"Yes, yes, I tell you so. There is no infinity. If the universe is
infinite, then the average density of matter must equal zero, but
as it is not zero, we know, consequently the universe is finite; it
is spherical in form and the square of its radius--R2--is equal
to the average density multiplied by.... The only thing left is to
calculate the numerical coefficient and then.... Do you realize
what it means? It means that everything is final, everything is
simple.... But you, my honored sir, you disturb me, you prevent my
finishing my calculations by your yelling!"
I do not know which shattered me more, his discovery, or his
positiveness at that apocalyptic hour. I only then noticed that he
had a notebook in his hands and a logarithmic dial. I understood
then that even if everything was perishing it was my duty (before
you, my unknown and beloved) to leave these records in a finished
form.
I asked him to give me some paper, and here in the rest-room to the
accompaniment of the quiet music, transparent like water, I wrote
down these last lines.
I was about to put down a period as the ancients would put a cross
over the caves into which they used to throw their dead, when all of
a sudden my pencil trembled and fell from between my fingers....
"Listen!" (I pulled my neighbor). "Yes, listen, I say. There where
your finite universe ends, what is there? What?"
He had no time to answer. From above, down the steps, stamping....