Chapter Nine

Stark warriors of the Age of Stone With pristine valor all elate, Who sought and slew the great Cave Bear And robbed the tigress of her mate; And, weaponed with the ax and spear, Defied the towering mammoth’s hate.

And slant-eyed Mongols, yellow-skinned, Who traversed Western Steppes afar, Drank mare’s milk, and observed their flocks White-clustered ’neath the Morning Star; Or, sallying forth with lance and bow Engaged in fierce Nomadic war.

On vine-clad hills was found the Gaul; Above him glistened Alpine snows: And lower down where valleys lay Loved of the lily and the rose, By moon-light tranced, the nightingale Sang silvery-sweet adagios.