DISCIPLES. In what does the celestial consist?
PAPHNUTIUS. In the seven planets and the celestial globe.
DISCIPLES. But how?
PAPHNUTIUS. Exactly as in instruments. You find the same number of intervals of the same length, and the same concords as in strings.
DISCIPLES. We do not understand what intervals are.
PAPHNUTIUS. The dimensions which are reckoned between planets or between notes.
DISCIPLES. And what are their lengths?
PAPHNUTIUS. The same as tones.
DISCIPLES. We are none the wiser.
PAPHNUTIUS. A tone is composed of two sounds, and bears the ratio of nine to eight.
DISCIPLES. As soon as we get over one difficulty, you place a greater one in our path!
PAPHNUTIUS. That is inevitable in a discussion of this kind.
DISCIPLES. Yet tell us something about concord, so that at least we may know the meaning of the word.
PAPHNUTIUS. Concord, harmony, or symphonia may be defined as a fitting disposition of modulation. It is composed sometimes of three, sometimes of four, sometimes of five sounds.
DISCIPLES. As you have given us these three distinctions, we should like to learn the name of each.
