Margaret Cavendish(1623–1673)
Of Many Worlds in This World
J u s t like as in a nest of boxes5 r o u n d ,
D e g r e e s of sizes in e a c h box are f o u n d :
S o , in this world, m a y m a n y others be
T h i n n e r a n d less, a n d less still by degree:
A l t h o u g h they are not subject to our s e n s e ,
A world m a y be no bigger t h a n two-pence.6
Nature is curious, 0 and such works may shape, ingenious, skillful
W h i c h our dull s e n s e s easily e s c a p e :
F o r c r e a t u r e s , small as a t o m s , 7 m a y be there,
If every one a creature's figure bear.
If a t o m s four, a world c a n m a k e , 8 then see
W h a t several worlds might in an ear-ring be:
For, millions of those a t o m s m a y be in
T h e h e a d of one small, little, single pin.
A n d if t h u s small, then ladies m a y well wear
A world of worlds, as p e n d e n t s in e a c h ear.