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The temple of nature

or, the origin of society: a poem, with philosophical notes. By Erasmus Darwin
Darwin, Erasmus (1731-1802)

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THE TEMPLE OF NATURE;
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CANTO I. PRODUCTION OF LIFE.
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CANTO II. REPRODUCTION OF LIFE.
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CANTO III. PROGRESS OF THE MIND.
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CANTO IV. OF GOOD AND EVIL.
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“So still the Tadpole cleaves the watery vale
With balanc'd fins, and undulating tail;
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New lungs and limbs proclaim his second birth,
Breathe the dry air, and bound upon the earth.
So from deep lakes the dread Musquito springs,
Drinks the soft breeze, and dries his tender wings,
In twinkling squadrons cuts his airy way,
Dips his red trunk in blood, and man his prey.
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