Soul of the universe! but for thee, the vast ocean were but a motionless
and frozen lump: the earth a barren heap of sand and mud; the atmosphere
a gloomy void. Thou cherishedst the elements with thy vivifying and
genial warmth; the air became fluid and insinuating, the waters moist
and yielding, the earth animated and fruitful. Every thing took life;
every thing wore the face of beauty. The elements, those universal
parents which till then had lain fast locked in the chill arms of rest,
now moved into alliance. The fire slid into the bosom of the waters: the
waters parting into vapour, flew aloft, and spread themselves through
the air: from the air, the earth received into her womb the precious
rudiments of fertility: then began she to bring forth the unceasing
fruits of that ever-renewing love, first kindled by thy rays.