Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy

The things that so often tormented the minds of ancient sages,
And which vex the schools in vain with loud disputes,
We now see clearly, as mathematics original: "mathesi." Halley emphasizes that mathematical rigor, rather than just philosophical speculation, is what finally solved these ancient mysteries. dispels the mist.
No longer does error weigh down the doubtful with darkness;
For those who possess the sharp insight of a sublime genius,
It is now granted to penetrate the dwellings of the gods and scale the heights of heaven.
Arise, mortals! Cast aside your earthly cares;
And from these pages, learn to recognize the powers of a heaven-born mind,
Far removed from the lowly life of beasts.
The lawgiver who commanded that murder, theft, and adultery,
And the crimes of treacherous fraud be restrained by written laws;
Or he who first inspired wandering tribes to encircle cities with walls;
Or he who blessed nations with the gift of grain original: "Cererisve... munere." Ceres was the Roman goddess of agriculture; her "gift" is the knowledge of farming.;
Or he who pressed from the grape a solace for our cares;
Or he who showed how to join painted sounds with a reed from the Nile original: "Niliaca... arundine." A poetic reference to the papyrus reeds used by the Egyptians to create paper, and thus the invention of writing.,
And to set voices before our eyes—
All these improved the human condition less than this, for they provided
Only meager comforts for our miserable lives.
But now, indeed, we are admitted as guests at the table of the gods;
We are permitted to handle the laws of the high heavens. Now the hidden
Gates of the dark earth stand open, as does the unchanging order of things,
And the secrets that lay concealed through all the past ages of the world.
Celebrate with me in song the man who reveals such wonders!
You who delight in the nectar of the gods,
Join me in praising NEWTON, who unlocks the treasury of hidden truth.
NEWTON, dear to the Muses, within whose pure heart
Apollo original: "Phœbus." The god of the sun, light, and truth. is present, filling his mind with his entire divine power.
No mortal may ever approach more closely to the gods.