The crimson monads of the deep,
The flying-fish with fitful leap,
Assai palms of matchless grace,
The giant in the vine’s embrace,—
These were his books while journeying on
To read the unknown Amazon.
Where birds and gorgeous insects flew
Mid tropic flowers of iris hue;
In woods where fragrant myrtles crept
He saw where once the glacier swept;
So nature’s history grows clear
When masters of the race draw near.
To king and Indian, child and slave,
What rapture his sweet humor gave!
Oft when some truth, by patient toil,
He found confirmed in rock and soil,
From changing nature turned his gaze
To give the unchanging Maker praise.
Brazil, within thy breast are gems
To glow in future diadems,
But none can equal those he set
In Science’ burning coronet;
Upon the world they gleam afar
As brilliant as the evening star.
Louis Agassiz was a famous 19th century naturalist.