Stones from The Quarry | ||
ENIGMA.
It lieth in small compass, serpent-like,In ringèd deadliness; yet touch it, let
It but its coils unfold, sting forth-jet,
And it will grasp all Life, Humanity's
Heart's blood out-squeeze, freeze all vitalities.
Thus hath it lain since Man on Earth first set
A human footstep, comatose, but yet
Alive, though Mortals ne'er did realise
Its deadly presence! But, alas! it now
Begins to stir, dilate its folds, and move.
Science, too curious in Why and How
Of all in Earth below and Heaven above,
Hath warmed it at her breast, and like, I trow,
The fabled viper to her will it prove.
Stones from The Quarry | ||