To earthly life restored, and, weak through age,
But seldom spake, and gave but one command,
The great “Mandatum Novum” of his Lord,
“My children, love each other!” Like to his
Was Ceadmon’s age. Weakness with happy stealth
Increased upon him: he was cheerful still:
He still could pace, though slowly, in the sun,
Still gladsomely converse with friends who wept,
Still lay a broad hand on his well-loved kine.
The legend of the last of Ceadmon’s days:—