Du Bartas, His Divine Weeks and Works (excerpt)

... --2-- But ev'n as many (or more) quarrels cumber --2-- Th' old heathen schools about the heavens' number. --2-- One holds but one; making the world's eyes shine --2-- Through the thin-thickness of that chrystal line, --2-- (As through the ocean's clear and liquid flood --2-- The slippery fishes up and down do scud). --2-- Another, judging certain by his eye, --2-- And, seeing sev'n bright lamps mov'd diversely, --2-- Turn this and that way: and, on th' other side, --2-- That all the rest of the heav'ns' twinkling pride --2-- Keep all one course; ingeniously, he varies --2-- The heav'ns' rich building into eight round stories. --2-- Others, amid the starriest orb, perceiving --2-- A triple cadence, and withal conceiving --2-- That but one natural course one body goes, --2-- Count nine, some ten; not numb'ring yet (with those) --2-- Th' empyreal palace, where th' eternal treasures --2-- Of nectar flow, where everlasting pleasures --2-- Are heaped-up, where an immortal May --2-- In blissful beauties flourisheth for ay, --2-- Where life still lives, where God his sises holds --2-- Environ'd round with seraphins and souls --2-- Bought with his precious blood, whose glorious flight --2-- Erst mounted earth above the heavens bright. --2-- Nor shall my faint and humble Muse presume --2-- So high a song and subject to assume. ...