Margaret Cavendish

Of Earth

WHY Earth's not apt to move, but slow and dull,
Is, Atomes flat no Vacuum hath but full.
That Forme admits no empty place to bide
All parts are fil'd, having no hollow side.
And where no Vacuum is, Motion is slow,
Having no empty places for to go.
Though Atomes all are small, as small may bee,
Yet by their Formes, Motion doth disagree.
For Atomes sharp do make themselves a Way ,
Cutting through other Atomes as they stray.
But Atomes flat will dull, and lazy lay,
Having no Edge, or point to make a Way.