IT is a beauteous evening, calm and free, 
   The holy time is quiet as a Nun 
   Breathless with adoration; the broad sun 
Is sinking down in its tranquillity; 
The gentleness of heaven broods o'er the sea: 
   Listen! the mighty Being is awake, 
   And doth with his eternal motion make 
A sound like thunder--everlastingly. 
Dear Child! dear Girl! that walkest with me here, 
   If thou appear untouch'd by solemn thought, 
   Thy nature is not therefore less divine: 
Thou liest in Abraham's bosom all the year; 
   And worshipp'st at the Temple's inner shrine, 
   God being with thee when we know it not.