Motion Directs, While Atoms Dance.

Atoms will in just measures dance, and join1
All one by one in a2 round circle-line,3
Run in and out, as we do dance the hay,
Crossing about, yet keep just time and way,
While4 Motion doth direct. And thus they dance,5     5
And meet all by consent, not by mere chance.6
This harmony is health, makes life live long,7
But when they’re out,8 ’tis death, so dancing’s done.

  1. in just measures dance, and join] dance, and measures keep just time; 1653
  2. All one by one in a] And one by one will hold 1653
  3. circle-line,] circle line, 1653; Circle line 1664
  4. While] Whilst 1664, 1668
  5. doth direct. And thus they dance,] as Musicke directs the Time: 1653
  6. And meet all by consent, not by mere chance.] Thus by consent, they altogether joyne. 1653
  7. harmony is health, makes life live long,] Consort’s Health, which Life depends upon, 1664; Consort’s Health, which Life depends upon; 1668
  8. they’re out,] ’tis out, 1664, 1668