NEBULA TO MAN 
And higher will his circling ramparts grow, 
And heavier lie his fields of garnered snow. 175 
India, but seen as yet in fitful light, 
Bursts now a panorama on our sight, 
Bristling with life and life that is ahead 
Of what the western world so far has bred. 
Varied is the assemblage she presents, 180 
Ranging from mice and rats to elephants. 
But how far she herself bred this array, 
Or gathered it elsewhere, what man can say ? 
Doubtless much foreign life had hither come, 
And been improved in its adapted home : 185 
Worked into shape, as precious stones might be 
Cut, ground, and polished by a lapidary. 
Still many groups of life may well have been 
First, if not here, at least on Asia's scene. 
But be that as it may, yet is it true 1 90 
India first brings much modern life to view. 
And of the genera here within her fold, 
Half are the same as what we may behold 
About the world to-day. And 'neath her sun 
It is that Nature's van seems marching on. 195 
But still does she amongst her life display 
Old forms not few that time will sweep away. 
156 
