On the Island-rock, her lonely dwelling-place;

Or like the invincible Rock itself that braves, 25

Age after age, the hostile elements,

As when it guarded holy Cuthbert’s cell.[415]

All night the storm had raged, nor ceased, nor paused,

When, as day broke, the Maid, through misty air,

Espies far off a Wreck, amid the surf, 30

Beating on one of those disastrous isles—

Half of a Vessel, half—no more; the rest

Had vanished, swallowed up with all that there