University of Virginia Library


148

FORERUNNERS

The Snowdrop founded cities
Ere Adam learned to spread
His grains of wheat upon a stone
And powder them for bread.
Though man is wont to flourish
The marvels he has done,
The Snowdrop worked before him,
And will work when he is gone.
A million years the Nettle
Had lived beneath the sky
Before she got a chance to sting
Eve's leg and make her cry.
Though woman soon developed
A weapon she could trust,
The Nettle stung before her,
And will sting when she is dust.