NEBULA TO MAN 
Unchecked as yet by Man's controlling hand, 
Rampant are carnivores up and down the land : 
In form, resourcefulness, and strength excelling 
All previous kinds that ever here were dwelling. 
Ferocious dogs of vague and general form 2 30 
As from their ranks some divers breeds might come 
Hunt through the woods, and up the mountain slopes 
The startled herds of deer, and antelopes. 
Legions of Cat-like forms, both great and small, 
But still in structure vague and general, 235 
Here prowl and growl. And in the groups around 
Lions half-formed, and tigers may be found. 
And these fierce creatures, with the canine host, 
Seem now to rule the land, from coast to coast. 
The Horse-shaped creatures of Rhinoceros race, 240 
Hyracodons so called, no more we trace. 
Little indeed of Lemur life we find, 
And for the time it may have dropped behind. 
Yet here some forms are seen, and these appear 
As they to Man-like apes were drawing near. 245 
Amongst the Pig-like brutes whose lines are cast 
In these wild scenes, some members now have passed 
To forms less vague ; and some of smaller size 
Appear as they were little Peccaries. 
And for defence close-herding oft they may 250 
Keep fierce flesh-eating enemies at bay. 
H4 
