NEBULA TO MAN 
But forms of life of lordlier mien than these 
Are now upon Europa's territories. 
Rapacious brutes are here, allied to bears, 
Though brains, small as Marsupials' still are theirs. 
And Wolf-like forms are here that call to mind 100 
The Thylacines, that in Tasmania find 
Last haunts to-day. And other beasts, unclawed, 
Whose toes to hoofs are turning, roam abroad. 
Coryphodons, some called, to Tapirs tend, 
Though tusked as Boars : and awkward do they wend 105 
Their well-screened way, 'midst jungled trees and plants, 
On five-toed feet, formed as the Elephant's. 
And in such beasts rude monuments we see, 
Sources of architectural styles to be. 
Others are here, Hyracotheria named, 1 10 
With Horse and Tapir points, though Fox-sized framed. 
These beasts, four-toed and three, move far more fleet 
Than can Coryphodons. Indeed their feet 
To suit their mode of life compact have grown, 
And on some toes but little weight is thrown. 1 1 5 
Perchance, ill-armed, they find in flight there lies 
The way most safe to treat their enemies : 
And tip-toeing oft for vigilance and speed, 
They will in time their side-toes scarcely need. 
Indeed these by degrees will disappear, 1 20 
Or be but stunted forms of what they were ; 
104 
