Hilda with placid smile. Severer then

She added: “Son, the commonest gifts of God

He counts his best, and oft temptation blends

With powers more rare. Yet sing! That God who lifts

The violet from the grass as well could draw

Music from stones hard by. That song thou sang’st,

Sing it once more.”

Then Ceadmon from his knees

Arose and stood. With princely instinct first

The strong man to the abbess bowed, and next