Of Fire and Moisture

1

If hay be not quite dry, but stacked up wet,
That moisture will in time2 a fire beget.
This proves that fire may from moisture grow;3
We proof have none, moisture from fire flow.4
This shows that fire in itself is free:5                           5
No other element in it can be.
For fire is pure and still doth keep6 the same;
Where oily moisture’s not, no fire can flame.

  1. In 1653 this poem is called “Fire and Moisture”
  2. That moisture will in time] In time that Moisture will 1653
  3. This proves that fire may from moisture grow;] This gives a proof that Fire from Moisture grows, 1664; This gives a proof, that Fire from Moisture grows; 1668
  4. We proof have none, moisture from fire flow.] But we have none, that from Fire Moisture flows; 1664; But we have none, that from Fire, Moisture flows: 1668
  5. This shows that fire in itself is free:] Besides it shews Fire in it self is free, 1664; Besides, it shews, Fire in it self is free; 1668
  6. pure and still doth keep] pure still, and keeps 1653