Stood side by side, the midmost hers. The years

Had laid upon her brows a hand serene,

And left alone their blessing. Levelled eyes

Sable, and keen, with meditative strength

Conjoined the instinct and the claim to rule;

Firm were her lips and rigid. At her right

Sat Finan, Aidan’s successor, with head

Snow-white, and beard that rolled adown a breast

Never by mortal passion heaved in storm,

A cloister of majestic thoughts that walked,