e, as water is a fluid one.]

Next with illumined hands through prisms bright
Pleased they untwist the sevenfold threads of light;
Or, bent in pencils by the lens, convey
To one bright point the silver hairs of Day. 20
Then mark how two electric streams conspire
To form the resinous and vitreous fire;
Beneath the waves the fierce Gymnotus arm,
And give Torpedo his benumbing charm;
Or, through Galvanic chain-work as they pass,
Convert the kindling water into gas.

[Footnote: _Two electric streams_, l. 21. It is the opinion
of some philosophers, that the electric ether consists of two
kinds of fluids diffused together or combined; which are
commonly known by the terms of positive and negative
electricity, but are by these electricians called vitreous
and resinous electricity. The electric shocks given by the
torpedo and by the gymnotus, are supposed to be similar to
those of the Galvanic pile, as they are produced in water.
Which water is decomposed by the Galvanic pile and converted
into oxygen and hydrogen gas; see Additional Note XII.

The magnetic ether may also be supposed to consist of two
fluids, one of which attracts the needle, and the other
repels it; and, perhaps, chemical affinities, and gravitation
itself, may consist of two kinds of ether surrounding the
particles of bodies, and may thence attract at one distance
and repel at another; as appears when two insulated
electrised balls are approached to each other, or when two
small globules of mercury are pressed together.]

How at the poles opposing Ethers dwell,
Attract the quivering needle, or repel.
How Gravitation by immortal laws
Surrounding matter to a centre draws; 30
How Heat, pervading oceans, airs, and lands,
With force uncheck'd the mighty mass expands;
And last how born in elemental strife
Beam'd the first spark, and lighten'd into Life.

Now in sweet tones the inquiring Muse express'd
Her ardent wish; and thus the Fair address'd.
"Priestess of Nature! whose exploring sight
Pierces the realms of Chaos and of Night;
Of space unmeasured marks the first and last,
Of endless time the present, future, past; 40
Immortal Guide! O, now with accents kind
Give