PLIOCENE PERIOD 
But all these growths, though long they here had thrived, 
Have, as it were, their welcome now outlived. 
And hardier growths oaks, willows, poplars, planes 
And conifers are pressing their domains. 50 
Indeed Europa now is laying aside 
Her light apparel, as might an Ethiope bride, 
Brought by a northern bridegroom to an air, 
Where soft home breezes fail to follow her. 
Brutes tusked and Tiger-like still wend their way, 55 
Seeking by means more sly than brave their prey. 
And some with little ease can eat their food, 
So long and thick their " sabre " teeth protrude. 
Bloodthirsty polecats, weasels wide awake 
Hunt through the woods, oft killing for killing's sake. 60 
The while hyaenas easier to please 
Regale themselves on rotting carcases. 
Numerous though be the brutes with carnive jaws, 
More prosperous seem the gentler herbivores. 
And though abroad these oft must move in fear, 65 
Still tooth and nail are not all powerful here. 
In numbers great and much diversified, 
About the woods and jungles, far and wide, 
Roam herds of deer, in all their antlered pride. 
And though the species here will pass away, 70 
Close do they draw to tribes alive to-day. 
