SAINT CUTHBERT’S WINDOW

YORK MINSTER

Who limned you had bright seas

And bright island skies

Burning before his eyes.

He saw the lurch

Of green-gold morning waves on the ringing ides

Of rainbowed Fame, the rosy sea-flowers, birds

That flash in the foam and pass, the painted words

Of sunset on wet sands, and the long miles

Of moors with light beyond. All these

He brought to church,

Trophies of Christ from that enchanted coast,

And set them by this altar for a cry

Of praise to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.