The Power of Fire

Fire such power hath of every thing,1
As like to needle points that pierce the skin.2
For all it meets, it doth fast to it stick,3
Be’t ne’er so close, hard, solid, strong and thick.4
All things it doth dissolve, or bow, or break,          5
Keeping its strength by making others weak.

  1. Fire such power hath of every thing,] Like as a Bee or Wasp hurts with her sting, 1664; Like as a Bee, or Wasp, hurts with her sting, 1668
  2. As like to needle points that pierce the skin.] So Fire hath strength and power on every thing; 1664; So Fire hath strength and Power on every thing 1668
  3. For all it meets, it doth fast to it stick,] So doth that Element peirce into all, 1653
  4. close, hard, solid, strong and thick.] hard, strong, thicke, or Solid Ball 1653