The Nature of Infinity

    Own Vortex； and when once a traveller thro' Eternity²

    Has pass'd that Vortex， he perceives it roll backward behind

    His path， into a Globe itself enfolding， like a sun，

    Or like a moon， or like a universe of starry³ majesty⁴，

    While he keeps onwards in his wondrous⁵ journey on the Earth，

    Or like a human form， a friend with whom he liv'd benevolent⁶.

    As the eye of man views both the East and West， encompassing⁷

    Its vortex， and the North and South with all their starry host，

    Also the rising sun and setting moon he views， surrounding

    His corn-fields and his valleys of five hundred acres square.

    Thus is the Earth one infinite plane， and not as apparent

    To the weak traveller confin'd beneath the moony shade.

    Thus is the Heaven a Vortex pass'd already， and the Earth

    A Vortex not yet pass'd by the traveller thro' Eternity.