AN INTERGLACIAL EPOCH 
And whence and why 
Have these new lords Europa come to spy ? 
Have they as fugitives been driven here 
By better men that hold a scene more fair ? 
Some Eden scene in Asia's lap afar, 100 
Or in the heart of sunny Africa ? 
Or have they turned their backs on homes and haunts, 
Where savage beasts had gained predominance ? 
(For though in mind they tower above the brute, 
Their lordship is not held without dispute). 105 
Or, have they here as hunters found their way, 
Drawn to new lands, now haunted by their prey ? 
But be what may their far off quitted home ; 
And be what may, the cause they here have come ; 
And though on other scenes men may be dwelling, 1 10 
In strength and skill these lowly types excelling, 
Still they are men ; and on Europa's scene 
No life so high as this, till now, has been. 
Men too they are whose skill has borne its fruits 
In adding to the gifts they share with brutes ; 1 15 
In finding further means that will avail 
For daily life, than tooth and limb and nail. 
Tools do they clutch, and weapons for the chase, 
Rough wrought, unground, as we might well nigh trace 
The work to Fate. (But not from Fate alone 1 20 
Have come to them these implements of stone. 
191 
