MARGARET CAVENDISH, DUCHESS OF NEWCASTLE

219        Of many Worlds in this World

Just like unto a Nest of Boxes round,
Degrees of sizes within each Boxe are found.
So in this World, may many Worlds more be,
Thinner, and lesse, and lesse still by degree;

5       Although they are not subject to our Sense,

A World may be no bigger then two-pence.
Nature is curious, and such worke may make,
That our dull Sense can never finde, but scape.
For Creatures, small as Atomes, may be there,

10    If every Atome a Creatures Figure beare.

If foure Atomes a World can make,* then see,
What severall Worlds might in an Eare-ring bee.
For Millions of these Atomes may bee in
The Head of one small, little, single Pin.

15     And if thus small, then Ladies well may weare

A World of Worlds, as Pendents in each Eare.