AN INTERGLACIAL EPOCH 
When through the world creation pushed its way, 
With might as right, as with the brutes to-day ? 
Fair grows the scene throughout Europa's land, 1 50 
As softer airs increasing breadths command. 
Sedge, shrub, and tree thick crowd her soil again, 
Where clouds, for snow, now fall in ample rain. 
Old mountain outlines clear cut stand once more ; 
Rills, streams, and rivers wander as of yore. 155 
Though some indeed, that had awoke to find 
Old channels blocked, have elsewhere had to wind. 
Rapacious beasts in full force roam again, 
Prolific herds graze over hill and plain. 
And here has Man from far lands found his way ; 1 60 
Unfurled his flag, and brought his power in play. 
Yet though the scene with life and colour glow, 
And buoyant hope, 'tis but a passing show. 
Signs slowly come that these wide fields so fair 
Will have once more a monstrous ice to bear. 165 
Keen herald winds are sweeping hill and plain. 
The north is up ; the white flag waves again. 
Persistent grow the skies, with snow and sleet ; 
And life falls back, an army in retreat. 
'93 
