“ ‘Nor those, which elements we call, abide, Nor to this figure, nor to that are tied; For this eternal world is said, of old, But four prolific principles to hold, Four different bodies; two to heaven ascend, And other two down to the centre tend: Fire first with wings expanded mounts on high, Pure, void of weight, and dwells in upper sky; Then air, because unclogg’d in empty space, Flies after fire, and claims the second place: But weighty water, as her nature guides, Lies on the lap of earth; and mother earth subsides.