Of Sagitarius, near the fiery Dart;
Then by the other Centaur's Legs and Feet,
Winding remounts the Skies (again to meet)
By Argos' Topsail, and Heav'ns middle Sphere,
Passing the Twins, t' o'ertake the Charioteer;
Thence Cassiopea seeking thee does run,
O're Perseus Head, and Ends where it begun.
PLATE XII, and XIII.
Represents the two Hemispheres, where its true Tract is distinguished amongst the principal Stars, and may easily be conceived by them to circumscribe and bisect the whole Heavens.
This is that Phænomena I am about to explain and account for; but before I proceed farther, I judge it will be no improper Precognita, to give you the Thoughts of the Antients upon it; the Relation perhaps may require some Patience; but I guess, that after reading such wild and extravagant Notions concerning it, you will naturally judge more favourably of the Conjectures of the Moderns upon it, and particularly of what is concluded in the succeeding Pages.