i 7 2 PETER GUTHRIE TAIT 



I come from empyrean fires, 



From microscopic spaces, 

 Where molecules with fierce desires 



Shiver in hot embraces. 

 The atoms clash, the spectra flash, 



Projected on a screen 

 The double D, magnesian b 



And Thallium's living green. 



3 



We place our eye where these dark rays 



Unite in this dark focus; 

 Right on the source of power we gaze 



Without a screen to cloak us. 

 Next, where the eye was placed at first, 



We place a disk of platinum; 

 It glows, then puckers like to burst : 



By Jove, I'll have to flatten him ! 



