NEBULA TO MAN 
Masses with double layers some forms remain, 
And ne'er to higher unities attain ; 
And these thus left will never higher rise 210 
Than Sponges, Hydras, and their near allies. 
******** 
Beneath the change and strain, at work around, 
To higher life some forms their way have found ; 
As now between their little double layers 
A third, an outgrowth of the two, appears. 215 
And in these forms, with triple layers arrayed, 
A further move in complex life is made. 
To do their duties to the growing mass, 
To subtler states the outer layer cells pass. 
As skin, nerves, muscles do they slow appear, 220 
Sense-organs too are all within their sphere. 
Upon the middle, new-formed layer, is thrown 
The work of building up a skeleton ; 
Within whose walls some cells will play their part, 
And slowly lay the groundwork of a heart. 225 
The while the cells within the inmost layer 
In subtler ways the nutrient work will bear. 
Thus, step by step, the infinitely small, 
By union strengthened, rise to meet the call 
To higher life : and power is theirs to rise 230 
To greater heights, and grander destinies. 
******** 
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