AN INTERGLACIAL EPOCH 
Across the plains, regaining grassy pride, 
Where their old sires had grazed, and multiplied, 
Wild troops of horses wander far and wide. 
Roe deer, with other breeds in back times blent, 50 
Here now appear in full development. 
Red deer are here, a tribe till now unknown 
And proud with antlers long and massive grown. 
But deer have come that bear the palm away 
From these red deer, in antler-wealth display. 55 
Stout-limbed they are, and head and shoulder stand 
Above most deer, throughout Europa's land. 
" Great Irish Deer " are these, though not indeed 
Alone on Erin's pastures do they feed. 
Upon their heads out-branching antlers rise 60 
Of monstrous growth, alike in weight and size. 
Ten feet and more spread these from side to side, 
With looks of some huge fern fronds petrified. 
Bison and oxen herds have now arrived, 
From Asia's scene perchance, where long they'd thrived. 65 
To howl and scavenge come hyaenas back ; 
And lions, truly formed, are on the track 
Of emigrating prey. And peace and war, 
With their vicissitudes, obtain once more. 
Fierce cold in fitful raids back still may come, 70 
And harass life, advancing venturesome. 
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