My Objection did not hold good in regard to a Body whose Surface is rugged and uneven, as is that of the Moon.  That it is an opaque and solid Body, is visible by the Eclipses of the Sun; for a pellucid Body could not deprive us of the Light of that glorious Planet.  That the Moon does eclipse the Sun in the same manner as our Earth eclipses the Moon (as all know it does) makes me conclude these two Bodies of a Nature, since the like Interposition produces the like Effect.  When I say they are of a Nature, I mean opaque, which to prove, I argue thus:  If this Planet be of it self luminous, it must appear much brighter when eclips’d in its perigee, or nearest Distance from the Earth, and its Light must be less consequently when in its Apogee, or greatest Distance from it; for the nearer a luminous Body approaches the Eye, the stronger Impression it makes upon the Sight.  Beside, the Shadow of the Earth, had the Moon any innate and peculiar Light, cou’d not obscure it, but, on the contrary, would render it more conspicuous, as is evident to Reason.

“Now Experience shews us, that the Moon appears with the greater Light eclips’d in its Apogee, or greater Distance, and more obscure when in its Perigee, or nearer Distance, consequent has no peculiar Light of its own.  That a Shadow could obscure its inherent Light, had it any, would be making a Body of a Shadow, which is so far from being corporeal, that it is nothing but a Deprivation of the Light of the Sun, by the Interposition of the opaque Body of the Earth.

  “I could give many more Reasons, but to avoid Prolixity, I refer you
  to my Memorial, knowing how precious Time is to your Excellency.

  “I shall now speak of the principal and constituent Parts of this
  Planet; to wit, the Sea, the firm Land; its Extrinsicks, as Meteors,
  Seasons, and Inhabitants.”

“I find, said his Excellency, you have forgot what you promised, the being concise; you have already couch’d what you are going to repeat, in Writing.  I am satisfied that you have in your Memorial demonstrated, that the Moon is like ours, a World, and this Earth, like that, a Planet; I would willingly hear if Probusomo can bring any Objection of Weight to the undertaking the Journey; for I look upon the Distance which you have computed to be about 179712 Lapidians (answerable to so many English Miles) to be none at all, since we have Cacklogallinians, who, with Provisions for a Week, will fly 480 Lapidians a Day, and hold it for many Days.  But this Swiftness, as you have made appear, is not requisite, since you judge, that in ascending some five Lapidians, you will have reach’d the Atmosphere, and the rest will be attended by no other Fatigue, than that of preventing too swift a Descent.  Propose what you have to object, Probusomo, for I will provide you able Bearers, who shall carry you,