Cosmic Evolution, Julian Huxley, 1887-1975 I turn the handle and the story starts : Reel after reel is all astronomy, Till life, enkindled in a niche of sky, Leaps on the stage to play a million parts. Life leaves the slime and through the oceans darts ; She conquers earth, and raises wings to fly ; Then spirit blooms, and learns how not to die, Nesting beyond the grave in others' hearts. I turn the handle ; other men like me Have made the film ; and now I sit and look In quiet, privileged like Divinity To read the roaring world as in a book. If this thy past, where shall thy future climb, O Spirit, built of Elements and Time !