Word of the new planet spreads with shock,
arguments, and finally joy. Learned men
from the Royal Astronomical Society visiting.
They ask William to come to London
to accept a gold medal. William wants to name
the planet in honor of King George III,
who sends congratulations and invites him to the palace.
When William returns, he tells Caroline
it was decided to keep to the tradition of taking
planets’ names from mythology.
Uranus honors the muse of astronomy. His Majesty
offered me a salary to continue my observations
and show the wonders above to royalty and their guests,
he says. We must move closer to Windsor Castle.
William rents a house with a leaky roof near a river
that seems to make him ill, though he rubs his face
and hands with onions to prevent night fever.
He and Caroline move again to a big house in Slough.
He shows her around the old stables, says, We can turn
these into workrooms to make telescopes to sell.
It’s awfully far from the village. As they walk into the house,
Caroline remembers the sound of her singing blending
with others, and may the good Lord forgive her,
applause, compliments, and making money.
The landlady said we might borrow a horse.
Caroline looks from the brother she loves
to the floors covered with dried and rotting leaves,
the windows blackened with soot. Housekeeping
looks endless, but she starts by sweeping ashes
from the hearth, taking flint from the tinderbox.
She strikes it on steel, fans the sparks.