But those who join with these physiological accounts certain mathematical matters relating to astronomy
suppose Typhon to mean the world of the sun, and Osiris
that of the moon; for that the moon, being endued with a
prolific and moistening light, is very favorable both to the
[p. 102]
breeding of animals and the springing up of plants; but
the sun, having in it an immoderate and excessive fire,
burns and dries up such things as grow up and look green,
and by its scorching heat renders a great part of the world
wholly uninhabitable, and very often gets the better of the
moon. For which reason the Egyptians always call Typhon
Seth, which in their language signifies a domineering and
compelling power. And they tell us in their mythology,
that Hercules is placed in the sun and rides about the
world in it, and that Hermes doth the like in the moon.
For the operations of the moon seem to resemble reason
and to proceed from wisdom, but those of the sun to be
like unto strokes effected by violence and mere strength.
But the Stoics affirm the sun to be kindled and fed by the
sea, and the moon by the waters of springs and pools,
which send up a sweet and soft exhalation to it.
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