Poem by Margaret Cavendish

Motion and Figure

A Figure Spherical, the Motion's so,
Streight Figures in a darting Motion go:
As severall Figures in small Atomes bee,
So several Motions are, if we could see.
If Atomes joyne, meet in another Forme,
Then Motion alters as the Figures turne.
For if the Bodies weighty are, and great,
Then Motion's slow, and goes upon lesse feet.
Out of a Shuttle-cocke a feather pull,
And flying strike it, as when it was full;
The Motion alters which belongs to that,
Although the Motion of the hand do not.
Yet Motion, Matter, can new Figures find,
And the Substantial Figures turne and wind.
Thus severall Figures, severall Motions take,
And severall Motions, severall Figures make.
But Figure, Matter, Motion, all is one,
Can never separate, not be alone. 

1. The Bignesse of Atomes
2. Motion Directs, While Atomes Dance
3. Of Loose Atomes
4. Of the Sympathy of Atomes
5. Of Sharpe Atomes

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