[note]In 1653 this poem is called “If Infinite Worlds, Infinite Centers.”[/note]
If infinites of worlds, they must be placed
At such a distance, as between lies waste.
If they were joined close, moving about,
By jostling they would push each other out.
And if they swim in air, as fishes do 5
In water, they would meet as they did go.[note]A marginal note in Cavendish’s 1653 text reads: “They would beat against each other.” In 1664 and 1668, the note reads, “Beat against each other.”[/note]
But if the air doth every world[note]doth every world] each World doth 1653[/note] enclose
And compass[note]And compass] Them 1653[/note] all about, as[note]as] then like to 1653[/note] water flows,
It keeps[note]It keeps] Keeping 1653[/note] them equal in their proper seat,[note]in their proper seat] and in order right 1653[/note]
That as they move shall not each other beat.[note]beat.] strike. 1653[/note] 10
Or if like wheels which turn by water round,[note]if like wheels which turn by water round,] like to water wheels by water turn’d, 1653[/note]
So air about these[note]about these] round about those 1653[/note] worlds is running found.[note]is running found.] do run: 1653[/note]
And[note][/note] by that motion they do turn about
No further than that motion’s strength runs out.[note]A marginal note in Cavendish’s text reads: “They are stinted according to the several strengths of their motion.”[/note]
Like to a bowl which will no[note]no] not 1664, 1668[/note] further go, 15
But runs according as that strength did[note]did] do 1653[/note] throw.
And thus like[note]And thus like] Thus like as 1653[/note] bowls, the worlds do turn and run,
But still the jack and center is the sun.[note]A marginal note in Cavendish’s 1664 and 1668 texts reads: “Which is as the jack and mark of them all.” In 1653 this note reads, “They turn as they go. A jack bowl is the mark.”[/note]