NEBULA TO MAN 
And forms are here whose shells with ample growth 
Of long and hollow spines are bristling forth, 
As they with better means had been supplied 
To anchor fast, when harassed by the tide. 50 
Still droop the Trilobites, and ne'er again 
In size or structure will the race attain 
To whilom pride. Indeed they fast decline, 
And will ere long what place they hold resign. 
The big sea-scorpions now are falling fast, 55 
By nimbler forms of crusted life surpassed. 
Large size in Nature is no guarantee 
To those so blessed of long prosperity. 
Small things do well : as see the water-fleas, 
Now swarming thick in lakes and shallow seas. 60 
And as with men a puissant state may close, 
Wiped out by bloody wars with stronger foes ; 
Whilst some small state of far less worth perchance 
Escapes such fate through insignificance ; 
So here these puny forms of crusted life 65 
Hold on rejoicing 'mid surrounding strife ; 
And, snug and happy in their muddy delves, 
Outlive much life far higher than themselves. 
Still life moves ever on, though here and there 
Some low forms thrive, and higher disappear. 70 
And though the fierce sea-scorpions now have waned, 
And move with faltering steps where once they reigned ; 
32 
