PLIOCENE PERIOD 
Oxen and sheep,) and struck have they on lines 
For favour marked, though not in these confines. 505 
But of the groups of higher mammals here, 
Not one has reached such fortune as the deer, 
That better thrive than in the days of yore, 
In spite of clime, and sharp-toothed carnivore. 
Whilst thus the vegetarians fall or rise, 510 
What progress show their butcher enemies ? 
Wild cats and lynxes now abroad are prowling, 
Foxes and wolves. Hyaenas nightly howling 
Seem as of old : but lions erst contained 
In vague cat-forms have now distinctness gained. 5 1 5 
Brown bears are here, lords of the scenes they haunt, 
Though they in time will humbler fortunes vaunt. 
Will not their race be called to curious roles 
To lift in dance their broad fantastic soles, 
For sport of kings oftimes to baited be, 520 
And taught to pole climb in menagerie ? 
Cave bears are also here, of stalwart frame, 
And in Europa wide will be their fame. 
But their great race will not survive to share 
The ignoble part their relatives will bear. 525 
No sign of man upon the scene we trace, 
And if he lives, not from his hiding place 
Has he yet come : indeed the whole world through 
No higher forms than ape-men are in view. 
169 
