CAXTO i. PRODUCTION OF LIFE. S5 



The warring elements to peace restored, 

 And young Reflection wondered and adored." 



4 



Now paused the Nymph, The Muse responsive cries, 

 Sweet admiration sparkling in her eyes, 380 



" Drawn by your pencil, by your hand unfurl'd, 

 Bright shines the tablet of the dawning world; 

 Amazed the Sea's prolific depths I view, 

 And VENUS rising from the waves in You! 



" Still Nature's births enclosed in egg or seed 

 From the tall forest to the lowly weed, 



* . 



Her beaux and beauties, butterflies and worms, 



Rise from aquatic to aerial forms. 



Thus in the womb the nascent infant laves 



Its natant form in the circumfluent waves; 3QO 



With perforated heart unbreathing swims, 



Awakes and stretches all its recent limbs; 



Awakes and stretches, 1. 392. During the first six months of ges- 

 tation, the embryon probably sleeps, as it seems to have no use for 



