e or Primum
Mobile.

By this partitioning of space Milton was able to contrive a system which
fulfilled the requirements of his great poem.

The annexed diagram explains the relative positions of the different
regions into which space was divided.

Though there are traces of Copernicanism found in 'Paradise Lost,' yet
Milton has very faithfully adhered to the Ptolemaic mechanism and
nomenclature throughout his poem.

In his description of the Creation, the Earth is formed first, then the
Sun, followed by the Moon, and afterwards the stars, all of which are
described as being in motion round the Earth. Allusion is also made to
this ancient system in several prominent passages, and in the following
lines there is a distinct reference to the various revolving spheres.

[Illustration: FIG. 2]

They pass the planets seven, and pass the fixed,
And that crystalline sphere whose balance weighs
The trepidation talked, and that first moved.--iii. 481-83.

The seven planetary spheres are first mentioned; then the eighth sphere,
or that of the fixed stars; then the ninth, or crystalline, which was
believed to cause a shaking, or trepidation, to account for certain
irregularities in the motions of the stars; and, lastly, the tenth
sphere, or Primum Mobile, called the 'first moved' because it set the
other spheres in motion.

To an uninstructed observer, the apparent motion of the heavenly bodies
round the Earth would naturally lead him to conclude that, of the two
theories, the Ptolemaic was the correct one. We therefore find that
Milton adopted the system most in accord with the knowledge and
intelligence possessed by the persons portrayed by him in his poem; and
in describing the natural phenomena witnessed in the heavens by our
first parents, he adheres to the doctrines of the Ptolemaic system, as
being most in harmony with the simple and primitive conceptions of those
created beings.

To their upward gaze, the orbs of heaven appeared to be in ceaseless
motion; the solid Earth, upon which they stood, was alone immovable and
at rest. Day after day they observed the Sun pursue his steadfast course
with unerring regularity: his rising in the east, accompanied by the
rosy hues of morn; his meridian splendour, and his sinking in the west,
tinting in colours of purple and gold inimitable the fleecy clouds
floating in the azure sky, as he bids farewell for a time to scenes of
life and happiness, rejoicing in the