TRIASS1C PERIOD 
Long times too had they roamed ; and back as far 
As Permian days had found Columbia. 
But though, in goodly force, they now career, 200 
Long ere the end of Trias days draws near, 
Their weird old stock will well nigh disappear. 
Of various sizes are they ; some in length 
Six feet and more, with short stout limbs whose strength 
Can bear them well along ; and some there are, 205 
As Parieasaurus, clad in armature. 
Large skulls have some high pitched as if to hold 
More brains than what enjoyed their sires of old. 
And some have teeth implanted in their heads, 
The same as have flesh-eating quadrupeds. 210 
True jaws of death are these to reptiles small, 
And clam amphibians as on land they crawl. 
Not but amongst the giant Newt-like forms 
They oft find foemen worthy of their arms. 
Others, with teeth more of a crushing kind, 215 
Amongst the mollusk tribes their fleshpots find. 
Whilst some, content with fern and cycad plants, 
Obtain in ways less dread their sustenance. 
Some toothless are, but like the Walrus own 
A pair of tusks, with sharp points bending down. 220 
Other quaint brutes about their heads possess 
A pair of horns, and spiked excrescences. 
