Of the Attraction of the Earth

1

The reason Earth attracts much like the sun,2
Is atoms sharp out from the Earth do come:3
From its4 circumference, like bees they rise,5
When6 from a swarm dispersed apart, each flies.7
And as they wander, meet with duller forms,8                 5
Wherein they stick their point, then back returns.9
For like10 a bee that’s loaden on11 each thigh,
Hath a great weight and12 cannot nimbly fly,
So when their points are loaded, heavy grow,13
Can14 pierce no further: backward must they go.15         10
And as their hives to Earth return again.
Thus by their travel, they the Earth maintain.

  1. In 1653 this poem is called “The Attraction of the Earth”
  2. The reason Earth attracts much like the sun,] Why Earth draws like the Sun, if you intend 1664, 1668
  3. Is atoms sharp out from the Earth do come:] To know the cause, Earth doth sharp Atomes send 1664; To know the cause, Earth doth sharp Atoms send 1668
  4. its] the 1653
  5. like bees they rise,] those like Bees arise, 1653
  6. When] As 1653
  7. apart, each flies.] sevr’ally flyes. 1653
  8. And as they wander, meet with duller forms,] Often with duller Forms they meet, and then 1664; Often, with duller Forms, they meet; and then, 1668
  9. Wherein they stick their point, then back returns.] Having stuck in their Points go back agen: 1664; Having stuck in their Points, go back agen. 1668
  10. For like] Yet like 1653; For, as 1668
  11. that’s loaden on] which loaded is 1653
  12. Hath a great weight and] Their weight is great, they 1653
  13. loaded, heavy grow,] Loaden, then they grow 1664; loaden, then they grow 1668
  14. Can] Heavy, can 1664, 1668
  15. no further: backward must they go.] no more, but backward go; 1664; no more, but backward go: 1668