Last Hour. I procured my information about you, from certain people in the street. I am, in fact, the Last Hour of day.
Copernicus. Ah! now I understand. The First Hour is unwell; and that is why day is not yet visible.
Last Hour. I have news for you. There will never be any more daylight unless you provide it yourself.
Copernicus. You would throw on me the responsibility of making daylight? A fine thing, indeed!
Last Hour. I will tell you how. But first of all, you must come with me at once to the house of the Sun, my father. You shall hear more when we set out. His Excellency will explain everything when we arrive.
Copernicus. I trust it is all right. But the journey, unless I am mistaken, must be a very long one. And how can I take enough food to prevent my dying of hunger a few years before reaching the Sun? Besides, I doubt if his Excellency's lands produce the where-withal to supply me with even a single meal.
Last Hour. Do not trouble yourself with these doubts. You will not stay long in my father's house, and the journey will be completed in a moment. For you must know that I am a spirit.
Copernicus. Maybe. But I am a body.
Last Hour. Well, well: you are not a metaphysician that you need excite yourself about these matters. Come now, mount on my shoulders, and leave all the rest to me.