And when the great day's toil was over, and the shadows

Grew with the flocking stars, the sound of festival

Rose in each city square, and all the country meadows,

Palace, and paven court, and every rustic hall.

Beside smooth streams, where alleys and green gardens meeting

Ran downward to the flood with marble steps, a throng

Came forth of all the folk, at even, gaily greeting,

With echo of sweet converse, jest, and stately song.

In all their great fair cities there was neither seeking

For power of gold, nor greed of lust, nor desperate pain