"A part of the soil again is reduced to dissolution by rain, and the scraping rivers nibble their banks away. Besides, whatever she takes her part in nourishing, she increases [and is herself diminished; but when the nursling perishes, it is all] given back; and since beyond all doubt she is seen to be at once the mother of all and the universal sepulchre, therefore you see that the earth is diminished and is increased and grows again."