And most perplext, in close embraces clung,

And towards the centre conglobating sunk.

And as the bond grew firmer, ampler forth

Pressed they the fluid essences that reared

Sun, moon, and stars, and main, and heaven's high wall.

For those of atoms lighter far consist,

Subtiler, and more rotund than those of earth.

Whence, from the pores terrene, with foremost haste

Rushed the bright ether, towering high, and swift

Streams of fire attracting as it flowed.