Page:The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart.pdf/144

140 and the place was full of those who measured and weighed. Others, again, measured the hall itself; and almost everyone measured it differently. Then they quarrelled and measured afresh. Some measured a shadow, as to its length, width, and breadth; others also weighed it in a balance. They said generally that there was nothing in this world nor out of it which they were unable to measure rightly. But having watched this their craft for some time, I observed that there was more boasting than use. Therefore, shaking my head, I proceeded elsewhere.

12. And we come to another chamber which, as I perceive, was full of music and song, and strumming, and the sound of divers instruments; and there were some who stood around, who looked from above, from below, and inclined their ears, wishing to discover what the sound was, where it was, whence and whereto it came, why it was sometimes in tune and sometimes not. Some said that they already knew this, and they rejoiced, saying that it was something divine, and a mystery greater than all mysteries; therefore they drew these things asunder, placed them together, and then transposed them with great pleasure and rejoicing. But in this but one of a thousand was successful; the others merely looked on. Then if one attempted to employ his hands also at such endeavours, then all creaked and scraped; and