And if the happy choice be made, then ours Is the glorious privilege to know That earth and heaven (howe'er Rebellion, With his sceptre point in triumph, saying Behold me, by earth's homage, king confessed), One kingdom are, rul'd ever by one King. Who through His love will teach this, more and more Until our hearts, living His life of love, Shall know and feel His presence all their heaven. EVENING. 1. Ye sounds of day, why all so still, And hushed as if in sleep? Is there some power whose sovereign will Bids you such silence keep? I ask'd, no voice replied, it seemed The while as tho' all nature sweetly dreamed, But soon that spirit of the shade The breeze, in softest whispers, answer made. 2. Hast thou seen the sun, with fainting beams In parting, kiss the hills and streams, Didst mark the blush of that farewell glow And how he linger'd loth to go? For soon to the queen of the glowing west, He knew he must yield and sink to rest. 3. He had caught the sound of her step from far, Had heard her greet her own bright star, And triumphing tell how the god of day Would yield his kingdom to her sway, And how she comes to reign alone, For he is gone, that glorious one. 4. O'er sounds she holds entire sway, When she wills silence all obey, Soon as her coming draweth near, Many are hush'd, that she may hear Those only which she makes her own, Whose music breathes a lulling tone. 5. The streams that flow in melody, The soothing insect-hum, The green leaves whispering softly While I, on light wings come, And with low murmurs lull the groves, These all make music which she loves; All these, when the stirring day doth end, To give her sweet welcome their voices blend. 6. Then ceas'd the voice, but all around Floated a gentle murmuring sound; While fragrant breath of greeting rose From flowers sinking to repose, To welcome evening's peaceful reign, The while responding to the strain, Their willing tribute of thanks and praise My heart and voice at once did raise: 7. Oh evening, I will sing to thee, Thou silent mother of thought; My heart shall breathe the melody, With glowing rapture fraught; Yes, I will sing to thee, and tell How I love thy solemn hour, How in thy stillness lies a spell Of soothing holy power. 8.