NEBULA TO MAN 
Where rose they to this greater rank and height, 
By steps and variations infinite, 
From low Marsupial life ? Where in the wide 
Were Mammals thus in structure modified ? 1 50 
Where, whilst Marsupials small were ranging far 
About Europa and Columbia, 
Was Nature calling, out of stress and strife, 
These higher types of creatures into life ? 
Did Afric's plains or Asia's bring them forth, 155 
Or some green lands in regions far to north ? 
What man can say ? Here hangs a close drawn veil ; 
Here miss we chapters from the rock-told tale. 
Soft humid airs about Europa beat, 
And southern lowlands steam with tropic heat. 160 
The newer vegetation wide has spread, 
And of the leafy life now takes the lead. 
As states by hostile forces occupied 
Cycads and pines must now draw in their pride. 
Not theirs it is to turn the advancing tide, 165 
Of oaks and walnuts, figs and holly-trees, 
Sweet-gums and banksias from these territories. 
Far now these growths of higher caste extend, 
And divers of their class are on the land. 
Planes, poplars, willows, cinnamons are here, 1 70 
White-flowered magnolias bloom, and plum-trees bear 
1 06 
