" Natura enim non nisi parendo vincitur. "

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Atfirstmen trywith magiccharm Tofertilizetheearth,

To keep their flocksand herds from harm And bringnew youngto birth.

Then to capricious gods they turn To save from fire or flood;

Their smoking sacrifices burn Onaltars redwithblood.

Nextbold philosopherand sage A settled plan decree,

And prove by thought or sacred page What Nature ought to be.

ButNature smiles一a Sphinx-likesmile一 Watching their little day

Shewaitsinpatience forawhile一 Their plans dissolveaway.

Then come those humblermenof heart. Withno completed scheme,

Content to play a modest part, To test,observe,and dream,

Till out of chaos coms in sight ClearfragmentsofaWhole;

Man,learningNature'swaysaright, Obeying, can control.

The changing Pattern glows afar; But yet its shifting scenes

RevealnotwhatthePiecesare Norwhat the Puzzle means.

AndNaturesmiles一stillunconfessed The secret thought she thinks一

Inscrutable she guardsunguessed The Riddle of the Sphinx.

Hilfield, Dorset September,1929

编者按：

科幻不止于小说，它可以是理性的，也可以是诗意的。（剩余482字）