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[7] Presently, then, these draw together into one huge flame the width of which reaches three plethra.1 Finally, as the day dawns, the usually observed size of the sun's ball is attained and produces normal daylight.2

1 The plethron was 100 Greek feet or somewhat less than 100 English feet, and varied somewhat. It is impossible to know its precise value in Diodorus or his source.

2 A somewhat different account of the same phenomenon is given by Pomponius Mela 1.18. Day began with the first appearance of the sun's rim above the horizon, and the previous streaks of light occurred while it was still, strictly speaking, night. Cp. C. Bailey on Lucretius, 3 (1947), 1426 f. (pointed out by Prof. Robert J. Getty).

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