18
For the elements changed 1 places with one another,
as on a harp the notes vary the nature of the rhythm,
while each note remains the same. 2
This may be clearly inferred from the sight of what took place.
19
For land animals were transformed into water creatures,
and creatures that swim moved over to the land.
20
Fire even in water retained its normal power,
and water forgot its fire-quenching nature.
21
Flames, on the contrary, failed to consume
the flesh of perishable creatures that walked among them,
nor did they melt 3 the crystalline, quick-melting kind of heavenly food.