Author: Poems and Fancies Research Assistant
-
The Arithmetic of Passions
With numeration moralists begin Upon the passions, putting quotients in, Numbers divide with figures, and subtract, And in their definitions are exact. As for subtracting, take but one from three;[note]As for subtracting, take but one from three;] And there Subtract, as taking One, from Three, 1653[/note] 5 Add it to…
-
The Trisection
[note] In all of the editions, this poem is called “The Trasection”[/note] Cut the line of Wisdom into three parts: Prudence, Experience, and Judgment. Then draw a line of Discretion equal to the line of Experience, and a line of Industry equal to the line of Prudence, and a line of Temperance equal to the…
-
The Same Circle Squared in Prose
[note]In 1653 this poem is called “A Same Circle Squared in Prose.”[/note] [note]A marginal note in Cavendish’s 1653 text reads: “Because my lines are too long for my rhymes, therefore I put them in prose.” This note is not in 1664 or 1668.[/note] A circle is a line without ends, and a square hath[note]hath] is…
-
The Circle of Honesty Squared
[note]In 1653 this poem is called “The Squaring of the Circle”[/note] Within the head of man’s a circle round Of Honesty, in which no end[note]in which no end] no Ends in it 1653[/note] is found. Some think it fit this circle should be squared,[note]Some think it fit this circle should be squared,] To Square this…
-
Another to the Same Purpose
[note]NOTE: In 1653 this is a separate 6-line poem; in 1664 and 1668, these 6 lines are tacked onto the end of the precedent poem, “The Circle of the Brain Squared”.[/note] And others did,[note]And others did,] And thus 1653[/note] upon the same account, Doubling the cube, to a great number[note]to a great number] must 1653[/note]…
-
The Circle of the Brain Cannot Be Squared.
A circle round divided in four parts Hath been great[note]great] a 1653[/note] study amongst[note]amongst] ’mongst the 1664, 1668[/note] men of arts; Since Archimede’s or Euclid’s time, each brain[note]Since Archimede’s or Euclid’s time, each brain] Ere since Archimedes, or Euclid’s time, 1653[/note] Hath on a line been stretched, yet all in vain,[note]Hath on a line been…
-
Untitled [When I did write this book I took great pains]
[note]Other editions sometimes title this poem “Clasp” or “Clasp (1)”; as I have discussed in the Introduction to this site, I believe that “The Clasp” is not a poem title but a structural marker, so have named this poem as “Untitled.”[/note] When I did write this book I took great pains, For I did walk,…
-
Several Worlds in Several Circles
There may be many worlds like circles round; In after ages more worlds may be found.[note]In after ages more worlds may be found.] And many more in After-ages found; 1664; And many more in After-ages found: 1668[/note] If we by art of shipping could into[note]by art of shipping could into] into each Circle can but…
-
A World in an Earring
An earring round may well a zodiac[note]earring round may well a zodiac] Ear-ring may well a Zodiack 1664; Ear-ring well a Zodiack call’d may 1668[/note] be, Wherein a sun goes round, which we don’t[note]goes round, which we don’t] goeth round, and we not 1653; goes round, which we not 1664[/note] see; And planets seven about…
-
Of Many Worlds in this World
Just like as in[note]as in] unto 1653[/note] a nest of boxes round Degrees of sizes in[note]in] within 1653[/note] each box are found, So in this world, may many worlds more[note]worlds more] others 1664, 1668[/note] be, Thinner and less, and less still by degree. Although they are not subject to our sense, …