The Power of Fire

Fire such power hath of every thing,¹
As like to needle points that pierce the skin.²
For all it meets, it doth fast to it stick,³
Be’t ne’er so close, hard, solid, strong and thick.⁴
All things it doth dissolve, or bow, or break,          5
Keeping its strength by making others weak.

1. Fire such power hath of every thing,] Like as a Bee or Wasp hurts with her sting, 1664; Like as a Bee, or Wasp, hurts with her sting, 1668
2. As like to needle points that pierce the skin.] So Fire hath strength and power on every thing; 1664; So Fire hath strength and Power on every thing 1668
3. For all it meets, it doth fast to it stick,] So doth that Element peirce into all, 1653
4. close, hard, solid, strong and thick.] hard, strong, thicke, or Solid Ball 1653