The Difference of Atoms and Motion in Youth and Age

In all things which are young, Motion is swift,1
But moving long, is2 tired and groweth stiff.3
So4 atoms are in youth more nimble, strong5
Than6 in old age, but apt more7 to go wrong.
Thus youth by false notes and wrong steps doth die;     5
In age atoms and Motion weary lie.8
Motion’s ease is change, weary soon doth grow,9
If in one figure she doth often go.10

  1. things which are young, Motion is swift,] young Creatures Motion swiftly goes, 1664; young Creatures, Motion swiftly goes; 1668
  2. is] ’tis 1664, 1668
  3. groweth stiff.] stiffer grows; 1664; stiffer grows: 1668
  4. So] For 1664, 1668
  5. strong] and strong 1664
  6. Than] Then 1653
  7. but apt more] when apter 1664, 1668
  8. lie.] downe do lye. 1653
  9. Motion’s ease is change, weary soon doth grow,] The ease of Motion’s change, for soon it will 1664; The ease of Motion’s change; for soon it will 1668
  10. If in one figure she doth often go.] Grow tyr’d if in one Figure it goes still. 1664; Grow tir’d, if in one Figure it goes still. 1668