NEBULA TO MAN 
Britannia's whole extent now well nigh stands 
Above the sea : and up and down her lands 20 
A cooler climate plays. Away to east, 
And with her joined, stretch wide lands now increased 
By great uplifts ; and many old domains 
Of northern waters lie as arid plains. 
But whilst to north, Europa builds her land, 25 
The Midland sea invades her southern strand. 
Italia's northern realms are being swept 
By briny waves ; and waters now have crept 
Helvetia's grounds, and even found their way 
Where lie Germania's southern lands to-day. 30 
Yet in the floods are sediments slow laid 
Of which great mountain ranges will be made ; 
And limestone beds in time will scale the seas 
As Apennines, and Alps, and Pyrenees. 
Beneath salt waters still imprisoned lie 35 
The northern plains of Afric's territory ; 
But from the southern breadths some lands are stretching 
Across the sea ; and far as India reaching : 
Along whose tracts some curious reptiles go, 
And other life-forms wander to and fro. 40 
Meanwhile large parts of Asia sea-swept lie, 
Where shelly hosts and fishes multiply. 
But greater is Columbia's west terrain, 
And all her eastern coasts their line retain. 
44 
