Of the Attraction of the Sun

1

When all those atoms which in rays2 do spread
Are3 ranged long, like to a slender thread,
They do not scattered fly, but join in length,
And being joined, though small, add to their strength.
The further forth they stream, more weak become,4         5
Although those beams5 are fastened to the sun.6
For all those rays which Motion down doth send7
Sharp atoms are, which from the sun descend;8
And as they flow in several streams and rays,
They stick their points in all that stop their ways,             10
Like needle points, whereon doth something stick,
No passage9 make, having no force10 to prick.11
Thus12 being stopped, they straightways13 back do run,
Drawing those bodies with them to the sun.

  1. In 1653 this poem is called “The Attraction of the Sun”
  2. A marginal note in Cavendish’s text reads: “I mean all rays in general, of all sorts of atoms which move.”
  3. Are] And 1653
  4. more weak become,] the more they waste 1664; the more they wast 1668
  5. A marginal note in Cavendish’s text reads: “The sun’s rays.”
  6. Although those beams are fastened to the sun.] Their strength, though to the Sun they’re tied fast: 1664; Their strength, though to the Sun they’re tyed fast: 1668
  7. down doth send] sends downe low, 1653
  8. Sharp atoms are, which from the sun descend;] Are, loose, sharp Atomes, from the Sun do flow. 1653
  9. passage] way they 1664, 1668
  10. force] points 1653
  11. A marginal note in Cavendish’s 1664 and 1668 texts reads: “Although loose sharp atoms have points to prick, yet they cannot pierce so forcibly, being loose and scattered, as when united.”
  12. Thus] And 1664; And, 1668
  13. they straightways] strait-waies they 1653