PAULINUS

But, to remote Northumbria's royal Hall,

Where thoughtful Edwin, tutored in the school

Of sorrow, still maintains a heathen rule,

Who comes with functions apostolical?

Mark him,of shoulders curved, and stature tall,

Black hair, and vivid eye, and meagre cheek,

His prominent feature like an eagle's beak;

A Man whose aspect doth at once appal

And strike with reverence. The Monarch leans

Toward the pure truthsthis Delegate propounds,

Repeatedly his own deep mind he sounds

With careful hesitation,— then convenes

A synod of his Councillors:— give ear,

And what a pensive Sage doth utter, hear!