All Things Are Governed by Atoms.

Thus life and death, and young and old,
Are as the several atoms hold.
Wit, understanding1 in the brain
Are as the several atoms reign,
And dispositions2 good or ill                                5
Are as the several atoms still.
And every passion which doth rise
Is as the several3 atoms lie.4
Thus sickness, health, and peace and war
Are5 as the several atoms are.                             10

  1. Wit, understanding] So Wit, and Understanding 1653
  2. dispositions] Disposition 1664; Disposition, 1668
  3. the several] each sort of 1664, 1668
  4. lie.] lies: 1664; lies. 1668
  5. Are] Are alwaies 1653