[note]In 1653 this poem is called “The Sun Doth Set the Air on a Light, as Some Opinions Hold.”[/note]
If that[note]If that] Some do 1664, 1668[/note] the sun so[note]so] just 1664, 1668[/note] like a candle is[note]is] make, 1664; make; 1668[/note]
That all the air doth take a light from his—[note]That all the air doth take a light from his—] From which, they say, Air all its Light doth take, 1664, 1668[/note]
Not by[note]by] from 1653[/note] reflection, but by kindling all
That part, which we our hemisphere do call—
If so, the[note]If so, the] Then should that 1653[/note] air whereon his light is cast[note]is cast] takes place, 1653[/note] 5
Would ne’er go[note]Would ne’er go] Be never 1653[/note] out, unless that substance[note]substance] Air did 1664, 1668[/note] waste.
Or ’less[note]Or ’less] Unlesse 1653; Or else 1664, 1668[/note] the sun extinguishers should[note]should] did 1664, 1668[/note] throw
Upon the air, to cause light out to go.[note]to cause light out to go.] so out the Light doth go. 1653[/note]
But sure the sun’s reflection gives the light, [note]A marginal note in Cavendish’s text reads: “No atoms shine but sharp atoms.”[/note]
For when he’s gone, to us it is dark night. 10
And why?[note]And why?] For why, 1653[/note] The sun is atoms sharp entire,
Which wedged in round, do make[note]Which wedged in round, do make] Being close wedg’d round, is like 1653[/note] a wheel of fire.[note]A marginal note in Cavendish’s text reads: “It seems like a burning coal.”[/note]
About this[note]About this] And round that 1653[/note] wheel continually do flow
Sharp streaming atoms, which like flame do show.
And in this flame[note]A marginal note in Cavendish’s text reads: “Long atoms sharp at each end.”[/note] the Earth itself[note]itself] its face 1653[/note] doth see, 15
As in a glass, as clear as e’er[note]e’er] cleere 1653[/note] may be.
But[note]But] And 1653[/note] when the Earth doth turn aside its[note]its] his 1653[/note] face,
It is not seen, but darkness doth take[note]doth take] in that 1653[/note] place.[note]A marginal note in Cavendish’s text reads: “That part of the Earth is dark which is from the sun.”[/note]
Or when the moon doth come betwixt that light,
Then is the Earth shut up as in dark night.[note]A marginal note in Cavendish’s 1653 text reads: “To that part of the Earth the moon hides.” In 1664 and 1668 the note reads: “That part of the Earth which the moon hides.”[/note] 20