In scene 3, act iv., of Timon of Athens, Shakespeare has a similar passage;—
“I’ll example you with thievery.
The sun’s a thief, and with his great attraction
Robs the vast sea; the moon’s an arrant thief,
And her pale fire she snatches from the sun;
The sea’s a thief, whose liquid surge resolves
The moon into salt tears.”
Another version:—
The heavens carouse each day a cup,
No wonder Atlas holds them up!