Of Atoms that Make Flame

¹

Those atoms which are long, sharp at each end,²
Stream forth like air in flame, which light doth send.³
For flame doth flow⁴ as if it fluid were,
Which shows part of that figure is like air.
Thus flame is joined, two figures into one,                        5
But fire without flame⁵ is sharp alone.

1. In 1653 this poem is called “What Atoms Make Flame”
2. A marginal note in Cavendish’s text reads: “These atoms are half airy atoms, and half fiery.”
3. send.] seem: 1653
4. flow] shew 1664; shew, 1668
5. flame] a Flame 1664; a Flame, 1668