LEAF AND TENDRIL 



On every step bunches of ages, and larger bunches between 



the steps, 

 All below duly traveled, and still I mount and mount. 



" Rise after rise bow the phantoms behind me. 



Afar down I see the huge first Nothing — I know I was even 



there, 

 I waited unseen and always, and slept through the lethargic 



mist, 

 And took my time, and took no hurt from the fetid carbon. 



" £x>ng I was hugged dose — long and long. 

 Immense have been the preparations for me. 

 Faithful and friendly the arms that have helped me. 

 Cycles ferried my cradle, rowing and rowing like cheerful boat- 

 men, 

 For room to me stars kept aside in their own rings. 

 They sent influences to look after what was to hold me. 



" Before I was bom out of my mother generations guided me. 



My embryo has never been torpid — nothing could overlay it. 



For it the nebula cohered to an orb, 



The long, slow strata piled to rest it in. 



Vast vegetables gave it sustenance. 



Monstrous sauroids transported it in their mouths and depos- 

 ited it with care. 



All forces have been steadily employed to complete and delight 

 me. 



Now I stand on this spot with my Soul." 



II 



The material, the carnal, the earthy, has been so 



long under the ban, so long associated in our minds 



with that which hinders and degrades, and as the 



source and province of evil, that it will take sci- 



220 



