Sixthly, Concerning the descent of heavy bodies,[5] that it is more forcible then the ascent of light bodies, you do question the Truth of this my opinion. Certainly, Madam, I cannot conceive it to be otherwise by my sense and reason; for though Fire that is rare, doth ascend with an extraordinary quick motion, yet this motion is, in my opinion, not so strong and piercing as when grosser parts of Creatures do descend; but there is difference in strength and quickness; for had not Water a stronger motion, and another sort of figure then Fire, it could not suppress Fire, much less quench it. But Smoak, which is heavier then Flame, flies up, or rises before, or rather, above it: Wherefore I am still of the same opinion, that heavy bodies descend more forcibly then light bodies do ascend, and it seems most rational to me.
Lastly, I perceive you cannot believe that all bodies have weight; by reason, if this were so, the Sun, and the Stars would have long since cover'd the Earth. In answer to this objection, I say, That as there can be no body without figure and magnitude, so consequently not without weight, were it no bigger then an atome; and as for the Sun's and the Stars not falling down, or rising higher, the reason is, not their being without weight, but their natural and proper motion, which keeps them constantly in their spheres; and it might as well be said, a Man lives not, or is not, because he doth not fly like a Bird, or dive and catch fish like a Cormorant, or dig and undermine like a Mole, for those are motions not proper to his nature. And these, Madam, are my answers to your objections, which if they do satisfie you, it is all I desire, if not, I shall endeavour hereafter to make my meaning more intelligible and study for other more rational arguments then these are, to let you see how much I value both the credit of my named Book, and your Ladiships Commands; which assure you self, shall never be more faithfully performed, then by,
Madam,
Your Ladiships most obliged Friend
and humble Servant.
[1] Part. 1. c. 4.
[2] Ch. 8.
[3] Part. 4. c. 10.
[4] Ch. 20.
[5] Ch. 21.