NEBULA TO MAN 
And to and fro life's movements oft must be, 
As heat or cold obtain the mastery. 
But held no more by constant ice in thrall, 
And with clime-changes growing seasonal, 75 
Europa, as of old, for far and near, 
Holds now a varied life throughout the year. 
But though returning warmth the scene restore, 
Life here will different be from that of yore. 
The old regime is gone ; the state of things 80 
When lions, bears, and elephants were kings. 
A master force, a subtle influence new 
Is here to leaven life, and through and through. 
More nervous strength than brute life can command 
Now plays a part upon this western land. 85 
For here has wandered Nature's latest birth, 
The crown and glory of her work on earth. 
Primeval men are now upon the scene, 
Short, thick-boned hairy beings of savage mien, 
With ape-like skulls : but yet endowed with pride 90 
And power of mind to lower brutes denied. 
Earth lorded in the past by one-celled mites, 
By sponges, urchins, worms, and trilobites, 
By fishes and amphibians, reptile, beast, 
As higher life from lower was released, 95 
Knows other rulers now. 
190 
