"Your majesty’s situation vis-à-vis the bat is very like that of a terrestrial astronomer when the earth’s orbit—a segment of which is here represented by the table—is intersected by that of a comet, crossing over twice, once inbound towards Sol, and once outbound." Leibniz nodded significantly at the dazzling blaze of the candelabra, which had been set down on the floor between the table and the wall.