PLIOCENE PERIOD 
For long times past, well found can fearless range, 
And seem indeed to prosper in the change. 
On fen and marsh new growths have taken hold. 
Pond weeds and buckbeans, lilies white and gold, 455 
With other growths from northern scenes arriving, 
New colours to Europa now are giving, 
Hoisting their flags as some exploring band 
That has a footing won on new found land. 
Creatures, to horses shaping, oft have met 460 
Our eyes about Europa ; but as yet, 
Though in Columbia and in India seen, 
No horses true have in Europa been. 
But here now thrives the race, developed true, 
And crude old forms have well nigh passed from view. 465 
Far over grassy plain, and vale, and hill, 
Wide rove the creatures at their own sweet will ; 
Free as the air their opening nostrils draw, 
Wild as the waves that toss their spray to shore. 
Changed times indeed their progeny will see, 470 
As to his will Man bends their energy ; 
And varied be the parts they will sustain, 
In bondage held, controlled by bit and rein ; 
To run the measured course at headlong pace ; 
And tear along in maddening chariot race ; 475 
To bear the knight, with spear and blazoned shield, 
Or in the joust, or on the battlefield ; 
,67 
