Thus, the people who dwell near the cataracts of the Nile, which are called Catadupa[348], are, by the excessive roar which that river makes in precipitating itself from those lofty mountains, entirely deprived of the sense of hearing.

And so inconceivably great is this sound which is produced by the rapid motion of the whole universe, that the human ear is no more capable of receiving it than the eye is able to look steadfastly and directly on the sun, whose beams easily dazzle the strongest sight.
While I was busied in admiring the scene of wonders, I could not help casting my eyes every now and then on the earth.
XIX.

On which Africanus said, I perceive that you are still employed in contemplating the seat and residence of mankind.

But if it appears to you so small, as in fact it really is, despise its vanities, and fix your attention forever on these heavenly objects.

Is it possible that you should attain any human applause or glory that is worth the contending for?
The earth, you see, is peopled but in a very few places, and those, too, of small extent; and they appear like so many little spots of green scattered through vast, uncultivated deserts.