This stanza is an extended nature metaphor.

It describes the particular qualities of

a thing in nature and draws a comparison

to the human equivalent. Its final assertion is

humans are inferior.

This stanza is comprised of three images—

the first two are nature-related,

while the third establishes a sexual tension.

This stanza begins by recontextualizing the nature metaphor

in a slightly more portentous way. It introduces religious imagery

and insinuates a deleterious sexual exchange using language

consistent with the nature metaphor and the word "sinewy."

In the poem's final couplet,

we get more      religious         imagery.