Of Air

The reason why air is1 so equal spread,
Is atoms long, at each end balancèd.
For being long, and each end both alike,2
Are like to weights, which keep it steady, right.3
For howsoe’er it moves,4 join to what form it will,5       5
Yet lies in every line that figure still.6
For atoms long, their forms as thread are spun,7
And like a cobweb interwoven run;8
And thus air, being thin, so9 subtle grows,
That into every empty place it goes.                                 10

  1. is] doth 1653
  2. and each end both alike,] their ends alike withall, 1664; their Ends alike withall 1668
  3. Are like to weights, which keep it steady, right.] Make th’ Air as VVeights into just Measures fall; 1664; Make th’ Air, as Weights, into just Measures fall: 1668
  4. For howsoe’er it moves,] And let it move, 1664, 1668
  5. join to what form it will,] to what Forme joyne, 1653
  6. lies in every line that figure still.] still that Figure lies in every line. 1653
  7. as thread are spun,] are like a Thread, 1653
  8. And like a cobweb interwoven run;] Which interweaves like to a Spiders Web: 1653
  9. thus air, being thin, so] thus being thin, it so 1653