Ibes, in various modes, By various powers distinguished: for not heaven Down dropped them, nor from ocean's briny waves Sprang they, terrestrial sole; whence, justly _Earth_ Claims the dear name of mother, since alone Flowed from herself whate'er the sight surveys. E'en now oft rears she many a sentient tribe By showers and sunshine ushered into day.[803] Whence less stupendous tribes should then have risen More, and of ampler make, herself new-formed, In flower of youth, and _Ether_ all mature.[804] Of these birds first, of wing and plume diverse, Broke their light shells in spring-time: as in spring Still breaks the grasshopper his curious web, And seeks, spontaneous, foods and vital air. Then rushed the ranks of mortals; for the soil, Exuberant then, with warmth and moisture teemed. So, o'er each scene appropriate, myriad wombs Shot, and expanded, to the genial sward By fibres fixt; and as, in ripened hour, Their liquid orbs the daring foetus broke Of breath impatient, nature here transformed Th' assenting earth, and taught her opening veins With juice to flow lacteal; as the fair Now with sweet milk o'erflows, whose raptured breast