BOOK I L] History of Nature. 7 1 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

 Many Moons. 



THREE Moons also appeared at once, when Cn. Domitius 

 and C. Fannius were Consuls ; and these most Men call 

 Night Suns. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 



Daylight in the Night. 



OUT of the Firmament by Night, there was seen a Light 1 , 

 when C. Coelius and Cn. Papyrius were Consuls ; and often- 

 times besides, so as the Night seemed as light as the Day. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

 Burning Shields. 



A BURNING Shield ran sparkling from the West to the 

 East, at the Sun's Setting, when L. Valerius and C. Marius 

 were Consuls. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 



A strange Sight in the Shy. 



BY Report there was once seen, and never but once, 

 when Cn. Octavius and C. Scribonius were Consuls, a Spark 

 to fall from a Star : and as it approached the Earth it waxed 

 greater, and after it came to the Bigness of the Moon, it 

 shone out and gave Light, as in a cloudy Day : then, being 

 retired again into the Sky, it became a burning Lamp 

 (Lampas). This, Licinius Syllanus, the Pro-consul, saw, 

 together with his Attendants. 



1 This remarkable phenomenon is rarely noticed in modern times, and 

 is in itself rare ; but one or two instances have been related by living 

 witnesses. On one occasion, in a very dark night, two or three indivi- 

 duals, scarcely able to grope their way, were surprised at finding them- 

 selves able to see every object as clearly as in a moderate daylight. They 

 were so much astonished and alarmed at the sudden brightness, that, 

 being engaged in an exploit, in which they had no desire of recognition, 

 they were glad to hurry off with hasty expedition. Wern. Club. 



