For, as Iona’s saint,[26] a giant form,

Throned on her towers, conversing with the storm

(When o’er each Runic altar, weed-entwined,

The vesper clock tolls mournful to the wind,)

Counts every wave-worn isle, and mountain hoar

From Kilda to the green Ierne’s shore;

So, when thy pure and renovated mind

This perishable dust hath left behind,

Thy seraph eye shall count the starry train,

Like distant isles embosomed in the main;