TRIASSIC PERIOD 
And well may Man, as he casts back his eyes, 
Ask to what altered state his race may rise. 
But not through life amphibian, large or small, 150 
Is nature now advancing to her goal ; 
And though amphibian life will higher rise, 
It is not there that Nature's yearning lies. 
Frogs and the like will lead the amphibian van, 
But not through them will Nature work to Man. 155 
But through the Reptiles is she pressing on 
To her desired, though still far distant, bourne. 
'Tis these quaint creatures of the Trias days 
That carrying are, and in mysterious ways, 
Across the dark unsounded seas of Fate, 160 
Fair Nature and her fortunes for their freight. 
With wider range than on the Permian lands, 
And more assertive spread these reptile bands : 
A motley group, that show in shape, and size, 
And teeth, and structure wide diversities. 165 
Truly some parent flood, high on the hills, 
Has split its waters into many rills. 
And from what far-off source have come these swarms, 
Graceless and quaint, and of such varied forms ? 
Had old amphibian life the pliantness, 170 
Resource, and strength to break and branch like this ? 
May be it had : for Nature seeks to raise 
And not in vain from each acquired base 
D 49 
