Of Vapor

Loose and sharp atoms,¹² which do rove³ about,
To porous atoms stick and draw them⁴ out
From those⁵ more close, for these⁶⁷ do highest lie:
Thus vapor’s drawn toward⁸ the region high.
But since they of an equal weight are all,⁹                             5
For want of strength they cause them back to fall.¹⁰

1. and sharp atoms] Atomes sharpe, 1653
2. A marginal note in Cavendish’s 1664 and 1668 texts reads: “Which are fiery atoms.” This note does not appear in 1653.
3. do rove] Motion shoots 1653
4. To porous atoms stick and draw them] Sticke on loose Porous Atomes, those draw 1653
5. those] the 1664, 1668
6. these] they 1664, 1668
7. A marginal note in Cavendish’s 1664 and 1668 texts reads: “The fiery atoms.” This note does not appear in 1653.
8. toward] towards 1664, 1668
9. since they of an equal weight are all,] being their weight is equall with their owne, 1653
10. For want of strength they cause them back to fall.] They let them fall to Earth, so backe returne. 1653