the Heauens should by reason of the incredible swiftnesse of the
heauens motion, scarcs conpetible to any naturall body; and the
more likely Slownesse of the earths mouing. Others deny it
grounding theire opinion vpon Scripture, which affirmes the earth
to stand fast, so as it cannot bee moued; and vpon Sence, because
wee perceaue it not to moue, and lastly vpon reasons drawne from
things hurled vp, and let fall vpon the earth. The arguments on
both sides wil bee more easie to bee vnderstood by the figure
that followes.

[Illustration]

In this figure it is manifest, that the earth in the midest,
cannot moue by any streight motion, vpward towarde (_N_) or
sideward toward (_M_) or any other way out of its proper place,
and therefore that opinion of _Copernicus_ and others, that the
earth should moue round once a yeere in such a Circle as (_MPR_)
is most improbable & vnreasonable. And reiected by the most.

But although it cannot moue streight, it may moue round. For
though it be a marueilous great body of vnconceaueable weight,
yet being equally poised on euery side, there is nothing can
hinder its Circular motion. As in a Globe of Lead, or any other
heauy substance, though it were 40. Fadome in compasse, yet being
set vpon his two Poles, it would easily bee turned round euen
with a touch of ones little finger. And therefore it is concluded
that this circular motion is not impossible. The probabilitie of
it is thus made plaine. The whole circuit of the Heauens, wherein
are the fixed Starrs is reckoned by Astronomers to bee
1017562500. that is a Thousand and seauenteene Millions of miles,