xxvi INTKODUCTION. 



covered with countless sea-fowl, now rise before the aston- 

 ished eye, while the mid-air is darkened by the wings, and 

 the ear deafened by the screams, of innumerable Guillemots 

 and other birds descending from the rocky ledges, to which 

 they come — 



At Nature's summons their aerial state 

 Annual to found, and in bold voyage steer 

 O'er this wide ocean, through yon pathless sky, 

 One certain point to one appointed shore, 

 By Heav'n's directive spirit here to raise 

 Their temporary realm, and form secure, 

 Where food awaits them copious from the wave, 

 And shelter from the rock, their nuptial leagues ; 

 Each tribe apart, and all on tasks of love, 

 To hatch the pregnant egg, to rear and guard 

 Their helpless infants, piously intent. 



Mallet. 



X 



