NEBULA TO MAN 
And given the old, and oft swept, continent 
Earnest and promise of outline and extent, 
As of to-day. But not yet wholly free 
Are all the southlands of invading sea. 25 
Hispania not as yet has, as it were, 
Shaken herself dry ; and waters still career 
On south Italia, though be they shallowing here. 
In part is Grecia too held by the sea, 
But far to east outspreads her territory 30 
To Lesser Asia's land ; binding in one 
The numerous isles that greet to-day the sun. 
Still with soft foliage is Europa green, 
Though change is creeping slowly o'er the scene. 
Oft chilled is clime, once mild and uniform ; 35 
And as hard driven ships before a storm 
Must some life fly, and seek on other land 
Asylum from the ills, that seem at hand. 
Palms, long alive to changes in the zone, 
From all Europa now are well nigh gone. 40 
But in some southern parts bamboos are growing, 
And tulip trees their lily blossom shewing. 
Balsamic liquidambars still are here, 
And laurels rose and mountain brave the air. 
Not yet are cinnamons and cassias gone, 45 
And twining smilax still can hold its own. 
150 
