A science Lesson from Mad Madge

A World made by Atomes.

1653

SMall Atomes of themselves a World may make,
As being subtle, and of every shape:
And as they dance about, fit places finde,
Such Formes as best agree, make every kinde.
For when we build a house of Bricke, and Stone, [5]
We lay them even, every one by one:
And when we finde a gap that's big, or small,
We seeke out Stones, to fit that place withall.
For when not fit, too big, or little be,
They fall away, and cannot stay we see. [10]
So Atomes, as they dance, finde places fit,
They there remaine, lye close, and fast will sticke.
Those that unfit, the rest that rove about,
Do never leave, untill they thrust them out.
Thus by their severall Motions, and their Formes, [15]
As severall work-men serve each others turnes.
And thus, by chance, may a New World create:
Or else predestined to worke my Fate.

The joyning of severall Figur'd Atomesmake other Figures.

1653

Several Figur'd Atomes well agreeing,
When joyn'd do give another Figure being.
For as those Figures joyned, severall waies,
The Fabrick of each severall Creature raise

By Margaret Cavendish, the Duchess of Newcastle

Lots more of Mad Madge's 17th Century atom poems here