Of Dews and Mists Coming from the Earth

1
Some atoms sharp thrust from the Earth some round,
And then a pearlèd dew lies on the ground.
But if on their sharp points they bear them2 high,
They,3 being raised, a mist make in the sky.4
On the circumference of the5 Earth there lies                    5
The loosest atoms, which are6 apt to rise;
Though not so high as them the sun may burn,7
For being dull, they back to Earth return.
As water, which is shoved with force of strength
Is not so apt to move, as run at length.                               10

  1. In 1653 this poem is called “Of Dews and Mists from the Earth”
  2. on their sharp points they bear them] they beare them on their sharpe points 1653
  3. They] Those 1653
  4. make in the sky.] seemes to the Eye. 1653
  5. the] th’ 1664, 1668
  6. The loosest atoms, which are] A number of loose Atoms, 1664, 1668
  7. Though not so high as them the sun may burn,] Yet not to mount so high as to the Sun, 1653