison. And methinks the Moon resembleth that pillar of Clouds and pillar of Fire, which guided the Israelites; which at the presence of the Sun, appeared like a Cloud, but in the night was very glorious. Thus I have by day observed the Moon amidst certain small Clouds, just as if one of them had been coloured white, but by night it shines with much splendor.

So that if you had never happened to see the Moon, save onely in the day time, you would not have thought it more shining than one of those Clouds.

I verily believe I should not.

Tell me now; do you believe that the Moon is really more shining in the night than day, or that by some accident it seemeth so?

I am of opinion, that it resplends in it self as much in the day as night, but that its light appears greater by night, because we behold it in the dark mantle of Heaven; and in the day time, the whole Atmosphere being very clear, so that she little exceedeth it in lustre, she seems to us much less bright.

Now tell me; have you ever at midnight seen the Terrestrial Globe illuminated by the Sun?

This seemeth to me a question not to be ask'd, unless in jest, or of some person known to be altogether void of sense.

No, no; I esteem you to be a very rational man, and