NEBULA TO MAN 
In times to come the meaning will be clear 
Of Nature's wondrous work effected here, 
In bringing backboned life to haunt the ground, 205 
Where for long times invertebrates had found 
Alone their way ; and there could creep and fly 
Unchallenged by the higher life hard by. 
As to their close the Carbon years draw near, 
Lands, slow upheaved, above the sea appear. 210 
Britannia's southlands, long beneath the sea, 
Now rise again, contiguous territory 
With land to east ; and long must be the while 
Ere she will stand alone, a sea-girt isle. 
Westward away new land-breadths greet the sun, 215 
Where for long times the sea had freely run ; 
And lonely banks and isles by waters rent 
Unite to form Columbia's continent : 
Though but in part ; for all the west terrain, 
Save for some isles, still lies beneath the main. 220 
And o'er the line upheaval too has joined . 
Long distant isles, that will remain combined. 
Thus moves the hand of Fate from place to place, 
Compelling Life conditions new to face ; 
And though Change comes a lion in the path, 225 
And lives must suffer, even unto death ; 
Still Life itself, abounding in resource, 
Pursues with steady steps an onward course. 
38 
