While, gradually, the sun-enkindled air

Quickened his pallid cheek with youthful flame,

Though lonely years had silvered his dark head,

And round his eyes had woven shadow-meshes.

Clearly he caught the ever-clamorous cries

Of guillemot and puffin from afar,

Where, canopied by hovering, white wings,

They crowded naked pinnacles of rock.

He watched, with eyes of glistening tenderness,

The brooding eider--Cuthbert's sacred bird,