Cic. I should like to know how, by circumambulating, one is to arrive at the centre?
Tans. I cannot know that.
Cic. Why do you say it?
Tans. I can say it, and leave it to you to consider.
Cic. If you do not mean that he who pursues the infinite is like him who talks about the circumference when he is seeking for the centre, I do not know what you mean.
Tans. Quite the contrary.
Cic. Now if you will not explain yourself, I cannot understand you; but tell me, prythee, what he means by saying the heart is bound by cruel, spiteful bonds.
Tans. He speaks in similitude or metaphor; as you would say, cruel was one who did not allow a full enjoyment, and who lives more in the desire than in possession, and who, partially possessing, is not content, but desires, faints, and dies.
Cic. What are those thoughts that call him back from the noble enterprise?
Tans. The sensual and natural affections, which regard the government of the body.