EPOCH OF GREAT GLACIATION 
Yet sheltered places are there in the land- 
Oases as it were where still can stand 305 
Some forest trees ; though harassed by the ice 
These oft no more than bush-size now can rise. 
But arctic birch and willow, trained to cold, 
Forced from the north, can now the southlands hold ; 
And far to south are northern mosses hale 310 
Seizing the grounds of stricken growths more frail. 
So with the beasts ; though many are expelled, 
By hardier life the quitted haunts are held. 
Big bulky mammoths, clothed by Nature's hand 
With hairy coats, explore the southern land. 315 
From whilom northern pastures frozen out, 
Rhinoceroses, " woolly " clad, are seen about. 
Musk sheep and reindeer far to south have come, 
And arctic fox and lemming hither roam. 
And even polar bears will find their way 320 
Far as Germania's land in search of prey. 
Walrus and seal, about these scenes of yore, 
Now far to south the chilly seas explore ; 
And water mollusks, bred in northern spheres, 
Are coasting down to join their pioneers. 335 
Thus is Europa left as 'twere a host, 
With many friends and boon companions lost. 
But old friends once again will hither come, 
As backward swings Time's fateful pendulum. 
185 
